By Our Reporter

The death of a Nigerian Catholic priest in the United States has sparked renewed discussion about immigration policy, mental health and the security challenges facing clergy in Nigeria.

Father Benjamin Okwy Madu, 54, died by suicide on July 2 at his residence in Lynnfield, Massachusetts, according to the Archdiocese of Boston. His death came just weeks before his R-1 religious worker visa was due to expire on July 29 and only days before the celebration of his 25th anniversary as a Catholic priest.

Father Madu had served as a hospital chaplain and parish priest on Cape Ann since 2021. He was also expected to return to Nigeria after the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki directed him to report for a new pastoral assignment by August 4.

In a farewell message before his death, the priest acknowledged that returning to Nigeria was not his wish, saying that “circumstances beyond my control have warranted that my time in the United States come to an end.”

According to church officials, Father Madu suffered a panic attack while driving to celebrate Mass just days before his death and was treated at a hospital emergency department.

Archbishop Richard Henning later informed members of the clergy that Father Madu had taken his own life. The Archdiocese’s initial public statement announcing his death did not disclose the cause.

His death has drawn attention to the growing security threats confronting Catholic clergy in Nigeria. Reports from church and human rights organisations indicate that more than 145 Catholic priests were abducted between 2015 and 2025, while kidnappings and deadly attacks have continued in several parts of the country this year.

The US-Nigeria Civil Society Coalition said Father Madu experienced severe emotional distress over the prospect of returning to Nigeria amid persistent insecurity and the expiration of his visa. The group urged US authorities to consider stronger immigration protections for Nigerians facing similar circumstances.

Archdiocese of Boston spokesperson Terrence Donilon also confirmed that there was no available pathway under existing US immigration rules to extend Father Madu’s visa beyond its scheduled expiration.

Following the tragedy, Nigerian diaspora organisations and Christian advocacy groups renewed calls for the United States to review immigration policies affecting vulnerable Nigerians, including proposals to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to eligible applicants.

Although no official investigation has concluded that visa concerns or fears over Nigeria’s security situation directly caused Father Madu’s death, the incident has intensified debate over the impact of immigration uncertainty, mental health and the ongoing insecurity affecting religious workers in Nigeria.