The Catholic Priest of St. Peter Catholic Church, Ivhiukwe, in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Rev. Fr. Peter Ekweli, has regained his freedom nine days after being abducted.
However, uncertainty remains over the fate of the seminarian kidnapped alongside him, Peter Andrew.
While some reports suggest he may have been killed, others say his whereabouts are still unknown.
A source close to the Church claimed that a ransom of at least N20 million may have been paid for the priest’s release, although other accounts suggest he was rescued without payment.
A video that went viral on Thursday featured a man, believed to be a fellow kidnap victim, speaking while surrounded by vigilante operatives.
He claimed he had been held at the same location as Fr. Ekweli and the seminarian.
According to his account, the captors forced them to close their eyes before a gunshot was fired.
When they opened their eyes, he said the seminarian was seen struggling with injuries before eventually dying.
He added that they were later forced to trek to another location in Edo Central, from where he managed to escape.
Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, confirmed that the priest was rescued by the police and stated that an official statement would be issued soon.
Meanwhile, a source within the Catholic Church said an official statement on the priest’s release is expected on Friday.