Anglican Priest Dies in Captivity Amid Nigeria Kidnapping Crisis

In a tragic development amidst the surge of kidnappings in Nigeria, an Anglican priest has died while being held captive, as confirmed by the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion. The priest, Rev. Edwin Achi, was taken from his home in Nissi village, Kaduna state, along with his wife and daughter.

Kidnapped on October 28, Rev. Achi’s captors had demanded a hefty ransom of 600 million naira, equivalent to about $415,216. The Church’s statement expressed profound grief over the loss of Rev. Achi, noting his dedicated service and humble spirit while urging for the release of his still-detained family members.

Prior to his passing, the kidnappers had circulated a photograph showing Rev. Achi alongside other hostages, including his wife. Harrison Gwamnishu from Safe City Foundation criticized the ransom demand as exorbitant, emphasizing the broader issue of insecurity highlighted by the presence of multiple victims in the released images.

Gwamnishu issued a call to action, pressing for urgent intervention from both federal and state authorities to ensure the safe release of all hostages. “This situation is unacceptable,” he stated, urging decisive government action.

Nelly Achi, a relative, made a heartfelt plea for assistance, expressing the financial burden the ransom posed to the family.

Wave of Kidnappings

With Nigeria experiencing a spate of abductions, President Bola Tinubu has responded by initiating the recruitment of 20,000 additional security personnel, intensifying efforts to curb the security crisis. This move aims to bolster the existing force amid mounting pressure from international allies, including the U.S.

In a notable incident, over 300 students were kidnapped from a Catholic school in Niger state, although local authorities have contested the exact numbers. Concurrently, another kidnapping in Kwara state saw 38 Christians taken from a church service, all of whom were later released, though the conditions of their release remain undisclosed.

Such incidents are attributed to various factions, including Islamic extremist groups and Fulani militias. These groups are suspected of perpetrating attacks predominantly in Nigeria’s northern regions, where Christians often find themselves targeted.

Meanwhile, the emergence of new militant groups such as Lakurawa in the northwest, with ties to larger extremist networks, further complicates the security landscape. These dynamics are underscored by a report from the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group, which details the rising threat these groups pose to Christian communities.

The ongoing violence and abductions have rendered Nigeria one of the deadliest places for Christians globally, with the World Watch List reporting a significant number of faith-based killings within its borders.

With Nigeria ranking seventh on the 2025 World Watch List, the international community remains watchful as the situation continues to evolve, urging for comprehensive measures to address the pervasive threat.

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