A Nigerian Catholic priest serving in the United States, Rev. Benjamin Okwy Madu, has died after reportedly taking his own life, days after he was directed to return to Nigeria following the expiration of his religious worker visa.
According to the Archdiocese of Boston, Rev. Madu, 54, died on July 2 at his residence in Lynnfield, Massachusetts. He had been serving as a hospital chaplain and parish priest on Cape Ann since 2021.
His religious worker visa was scheduled to expire on July 29, and he had reportedly been instructed to return to Nigeria.
Reports indicate that the priest had repeatedly expressed concerns for his safety if he returned to the country.
The Archdiocese of Boston confirmed his death in a statement but did not disclose further details surrounding the circumstances.
