The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion has issued a statement condemning the “gruesome murder” of Venerable Edwin Achi, and called for the immediate and unconditional release of his wife and daughter, who remain in captivity.Venerable Achi, a dedicated servant in the Diocese of Kaduna, was found dead after enduring a month-long abduction.
The official statement made by The Most Rev’d Henry C. Ndukuba, Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, expressed profound sorrow and outrage over the tragic loss.
“This faithful servant of God, and a devoted husband and father, had his life of quiet sacrifice, compassion and faith cut short in a manner that wounds the conscience of our nation,” the statement read.
The Church condemned the act as a “senseless act of evil” and stressed that such violence has “no place in any society that seeks peace and prosperity.”
In a strong call to action, the Primate implored authorities to intensify efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Primate called on the Federal Government and security agencies to work with sympathetic international partners to “identify and expose the treacherous sponsors, financiers, and enablers of this wave of terror and religious persecution.”
The Primate insisted that those who underwrite or support these atrocities “must be shamed, blacklisted and severely punished,” demanding that “the roots of this evil must be confronted with the full weight of justice.”
The most urgent appeal was made for the safe return of Venerable Achi’s wife and daughter, who were abducted alongside him.
“Their unimaginable suffering is deepened by the cruel indignity of their continued captivity while still bearing the pain of their irreparable loss. They must be released forthwith to join us in laying their beloved husband and father to rest,” the Primate pleaded.
He extended its prayers to all others currently held in captivity across Nigeria, asking that they be freed and find restoration and healing.
Concluding the statement, Primate Ndukuba urged political leaders to eradicate the evil of terror from the nation, hoping that the “blood of our departed Venerable Edwin Achi not have been shed in vain.”