The Anglican community in Kaduna has been thrown into mourning following confirmation that Venerable Edwin Achi, the Priest-in-Charge of Ebenezer Anglican Church in Ungwan Maijero, has died while in the custody of his abductors. He was taken alongside his wife and daughter during the October 28, 2025 attack on their home.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Diocese described the development as a heartbreaking moment for the church. The statement read, “a painful loss to the entire diocese, the clergy, the church family, and all who were blessed by his faithful ministry, humble spirit, and unwavering devotion to the service of God.”

The church disclosed that Achi’s wife and daughter are still being held by the kidnappers. It added, “We continue to pray for the release of his wife and daughter who are still in the hands of kidnappers.”

The Diocese also announced that its Stand Up for Jesus 2025 programme will no longer hold, explaining that the event has been suspended to honour the late priest. “On this note, the Stand Up for Jesus 2025 is hereby cancelled in honour of the late Venerable Edwin Achi,” the statement said.

According to Daily Trust, the cleric and his family were abducted after bandits stormed their residence in the Nissi community of Chikun Local Government Area, shortly after their relocation to the area. The kidnappers reportedly demanded N600 million as ransom.

Achi was a native of Umuaja in the Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State.