Wife, daughter of late Kaduna Anglican priest released after months in captivity

In a relief-filled turn of events, the wife and daughter of the late Anglican priest, Venerable Edwin Achi, have been released after spending more than two months in captivity. The trio had been abducted in Kaduna State, sparking widespread concern and calls for their safe return.

The release was confirmed on Thursday by FS Yusuf, who shared the news in a brief social media post, bringing a sense of closure to a tense and emotional ordeal.

“Late Venerable Edwin Achi’s family (wife and daughter) has been released by kidnappers. God. I’m so happy,” Yusuf said.

Their release comes several weeks after the Anglican Diocese of Kaduna confirmed that Venerable Achi died while being held by his abductors.

The priest, along with his wife, Sarah Achi, was kidnapped in late October 2025 from their residence in the Nissi community of Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The abduction attracted limited attention from mainstream media outlets in the state at the time.

The Diocese later announced the priest’s death in a statement signed by the Bishop of Kaduna Diocese, Most Revd Timothy Yahaya.

“With a heavy heart and deep sorrow, the Diocese of Kaduna, Anglican Communion, announces the passing unto glory of Venerable Edwin Achi,” the statement read in part.

“Venerable Edwin, who was kidnapped alongside his wife on 28th October, has been confirmed dead.

“His transition is 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.

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

Following confirmation of his death, the Diocese announced the cancellation of a programme planned in honour of the priest, stating that the church had been plunged into deep mourning.

Sources familiar with the incident had earlier disclosed that Venerable Achi, the Priest-in-Charge of Ebenezer Anglican Church, Ungwan Maijero, Kaduna, died while in captivity.

Before his death, the kidnappers were said to have demanded a ransom of N600 million and reportedly sent images of the priest and his wife to relatives as proof that they were alive. The images showed the captives in distress alongside other abducted persons.

As of the time of filing this report, details surrounding the circumstances of the release of Achi’s wife and daughter, including whether any ransom was paid, remain unclear.

(SAHARA REPORTERS)