A Nigerian Catholic priest serving in the United States has died by suicide after being instructed to return to Nigeria for a new church assignment, despite reportedly expressing concerns about his safety and reluctance to leave the US.
Rev. Benjamin Okwy Madu, 54, died on July 2 at his residence in Lynnfield, Massachusetts, according to the Archdiocese of Boston where he had served as a hospital chaplain and parish priest since 2021.
His death occurred just weeks before his religious worker visa was due to expire on July 29.
Opposed Return to Nigeria
According to reports by the Boston Globe, Madu’s home Diocese of Abakaliki had directed him to return to Nigeria before the expiration of his visa to take up a new church assignment scheduled to begin on August 4.
The publication reported that Madu had repeatedly expressed his desire not to return to Nigeria and had raised concerns about his safety if he went back.
In a farewell message posted on his parish website shortly before his death, the priest indicated that his departure from the United States was not by choice.
“I am returning not because I want to, but circumstances beyond my control have warranted that my time in the United States come to an end,” he wrote.
Reports indicate that he also informed parishioners during his final weeks that the decision to leave was beyond his control.
Panic Attack Before Death
The Boston Globe further reported that Madu suffered a panic attack while driving to celebrate Mass on the Sunday before his death and was later treated at a hospital emergency department.
The incident has raised questions about the emotional and psychological pressures he may have been experiencing in the weeks leading up to his death.
Archbishop Confirms Tragedy
Boston Archbishop Richard Henning later informed fellow priests of the tragedy in an internal communication.
According to reports, Archbishop Henning stated that Madu had “tragically took his own life,” a message that was later obtained by the National Catholic Register.
While confirming the priest’s death, the Archdiocese of Boston did not publicly disclose the cause of death in its official statement.
Focus on Challenges Facing Clergy Abroad
The incident has sparked discussion about the pressures faced by clergy serving internationally, particularly those navigating immigration requirements, reassignment decisions, and personal concerns linked to returning to their home countries.
As of now, neither the Diocese of Abakaliki nor the Archdiocese of Boston has publicly addressed the concerns Madu reportedly expressed before his death.
The circumstances surrounding the tragedy continue to draw attention within Catholic communities in both the United States and Nigeria.
