Anglican Church Demands Release Of Wife, Daughter After Priest’s Murder

Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has expressed outrage over the murder of a priest of the Diocese of Kaduna, Venerable Edwin Achi, after a month in bandits’ captivity.

Primate of the church, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, in a reaction in Abuja yesterday, described the killing as a “senseless act of evil” and a painful reminder of the spiraling violence ravaging the nation.

He pleaded for the release of his wife and daughter who were abducted with him and are still in captivity, saying their continued detention deepens the trauma of the grieving family.

“They must be released to join us in laying the beloved husband and father to rest,” he said.

Ndukuba described the late Venerable Achi as a faithful servant of God whose life of sacrifice, compassion and devotion was cruelly cut short.

The church said the murder had not only devastated the Christian community but also wounded the conscience of Nigeria, underscoring the urgent need for decisive government action.

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms, these senseless acts of evil. This kind of violence and cruelty that continues to tear families apart has no place in any society that seeks peace and prosperity for its citizens,” he said.

The primate appealed to the Nigerian authorities, demanding that they intensify efforts to dismantle the networks behind banditry, terrorism and religious persecution.

He said sponsors of such violence to be held accountable, adding, “Those who underwrite or support these atrocities must be shamed, blacklisted and severely punished. The roots of this evil must be confronted with the full weight of justice.”

The Anglican Communion extended prayers to all Nigerians held by kidnappers and called on political and security leaders to redouble efforts to eradicate the insecurity threatening the nation.