Shock and public anger have erupted nationwide after kidnappers allegedly gained access to the Facebook account of the late Anglican priest, Venerable Edwin Achi, and used it to post distressing images of his abducted wife and daughter.
The disturbing development has intensified conversations about insecurity, cyber-manipulation, and the psychological tactics used by criminal groups to pressure families and communities.
Venerable Achi was abducted alongside his wife and daughter from their Kaduna home on October 28. For nearly a month, the family remained in captivity as negotiations continued between relatives and the kidnappers. Tragically, the priest was killed despite ongoing efforts to meet ransom demands. His death sent shockwaves through the Anglican community and the wider public.
The sudden appearance of images showing his wife and daughter—still in captivity—on his official Facebook page has left many horrified. Cybersecurity experts believe the kidnappers may have accessed his login details during captivity or coerced him to reveal them prior to his death. They describe the act as a deliberate attempt at “digital intimidation” designed to instill fear and accelerate ransom payments.
Religious leaders, security analysts, and civil society organisations have condemned the action, calling it a new low in Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis. They warn that criminal groups are adopting more sophisticated digital tactics, including hacking victims’ social media accounts to broadcast threats, demand attention, or manipulate public reactions.
Police authorities say they are investigating both the digital breach and the physical kidnapping case. Meanwhile, efforts to secure the release of the priest’s wife and daughter remain ongoing. The community continues to pray for their safe return as the story draws national and international attention.
