Kaduna Anglican Priest Abducted from Home Dies in Captivity

 Kaduna Anglican Priest Abducted from Home Dies in Captivity.

The Anglican community here is united in grief after church leaders confirmed that one of its priests, Venerable Edwin Achi, has died while being held by his abductors.

The news, delivered by the Diocese of Kaduna, has cast a pall over worshippers and residents, who are struggling to come to terms with the loss of a respected spiritual leader.

According to accounts from the Diocese, the tragedy began earlier in the week when armed individuals attacked the priest’s home. Venerable Achi was taken, along with his wife and daughter. While his family members were set free days later, the clergyman remained with his captors.

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The church received word of his death on Wednesday, a development that has been described as a devastating event for the local Anglican family. It also serves as a sobering example of the ongoing security issues troubling many parts of the state.

In a statement, the Bishop of the Diocese shared his deep sadness, remembering Venerable Achi as a dedicated servant of the church for many years. He was known for his commitment to his congregation, his work in community development, and his efforts to foster peace. Those who knew him personally spoke of a gentle and humble man whose kindness left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

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In the neighborhoods where Venerable Achi preached and served, the reaction has been a mix of sorrow and anger. People point to what they see as a growing number of kidnappings aimed not just at clergy, but also at community leaders and everyday citizens. There is a strong feeling that more must be done to protect people, especially those in religious roles who are seen as vulnerable targets.

Observers of the security situation in the region note that this event underscores the continued activity of criminal gangs in Kaduna. They suggest that better cooperation between security agencies and local communities, along with faster response teams, could help avert such losses in the future.

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As the community grapples with this news, church members have been gathering to pray for Venerable Achi’s wife, daughter, and extended family, asking for comfort during this painful time. The church is expected to announce plans for a memorial service in the coming days, as messages of condolence arrive from fellow Christians across the country.

While the focus remains on mourning, this death has also sparked renewed conversations about the need for collective action to address insecurity, with many expressing the hope that all Nigerians can feel safe in their own communities.