Priest Murdered After Month in Captivity
The Church of Nigeria has confirmed the killing of Venerable Edwin Achi, an Anglican priest abducted in Kaduna state on October 28, 2025. Archbishop Henry Ndukuba announced that Achi, seized alongside his wife and daughter, was murdered after nearly a month in captivity. His family members remain in the hands of the kidnappers Firstpost The Straits Times The Guardian Nigeria.
Ransom Demands and Escalating Violence
Gunmen initially demanded a ransom of ₦600 million (US$416,000) for Achi’s release, later reducing it to ₦200 million, according to church officials The Straits Times. The killing comes amid a sharp rise in kidnappings and killings across northern Nigeria, where armed gangs have targeted clergy, schoolchildren, and local communities. Just days earlier, 25 schoolgirls were abducted in Kebbi state, underscoring the scale of the crisis The Straits Times.
Church and International Reaction
The Anglican Communion described Achi’s death as a “painful loss” and demanded the immediate release of his wife and daughter The Guardian Nigeria. Archbishop Ndukuba condemned the killing as a wound to the nation’s conscience and urged authorities to expose and punish those financing and enabling violence.
The tragedy has also drawn international condemnation, with Washington criticizing Nigeria’s worsening security situation and calling for stronger protections for vulnerable communities Firstpost The Straits Times.
Outlook
Nigeria’s government faces mounting pressure to tackle the surge in abductions, which has become a lucrative enterprise for armed groups. The killing of a respected priest highlights the human toll of insecurity and the urgent need for decisive action to restore safety and uphold human rights.
