The Catholic community in Massachusetts has been thrown into mourning following the death of Nigerian priest, Father Benjamin Okwy Madu, who reportedly died by suicide at his residence in Lynnfield on July 2, 2026. He was 54.
Father Madu’s R-1 religious worker visa was due to expire on July 29. Archbishop Richard Henning confirmed the incident to clergy, while the Massachusetts State Police are investigating the case. Authorities said no foul play is suspected.
The priest had served as a hospital chaplain and parish priest on Cape Ann since 2021. He had been directed by the Diocese of Abakaliki to return to Nigeria ahead of a new assignment scheduled to begin on August 4.
Reports said he was deeply distressed over returning to Nigeria, citing worsening insecurity and attacks on Catholic clergy, including kidnappings and killings. The death of his home bishop, Peter Nworie Chukwu, in April reportedly added to his emotional burden.
In a farewell message posted on his parish’s website, Father Madu wrote: “It is not my wish to return home right now, but circumstances beyond my control have warranted that my time in the United States come to an end. My heart is broken, yet my joy remains.”
Church officials said U.S. immigration rules left him with no legal option to extend his religious worker visa. The US-Nigeria Civil Society Coalition has since urged the U.S. government to halt deportations to Nigeria and grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to eligible Nigerian nationals, arguing that Father Madu faced severe emotional distress over returning to an unsafe environment.
