Venerable Edwin Achi, Priest-in-Charge of Ebenezer Anglican Church, Ungwan Maijero, Kaduna who was kidnapped along with his wife and daughter, has died in captivity, days after his contacted the family to demand N600 million ransom.
The development which comes at a time Nigeria battles one of the worse forms of insecurity in its existence, was confirmed on Wednesday night by Reverend Joseph John Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory.
“This is true but sad to the church and his family,” he said Achi was kidnapped alongside his wife and daughter when bandits broke into his house in Nissi Community, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna, on October 28, 2025.
According to Daily Trust, the family had just relocated to the Community when bandits struck.
The Cleric hailed from Umuaja in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State.
The Anglican church confirmed his demise and prayed for the release of his wife and daughter in a statement that partly reads, “With heavy hearts and deep sorrow, the Diocese of Kaduna, Anglican Communion, announces the passing unto glory of The Venerable Edwin Achi, Priest-in-Charge of Ebenezer Anglican Church, Ungwan Maijero”.
“Venerable Edwin Achi, who was kidnapped alongside his wife on 28th October, 2025, has been confirmed dead.
“His transition is a painful loss to the entire Diocese, the clergy, the Church family, and all who were blessed by his faithful ministry, humble spirit, and unwavering devotion to the service of God”.
“We continue to pray for the release of his wife and daughter who are still in the hands of the kidnappers”, according to the statement.
President Bola Tinubu earlier on Wednesday declared State of Emergency on security and ordered the police and army to embark on mass recruitment.
Accordingly, he also directed the Department of state Services (DSS) to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in forests.
“The agency also has my directive to recruit more men to man the forests. There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” according to President Tinubu.
