Kidnapped Anglican Priest Dies in Captivity as Kaduna Abductions, Killings Deepen Security Fears
By Paul Ebi
The wave of violent abductions in Kaduna State has taken another tragic turn as abducted Anglican priest, Venerable Edwin Achi, has reportedly died in captivity, SaharaReporters has learned.
Achi and his wife, Sarah Achi, were kidnapped from their residence in the Nissi community of Chikun Local Government Area, near the Kaduna Refinery, on October 28, 2025. Their abduction was first reported by SaharaReporters the following day.
According to sources, the kidnappers had earlier sent harrowing images of the priest and his wife as proof of life, demanding a staggering N600 million ransom. The photographs showed the couple visibly distressed, with other captives in the background — chained, frail, and appearing severely malnourished.
A family source confirmed late Wednesday that Venerable Achi, who served as Priest-in-Charge of Ebenezer Anglican Church, Ungwan Maijero, had died while being held by the armed group. Details surrounding the circumstances of his death remain unclear, but the news has deepened anxiety and outrage across Kaduna communities already grappling with insecurity.
The latest tragedy comes amid a series of deadly attacks in the region. SaharaReporters had earlier reported that bandits killed two police officers in Southern Kaduna. The attack, which occurred penultimate Friday, saw armed men invade the Divisional Police Headquarters in Zonkwa, the administrative seat of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area.
A resident confirmed the officers were shot dead inside the station during the assault, underscoring the boldness of criminal groups that continue to target both civilians and security personnel with impunity.
As families mourn and fear mounts, calls for decisive government action grow louder. The death of Venerable Achi — a community leader and clergyman — marks yet another painful reminder of the worsening security crisis gripping Kaduna and large swathes of northern Nigeria.
