Authorities in Edo State have confirmed the abduction of a Catholic priest, Rev. Father Philip Ekeli, along with a seminarian, Peter Andrew. The incident occurred at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Ivukwa, in Etsako East Local Government Area.
According to a statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, the kidnapping took place late on March 3.
Security operatives, including local vigilantes and hunters, responded swiftly, engaging the kidnappers.
During the confrontation, one of the suspects was killed, and four others were taken into custody.
However, the remaining assailants escaped with their captives. The deceased suspect’s remains have been moved to the General Hospital in Agenebode.
Items found in the possession of the slain suspect included a pair of rubber shoes, a Tecno button phone with two SIM cards, a power bank, a dagger jacket, a bag containing biscuits and Nescafé, as well as N168,850 in cash.
Following the abduction, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimeyin, directed additional teams from the anti-kidnapping squad, Police Mobile Force, and military personnel to intensify efforts to secure the victims’ release and track down the remaining kidnappers.
The Catholic Diocese of Auchi has voiced serious concerns over the increasing cases of priests being targeted in Edo North Senatorial District.
In a statement issued by its Director of Communication, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, the diocese condemned the deteriorating security situation in the region, describing it as a haven for kidnappers who operate freely and without restraint.
Bishop Gabriel Dunia of Auchi Diocese urged authorities to take decisive action against the rising wave of insecurity in Edo North and other parts of the state. He also called on the public and members of the church to pray for the safe return of Rev. Fr. Ekeli and the seminarian.
Providing more details about the attack, the diocese stated that gunmen stormed St. Peter Catholic Church in Iviukhua-Agenebode at approximately 9:30 p.m. on March 3.
The assailants forcefully broke into both the rectory and the church while firing gunshots.
Despite efforts by local vigilantes to resist them, the kidnappers, armed with superior weapons, overpowered them and fled with the priest and seminarian into a nearby forest. As of now, no contact has been made with the abductors.