Venerable Edwin Achi, an Anglican priest abducted alongside his wife, Sarah Achi, from their residence in the Nissi community of Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State, has reportedly died while in captivity. The couple was seized by armed assailants on October 28, 2025, near the Kaduna Refinery.
Initial reports confirmed that the kidnappers had provided photographs of the couple as proof of life while demanding a ransom of ₦600 million. The images depicted the couple in visibly distressed conditions, alongside other captives who appeared malnourished and bound.
Venerable Achi, who served as the Priest-in-Charge of Ebenezer Anglican Church in Ungwan Maijero, Kaduna, was confirmed deceased by a reliable source on Wednesday evening. His wife, Sarah, remains in captivity as the situation develops.
This tragic incident follows a recent surge in violence in the region, including the killing of two police officers in an attack on a Divisional Police Headquarters in Zonkwa, Southern Kaduna, just weeks earlier.
Local authorities and security agencies have yet to issue an official statement regarding the priest’s death or the ongoing efforts to secure the release of his wife and other hostages.
The abduction and subsequent death have heightened concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Kaduna State and renewed calls for more decisive action to protect vulnerable communities.
