Anglican Church Condemns Murder of Priest Venerable Edwin Achi

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has issued a vehement condemnation of the brutal murder of Venerable Edwin Achi, a priest from the Diocese of Kaduna, who died in captivity following his abduction on October 28, 2025. Armed bandits stormed his residence in Nissi community, Chikun Local Government Area, near the Kaduna Refinery, kidnapping him alongside his wife Sarah Achi, a customs officer from Umuaja in Delta State’s Ukwuani LGA, and their daughter. Kidnappers demanded N600 million ransom and sent distressing proof-of-life photos showing the family malnourished and chained with other captives.​

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In a statement dated November 28, 2025, by Primate Most Rev’d Henry C. Ndukuba, the church describes Achi’s death as a “gruesome” act that wounds the national conscience, urging federal authorities, security forces, and global allies to dismantle terror networks funding such violence. The Diocese of Kaduna, led by Bishop Most Revd Timothy Yahaya, earlier confirmed the priest’s passing from Ebenezer Anglican Church in Ungwan Maijero, suspending its ‘Stand Up for Jesus 2025’ event in mourning. This tragedy underscores escalating banditry in northern Nigeria, where clergy and families face relentless threats.​

The church urgently pleads for the immediate release of Sarah Achi and her daughter, still held hostage amid their grief, extending prayers to all captives nationwide. Authorities must uproot sponsors of religious persecution and ensure justice, the statement asserts, vowing that Achi’s blood will not spill in vain as Nigeria seeks healing.