The Anglican community in Kaduna State mourns a profound loss. Bandits killed Venerable Edwin Achi, a priest. He was abducted with his wife, Sarah, in Chikun Local Government Area.

Armed assailants raided their Nissi community home on October 28, 2025. The couple and their daughter were all seized in the late-night attack.

Kidnappers first demanded N600 million ransom. They later lowered it to N200 million. However, the family could not gather the requested sum.

Diocese Confirms Tragic Loss

The Diocese of Kaduna, Anglican Communion, issued a statement. It expressed deep sorrow over Venerable Edwin Achi’s death. He served as Priest-in-Charge of Ebenezer Anglican Church. The diocese called his passing a painful loss. They highlighted his faithful ministry and devotion. Prayers continue for his wife and daughter’s release. The “Standup for Jesus 2025” event has been cancelled to honor him.

The Diocese officially confirmed Achi’s death on November 26, 2025. This confirmation came via their Facebook page. They described it as a devastating blow to the church. The wider community also felt immense grief.

Ransom Demands and Abductors’ Threats

Earlier that Tuesday, captors shared photos of the priest and his wife. These images in captivity caused significant public worry. The perpetrators had warned of killing the hostages. This would happen if the ransom remained unpaid by week’s end.

Venerable Edwin Achi and his wife Sarah in captivity.

Avril, Achi’s nephew, later verified the priest’s murder. He previously stated that the kidnappers used Achi’s phone. They took photos and posted them to his Facebook profile.

A family member spoke to reporters. They shared their utter devastation. The household was in turmoil. They simply could not pay the demanded ransom.

Security agencies have not yet commented officially. They have not detailed efforts to rescue the remaining captives.

The family member reiterated the ransom situation. “Initially, the kidnappers asked for N600 million. This sum later dropped to about N200 million,” he explained. “They issued an ultimatum. If the ransom is not paid by week’s end, the hostages would be killed.”