An Anglican priest abducted in northwest Nigeria has been killed after spending nearly a month in captivity, the Church of Nigeria has confirmed.
Archbishop Henry Ndakuba announced that Venerable Edwin Achi, who was kidnapped along with his wife and daughter on October 28 in Kaduna State, was murdered by his captors despite ongoing negotiations.
“With profound sorrow, we announce the tragic death of our beloved priest, who was brutally murdered after enduring a month-long abduction,” Ndakuba said in a statement released Friday night.
According to the church, the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦600 million (approximately $416,000), later reducing the amount to ₦200 million. Achi’s wife and daughter remain in captivity as efforts continue to secure their release. The Kaduna State Police Command has not yet commented on the incident.
The killing adds to a growing wave of kidnappings and attacks across northern Nigeria. On November 17, armed gangs abducted 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State. Days later, more than 300 students and teachers were taken from a Catholic school in Niger State, prompting several northern states to shut down schools for safety.
In response, President Bola Tinubu declared the situation a “national emergency,” cancelling all foreign trips and ordering the recruitment of 50,000 new police officers to strengthen security efforts nationwide.
The crisis has also drawn international criticism. Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently described the situation in Nigeria as “a disgrace,” warning that the United States could withdraw aid or even consider military measures if attacks on Christians continue unabated.
Archbishop Ndakuba urged Nigerian authorities to uncover and dismantle the networks behind the escalating violence, calling on security agencies to “identify and expose the treacherous sponsors, financiers, and enablers of this wave of terror.” He also appealed for the immediate release of Achi’s wife and daughter.
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