Wife and daughter of late Anglican priest regain freedom after three months in captivity

/

The wife and daughter of the late Anglican priest, Venerable Edwin Achi, have finally regained their freedom after spending three traumatic months in the custody of kidnappers.

The victims were abducted alongside the priest from their residence in the Nissi community on October 28, 2025, when armed bandits stormed the area during a late night attack, throwing the community into fear and chaos.

Following the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of six hundred million naira, an amount that shocked the family and the wider community. The demand was later reduced to two hundred million naira, but despite efforts by relatives and well wishers, the required funds could not be raised.

During the period of captivity, it was later confirmed that Venerable Edwin Achi was killed by his abductors, a development that drew widespread condemnation and sorrow across the country. His death underscored the extreme risks faced by religious leaders and civilians in regions plagued by banditry.

In the latest update, the priest’s wife and daughter were released late last night after enduring months of hardship and uncertainty in captivity. Their release came after approximately three harrowing months following their abduction in Kaduna State, though details surrounding the circumstances of their release remain unclear.

News of their freedom has been met with relief and mixed emotions across social media platforms and within the Christian community. Many Nigerians expressed gratitude that the two victims survived their ordeal, while also mourning the tragic loss of the priest.

Some social media users described the development as bittersweet, pointing out that while the family has regained freedom, it came at a painful and irreversible cost.

The killing of Venerable Edwin Achi has once again brought attention to Nigeria’s worsening security situation, particularly in northern states where kidnapping and violent attacks have become increasingly frequent.

While the release of his wife and daughter offers some measure of comfort to grieving supporters, the incident remains a grim reminder of the urgent need to address the growing insecurity affecting communities across the country.