JUST IN: Kidnapped Kaduna Anglican Priest Dies in Captivity

Achi’s death was confirmed late Wednesday, deepening concern over the worsening security situation in Kaduna and across Nigeria. Church and community sources said the Anglican priest, Venerable Edwin Achi of Ebenezer Anglican Church, Ungwan Maijero, died while in the custody of the bandits who abducted him on October 28 alongside his wife and daughter in Nissi community, Chikun Local Government Area.

Reverend Joseph John Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern States and the FCT, described the development as heartbreaking, noting its impact on both the church and Achi’s family. The priest, originally from Umuaja in Delta State’s Ukwuani LGA, had recently relocated to the area before the attack. His captors had reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦600 million.

In a statement, the Kaduna Diocese of the Anglican Communion confirmed his death, remembering him as a devoted cleric whose ministry and character touched many lives. The church appealed for continued prayers for the safe release of his wife and daughter, who remain in captivity.

The tragedy unfolded on a day Nigeria confronted escalating violence nationwide. Earlier, President Bola Tinubu declared a national emergency on security, directing the police and army to launch mass recruitment and ordering the Department of State Services to deploy trained forest guards to pursue criminal groups operating from remote areas. He urged citizens and lawmakers alike to support tougher measures, including possible adjustments to laws enabling states to establish their own police forces.