A Nigerian Catholic priest serving in the United States, Reverend Benjamin Okwy Madu, has died in Massachusetts, with reports suggesting he died by suicide just days after being instructed to return to Nigeria.
Madu, 54, died on July 2 at his residence in Lynnfield, Massachusetts, according to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston. He had served as a hospital chaplain and parish priest on Cape Ann since 2021.
His R-1 religious worker visa was scheduled to expire on July 29. However, reports indicated that his home diocese in Abakaliki directed him to return to Nigeria earlier in preparation for a new assignment expected to begin on August 4.
According to The Boston Globe, Madu had expressed concerns about returning to Nigeria, reportedly telling people close to him that he feared for his safety. In remarks to parishioners and a farewell message published a few days before his death, he said leaving the United States was “not his wish” but was the result of circumstances beyond his control.
In an internal email to clergy, Boston Archbishop Richard Henning reportedly stated that Madu “tragically took his own life.” However, the Archdiocese’s public statement announcing his death did not disclose the cause.
A parishioner also told the publication that Madu experienced a panic attack while driving to celebrate Mass a few days before his death. He was reportedly taken to a hospital, where he received medical treatment.
Authorities have opened an investigation into the incident. The office of Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker confirmed that the Massachusetts State Police is leading the investigation, adding that there is no suspicion of foul play.
Meanwhile, the US-Nigeria Civil Society Coalition said the priest had been experiencing severe emotional distress, reportedly linked to concerns about returning to Nigeria, where members of the clergy have faced growing security threats, including kidnappings.
Madu was born on May 15, 1972, in Nigeria and was ordained a priest at St. Theresa Cathedral in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. He would have celebrated the 25th anniversary of his ordination on July 7, just five days after his death.
He had served in the Archdiocese of Boston for nearly six years under successive religious worker visas. Reports indicated that no further extension was available under existing US immigration policies.
The incident has also renewed calls from advocacy groups urging US authorities to review deportation policies affecting Nigerian nationals, particularly those who cite security concerns as a reason for remaining in the country.