Amanze Chinonye
The Priest-in-charge of Ebenezer Anglican Church, Unguwan Maijero, Reverend Edwin Achi, who was abducted by gunmen alongside his wife and daughter on October 28, 2025, has died in captivity.
Achi was seized from his home in Nissi community, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, when armed men invaded the residence in the early hours of the day. His wife and daughter, who were taken with him, remain in the custody of the abductors.
The assailants reportedly contacted the family after the attack and demanded a ransom of N600 million for the release of the victims. It is unclear when the cleric died or the circumstances surrounding his death, but family and community sources confirmed on Thursday that he did not survive his ordeal.
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Human-rights organisation Amnesty International Nigeria reacted to the development, condemning what it described as Nigeria’s worsening climate of insecurity and the authorities’ inability to protect citizens or ensure justice for victims.
“Incessant killings and abductions for ransom. and the stunning failure of the authorities to end them and bring suspected perpetrators to justice have been and continue to be a threat to the right to life in Nigeria,” the organisation wrote on its official X handle.
“Government, at all levels, is increasingly failing in its constitutional and international human rights obligations to protect lives and ensure accountability for all human rights abuses and violations.”
Chikun LGA has been one of Kaduna’s hardest-hit areas in the escalating wave of banditry, with repeated attacks on rural communities, clergy, schoolchildren and travellers. Local residents say fear has become a daily reality as security agencies struggle to contain the violence.
Authorities in Kaduna State had yet to issue an official statement on Achi’s death at the time of filing this report, while efforts to secure the release of his wife and daughter are ongoing.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
