Crime

Cleric’s murder shocks Nigeria: Church demands Justice, release of family, others

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has condemned the brutal murder of Venerable Edwin Achi, a priest in the Diocese of Kaduna, who was abducted and held for over a month alongside his family and others.

The church is demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Achi’s wife and daughter, and other Nigerians who remain in captivity.

In an official release from the Church of Nigeria on November 28, 2025, the church leadership expressed profound sorrow and condemned the senseless act of evil, calling for justice and the eradication of violence and cruelty in the nation.

Given, the statement was signed by The Most Rev’d Henry C. Ndukuba, Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

Ven. Achi, family and other Nigerians in captivity

He said, “We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, these senseless acts of evil. This kind of violence and cruelty that continues to ravage communities and tear families apart has no place in any society that seeks peace and prosperity for its citizens.”

The church stated that Ven. Achi’s family is still reeling from his brutal murder, and the Church is urging authorities to act swiftly to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Details of the Abduction and Murder

Achi, a devoted husband and father, was abducted alongside his wife and daughter on October 28, 2025, in Nissi community, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of N600 million, which the family and church were unable to pay. Achi’s wife and daughter remain in captivity, while his body was recovered after his death.

Church Calls for Action

The Church of Nigeria is calling on the Federal Government, security agencies, and international partners to identify and expose the sponsors, financiers, and enablers of this wave of terror and religious persecution.

The church appeals for the immediate release of Achi’s wife, daughter and others held along with them, and demands that those responsible for the atrocity be brought to justice.

Full text of the statement released by the Church leadership:

November 28, 2025: OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION) ON THE GRUESOME MURDER OF LATE VENERABLE EDWIN ACHI

With profound sorrow, we announce the tragic death of our beloved Priest in the

Diocese of Kaduna (Anglican Communion), Venerable Edwin Achi, who was brutally murdered after enduring a month-long abduction. This faithful servant of God, and a devoted husband and father, had his life of quiet sacrifice, compassion and faith cut short in a manner that wounds the conscience of our nation.

We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, these senseless acts of evil. This kind of violence and cruelty that continues to ravage communities and tear families apart has no place in any society that seeks peace and prosperity for its citizens.

We further call on the Federal Government, security agencies, and all sympathetic international partners to ensure that all hands are put on deck to identify and expose the treacherous sponsors, financiers, and enablers of this wave of terror and religious persecution.

Those who underwrite or support these atrocities must be shamed,

blacklisted and severely punished. The roots of this evil must be confronted with the full weight of justice.

We now appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of Venerable Edwin Achi’s wife and daughter, who were abducted alongside him. Their unimaginable suffering is deepened by the cruel indignity of their continued captivity while still bearing the pain of their irreparable loss. They must be released forthwith to join us in laying their beloved husband and father to rest.

As we lift this urgent prayer and plea, we remember all others still held in captivity across our nation. May hardened hearts be touched and may every innocent person in bondage be freed to find restoration and healing.

We appeal to all relevant authorities, security agencies, and our political leaders to do everything in their power to eradicate this evil from our nation. May the blood of our departed Venerable Edwin Achi not have been shed in vain.