No Proof Yet That Kidnapped Anglican Priest Achi Is Dead — Activist Gwamnishu

Human rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, has stated that there was ‘no clear confirmation yet’ that the kidnapped Kaduna-based Anglican priest, Venerable Edwin Achi, has been killed, despite viral reports and a formal announcement by the Anglican Diocese of Kaduna confirming his death in captivity.

Gwamnishu clarified this while reacting to the growing public concern and conflicting narratives during an interview on Channels Television’s morning show on Thursday.

The activist was responding to the tragic news surrounding Venerable Edwin Achi, Priest-in-Charge of Ebenezer Anglican Church, Ungwan Maijero, who was abducted alongside his wife and daughter on October 28, 2025.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the diocese had on Wednesday issued an emotional statement announcing that Achi had died in captivity, describing the loss as “painful to the entire diocese, the clergy, the church family, and all who were blessed by his faithful ministry.”

However, while acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Gwamnishu insisted that he had not personally verified the priest’s death.

“On the reverend that was kidnapped with the wife, they were demanding ₦100 million as of two days ago. They were kidnapped on the 28th day of October. The family could not raise the ransom, so they shared a picture of the Reverend and other victims on his WhatsApp status to show that they still have him,” he said.

“I have not confirmed that he has been killed, but I have been seeing posts on social media… They’ve not posted the picture of his dead body on the WhatsApp status. There is no clear confirmation that he’s been killed yet.”

His comment came in response to a wave of public concern following the Kaduna Diocese statement, which disclosed that the abductors were still holding the priest’s wife and daughter.

The diocese described Achi’s passing as a devastating blow, highlighting his “faithful ministry, humble spirit, and unwavering devotion to the service of God.”

“We continue to pray for the release of his wife and daughter, who are still in the hands of kidnappers,” the diocese added.

In honour of the late priest, the diocese announced the cancellation of its programme, the Stand Up for Jesus 2025 event.

“On this note, the Standup for Jesus 2025 is hereby cancelled in honour of the late Venerable Edwin Achi,” the statement had said.