The year 2025 has witnessed a disturbing pattern of violence against religious leaders in Nigeria, with four priests falling victim to armed attackers in separate incidents across the country. The most recent tragedy involves the death of Venerable Edwin Achi, who died while in captivity after being kidnapped alongside his wife and daughter.
The Recent Tragedy in Kaduna
Venerable Edwin Achi, the priest-in-charge of Ebenezer Anglican Church in Ungwan Maijero, Kaduna, met his tragic end after spending approximately one month in captivity. The Anglican Diocese of Kaduna confirmed his death on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, marking another devastating loss for Nigeria's religious community.
The clergyman had been abducted with his wife and daughter in the early hours of October 28 by gunmen who later used his Facebook page to upload photographs of the captive family. Despite the kidnappers demanding a ransom of N600 million, Venerable Edwin did not survive the ordeal. His wife and daughter remain in captivity as the kidnappers continue to press for the substantial ransom payment.
Other Clerical Victims of 2025 Violence
The security crisis affecting Nigeria's religious communities extends beyond the Kaduna incident, with three other priests losing their lives to armed attackers throughout 2025.
Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu was kidnapped from his residence in the Kaura local government area of Kaduna state on Tuesday, March 4. According to Reverend Father Jacob Shanet, Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, the clergyman was killed in the early hours of Wednesday, March 5, which coincidentally marked Ash Wednesday.
In May, Reverend Father Mimang Lekyil fell victim to suspected kidnappers during a night attack at his home in Kwakas, Plateau State. Eyewitnesses reported that assailants broke into the reverend's residence while the household was settling for the evening. Bishop Ayuba Matawal confirmed that while the priest was shot and killed, two women initially kidnapped from the house were later rescued by local residents who mobilized to pursue the attackers.
September brought another tragic loss when Reverend Father Mathew Eya of St. Charles Catholic Church in Eha-Ndiagu, Nsukka, was killed by gunmen. An eyewitness account revealed that the priest was driving alone when ambushed along the Eha-Ndiagu road, near the Type C hospital project site. The attack appeared unrelated to ransom demands, with sources indicating that "they demobilised the tyres, forced the vehicle to stop, and shot him multiple times at close range."
Broader Security Crisis and International Concern
The killing of these four religious leaders occurs against a backdrop of escalating security challenges across Nigeria. Recent weeks have seen a sporadic rise in abductions, including the high-profile kidnapping of Kebbi schoolgirls, the abduction of over 200 students from a Catholic school, and a violent incident at a Kwara Christ Apostolic Church.
The deteriorating security situation has triggered not only local anxiety but also international concern, with some groups alleging Christian genocide against the Tinubu-led administration. Citizens from various backgrounds are increasingly urging the government to address the country's porous security apparatus and protect vulnerable communities.
In a related incident previously reported by Legit.ng, bandits brutally killed Reverend Yahaya Kambasiya, a Kaduna pastor, in the early hours of October 28. The attack saw heavily armed bandits storm the community, firing sporadically and causing residents to flee into nearby bushes. Several villagers, including worshippers at the HEKAN Church, were abducted during the assault.
Reverend Dr Amos Kiri, President of HEKAN, described the attack as "callous, inhumane, and wicked", expressing profound sadness at the targeting of clergy and Christian communities in the region. These consecutive tragedies highlight the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms to protect all Nigerian citizens, regardless of religious affiliation.
