Nigerian priest dies in US after facing return to Nigeria
A Nigerian Catholic priest serving in the United States has died in an apparent suicide after receiving instructions to return to Nigeria, a move he had reportedly feared because of growing security concerns affecting clergy in parts of the country.
The late Reverend Benjamin Okwy Madu, 54, died on July 2 at his residence in Lynnfield, Massachusetts, where he had been serving as a hospital chaplain and parish priest since 2021.
Church authorities said Madu's religious worker visa was due to expire later in July. However, he had also been directed by his home Diocese of Abakaliki in Ebonyi State to return to Nigeria ahead of a new assignment scheduled for early August.
According to reports, the priest had repeatedly expressed anxiety about returning to Nigeria, citing security fears. In a farewell message to his parish and remarks made during church services before his death, he acknowledged that leaving the United States was not his personal choice but one he believed was beyond his control.
Days before his death, Madu reportedly suffered a panic attack while travelling to celebrate Mass and was treated at a local hospital.
Although the Archdiocese of Boston announced his death without disclosing the cause, Archbishop Richard Henning later informed fellow priests that Madu had died by suicide.
Authorities in Massachusetts have opened an investigation into the incident. Officials said there is no indication of foul play.
The US-Nigeria Civil Society Coalition attributed the tragedy to the emotional distress Madu experienced over the prospect of returning to Nigeria, where Catholic priests have increasingly become targets of kidnappings and violent attacks.
The coalition also pointed to immigration challenges, saying existing US visa restrictions prevented the renewal of his religious worker status despite several years of ministry in the country.
Madu, who was ordained in the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, had served in the Archdiocese of Boston for almost six years under successive religious worker visas. He was due to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his priestly ordination just days after his death.
Following the incident, Nigerian diaspora organisations and Christian advocacy groups called on US authorities to review immigration policies affecting Nigerian nationals and consider measures that would provide temporary protection for individuals unable to return home because of security concerns.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or overwhelming emotional distress, seeking immediate support from trusted family members, faith leaders, mental health professionals, or local crisis services can make a difference. Help is available, and no one has to face such challenges alone.
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