Tragedy has struck the Anglican community in Kaduna State following the killing of Ven. Edwin Achi, the Anglican priest kidnapped alongside his wife, Sarah, in Chikun Local Government Area.
The couple was abducted from their home in Nissi community on October 28, 2025, after armed bandits stormed the area in a late-night raid. Their daughter was also taken during the attack.
The abductors initially demanded a ransom of N600 million, later reducing it to N200 million, but the family was unable to raise the funds.
“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,” the statement read.
“Ven. 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 kidnappers. On this note, the Standup for Jesus 2025 is hereby cancelled in honor of the late Venerable Edwin Achi. The Lord be with you.”
The Diocese of Kaduna, Anglican Communion, confirmed Achi’s death in a statement released on its official Facebook page on Tuesday, November 26, 2025, describing the development as deeply painful for the church and the wider community.
Earlier on Tuesday, the kidnappers released photos of the priest and his wife in captivity, sparking widespread concern. The criminals had threatened to kill the victims if the ransom was not paid by the end of the week.
Achi’s nephew, Avril, later confirmed that the priest had been murdered. He had earlier revealed that the kidnappers used the cleric’s phone to take photographs and post them on his Facebook account.
A family member who spoke to FIJ expressed devastation, saying the household had been thrown into chaos because they could not afford the ransom demanded by the abductors.
Security agencies have yet to issue an official statement regarding efforts to rescue the surviving family members still in captivity.
“The kidnappers’ initial demand was a ridiculous amount of N600 million, but that has since gone lower, around N200 million or thereabouts now. And of an ultimatum, they threatened that if by this weekend the ransom demand isn’t met, they will be unalived,” he said.
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