Anglican Priest, Wife Remain Kidnapped in Kaduna amid ₦600 Million Ransom Demand

Reverend Edwin Achi of the Anglican Communion, Diocese of Kaduna, and his wife, Mrs. Sarah Achi, were abducted from their home in Nissi village, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State, on October 28, 2025. Nearly a month later, they remain in captivity with their abductors demanding a staggering ransom of ₦600 million for their release. The kidnappers recently released a photo showing the priest, his wife, and other victims, indicating the ongoing crisis of mass abductions in the region.

Family members and associates of Reverend Achi have appealed urgently to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government, and Kaduna State authorities for swift intervention. They described the kidnapping as part of a growing wave of insecurity afflicting Kaduna, where coordinated raids by security forces have only partially checked banditry. The family emphasized the trauma and uncertainty endured by the victims and their communities and called for decisive action to rescue the captives before the situation deteriorates further.

This abduction incident highlights the challenges facing Kaduna State security agencies, despite recent arrests of suspected kidnappers and recoveries of illegal weapons. The Kaduna State Police Command has been engaged in ongoing operations against criminal networks but continues to face difficulties in curbing widespread attacks and kidnappings across multiple local government areas, particularly Chikun where the priest’s abduction occurred. The Nigerian government faces mounting pressure as such high-profile abductions underscore the deepening insecurity threatening lives and livelihoods in the region.

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Authorities and security experts have been urged to leverage heightened security alerts and community vigilance to prevent such acts of terror. The continuing captivity of Reverend Edwin Achi and his wife serves as stark evidence of the urgent need for enhanced strategies to combat the kidnapping crisis in Kaduna and other vulnerable states across Nigeria.

This story remains developing as security agencies intensify efforts toward rescue and recovery of victims held by terrorists in Kaduna State ​.