A wave of grief has swept through the Anglican community in Kaduna State following the tragic confirmation of the death of Venerable Edwin Achi, the Priest-in-Charge of Ebenezer Anglican Church in Ungwan Maijero.
Achi, his wife Sarah, and their daughter were abducted in a violent attack on their residence in Nissi community, Chikun Local Government Area, on October 28, 2025.
The abduction occurred during a late-night invasion by armed bandits who stormed the quiet community, seizing the priest and his family and plunging the area into fear and uncertainty.
The kidnappers initially demanded a staggering ransom of ₦600 million before later reducing it to ₦200 million—an amount the family was unable to raise despite desperate efforts.
On Tuesday, November 26, 2025, the Diocese of Kaduna announced Achi’s death in an official statement posted on its Facebook page.
The church described the development as an immense loss, not only to the clergy but to everyone impacted by the priest’s decades of service and compassion.
“With heavy hearts and deep sorrow, the Diocese of Kaduna, Anglican Communion, announces the passing unto glory of The Venerable Edwin Achi,” the statement read. “His transition is a painful loss to the entire Diocese, the clergy, the Church family, and all who were blessed by his faithful ministry and unwavering devotion to God.”
The diocese also revealed that in honor of the fallen priest, its annual Stand Up for Jesus 2025 program has been cancelled. Meanwhile, prayers continue for the release of Achi’s wife and daughter, who remain in captivity.
Earlier on Tuesday, tension rose across social media after the abductors circulated photographs of the priest and his wife, threatening to kill them if ransom demands were not met by the week’s end.
According to family members, the kidnappers used Achi’s own phone to post the images on his Facebook page.
Achi’s nephew, Avril, later confirmed the family’s worst fears. Speaking with journalists, he described the emotional turmoil the family has endured, noting that the ransom demands were impossibly high.
A relative who spoke to the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) said the household has been thrown into chaos, unable to cope with the financial pressure and uncertainty surrounding the remaining captives.
“The kidnappers’ first demand was a ridiculous ₦600 million,” the family member said. “Even after they reduced it to around ₦200 million, it was still far beyond our reach. They threatened to kill them if we didn’t meet their demands by the weekend.”
As of press time, security agencies have not issued an official statement regarding ongoing rescue efforts or the circumstances surrounding Achi’s killing.
Also Read: How Bandits Negotiator Spent Ransom Share On Luxury Cars, Trips – DSS Witness
The tragic incident has reignited public concern about the worsening security situation in parts of Kaduna State, where communities continue to grapple with abductions, ransom demands, and violent attacks.
