The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has expressed sadness and outrage over the gruesome murder of Venerable Edwin Achi, a priest of the Diocese of Kaduna, who was killed after spending a month in captivity.
The church said the abduction of the priest and subsequent murder, represent yet another painful reminder of the spiralling violence ravaging communities across Nigeria.
In a statement issued by the Primate of the Church, The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the Anglican Communion described Venerable Achi as a faithful servant of God whose life of sacrifice, compassion, and devotion was cruelly cut short.
The Church noted that the killing wounds the conscience of our nation and underscores the urgent need for decisive action against insecurity.
“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”, the statement partly read.
The Church also called on the Federal Government, security agencies, and international partners to intensify efforts to dismantle the networks behind banditry, terrorism, and religious persecution.
It urged authorities to identify, expose, and punish the sponsors, financiers, and enablers of the violence that has plagued northern Nigeria and other parts of the country.
“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 statement said.
The Church also appealed for the immediate and unconditional release of Achi’s wife and daughter, who were abducted alongside him and remain in captivity.
It stated,
“They must be released forthwith to join us in laying their beloved husband and father to rest,” the Primate pleaded. The statement also extended prayers to all Nigerians still held by kidnappers across the country, urging for their safe return.
The Anglican Communion called on political leaders and security operatives to redouble efforts to eradicate this evil threatening the nation’s stability and unity.
It expressed hope that the death of Venerable Achi would not be in vain but would instead become a rallying point for more resolute action against insecurity.
“May the God of all comfort uphold his family, strengthen His Church, and heal our broken nation,” Archbishop Ndukuba prayed.
The Church added that it remains steadfast in calling for justice, peace, and the protection of all citizens.
Rev Achi’s murder adds to the growing list of clergies and other innocent Nigerians who were kidnapped and killed by bandits and terrorists particularly in the Northern part of Nigeria.
