The shock of the loss to the Kaduna diocese
The Diocese of Kaduna, Anglican Communion, has been thrown into profound mourning following the devastating confirmation of the death of one of its most revered clergymen, The Venerable Edwin Achi, while in the custody of his abductors.
The Venerable Achi, who served faithfully as the Priest-in-Charge of Ebenezer Anglican Church, Ungwan Maijero, was known throughout the diocese for his humble spirit and unwavering devotion to his ministry. His passing represents a deep spiritual and communal loss to the faithful, the entire body of the clergy, and countless members of the church community who benefitted from his guidance and teachings.
The Diocese, in an official statement, emphasized that his years of faithful service leave a profound and lasting legacy.
Details of the kidnapping ordeal
The tragic ordeal began on October 28, 2025, when The Venerable Achi was violently abducted from his residence alongside members of his family. Kidnappers, believed to be part of the criminal gangs plaguing the region, seized the priest, his wife, and his daughter.
Despite hopes and prayers for their swift and safe return, the Diocese was forced to announce the death of The Venerable Achi almost a month later. This incident is a chilling reminder of the indiscriminate nature of the kidnapping crisis that has persistently targeted religious figures, schools, and local communities across Kaduna State.
The confirmation of the priest’s death in captivity is an outcome that highlights the failure of the security architecture to guarantee the safety of vulnerable citizens, especially those serving the public in ministry. As of the announcement, the fate of the remaining captives—the priest’s wife and daughter—remains uncertain, and they continue to be held by the criminal gang, prolonging the agony for the family and the entire church community.
Cancellation of “Stand Up for Jesus 2025”
In a direct response to the tragedy and as a mark of respect for the late priest, the Diocese of Kaduna immediately announced the cancellation of its much-anticipated annual flagship program, “Stand Up for Jesus 2025.”
This event is traditionally a major gathering for the Anglican community, often featuring large-scale crusades, spiritual renewal sessions, and evangelism, intended to be a source of strength and unity at the close of the year. The decision to call off the program underscores the magnitude of the grief and the pervasive anxiety that now overshadows the community.
Church authorities felt that to proceed with a celebration or mass gathering would be inappropriate given the devastating circumstances of The Venerable Achi’s death and the continued captivity of his family. The cancellation serves as a somber acknowledgment of the insecurity crisis and its chilling effect on public religious practice and communal expression in the region.
A symbol of insecurity and a call for action
The murder of a religious leader in captivity has once again focused national attention on the persistent crisis of banditry, particularly in the northern states of Nigeria. The trend of kidnapping for ransom, which often targets individuals based on their perceived value or role in the community, has created a climate of fear that hampers local development and community life.
Church authorities and concerned Nigerians are intensifying calls for the Federal Government and security agencies to step up their efforts, not only to track down and prosecute the criminals responsible for this heinous act but also to ensure the safe and immediate release of the deceased priest’s wife and daughter.
This incident provides a stark example of the urgent need for reinforced security measures and intelligence gathering to prevent future attacks on faith leaders and vulnerable communities. The Diocese concluded its announcement with a prayerful message for comfort and resilience, asserting its trust in the Lord amidst this devastating period of deep mourning.
