Segun Atanda/
Arise Television anchor, Oseni Rufai, has claimed that Ven. Edwin Achi, the Anglican Vicar of the Diocese of Kaduna who was abducted in October, was killed by his kidnappers even after a ransom had been paid.
Rufai, in an emotional online video shared on Thursday morning, said he received confirmation from Azubike Osumili, his former colleague at Inspiration FM and a nephew of the slain cleric.
According to Rufai, the family had paid a ransom in an effort to secure Ven. Achi’s release, but the abductors later responded by sending a photograph of his corpse.
The television presenter further alleged that the kidnappers killed the priest because of his Christian faith, describing the incident as a deliberate and targeted act.
He also revealed that Ven. Achi’s 90 year old mother, popularly known as Ego Oyinbo, is still alive.
“Now, how do they break this news to his mother, who is around 90, that her son in his sixties was kidnapped and killed?” Rufai lamented in the video.
Screenshot details circulating on social media indicate that Ven. Achi, a priest at Ebenezer Anglican Church in Ungwan Maijero, Kaduna State, was kidnapped from his residence in Nissi alongside his wife, Sarah, and daughter.
The abductors were said to have demanded a N600 million ransom and later posted distress photographs online. His wife and daughter are reportedly still in captivity.
The Diocese of Kaduna, Anglican Communion, has since confirmed his death in an official obituary statement.
With heavy hearts, the Diocese announced the passing unto glory of Ven. Edwin Achi, describing his death as a painful loss to the entire Diocese, the clergy and the wider Church family.
Ven. Achi was abducted on October 28, 2025 and later confirmed dead while negotiations for his release were ongoing.
The Diocese praised his faithful ministry, humble spirit and unwavering devotion to the service of God. It also reaffirmed that prayers were continuing for the safe release of his wife and daughter, who remain in the hands of the kidnappers.
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