Edo Catholic Priest, Seminarian Kidnapped As Church Decries Insecurity
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of a Catholic priest, Rev. Father Philip Ekeli, and a seminarian, Peter Andrew, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Ivukwa, Etsako East Local Government Area.
Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, stated that the incident occurred on March 3 at about 11:30 pm, prompting a rescue operation involving local vigilantes and hunters.
“In the process, one of the suspected kidnappers was killed while four suspects were arrested, but other fleeing kidnappers escaped with their victims. The body of the dead kidnapper was deposited at the General Hospital, Agenebode,” the police statement read.
It further stated, “Two pairs of rubber shoes, one button Tecno phone with two sim cards, one power bank, one dagger jacket, a bag containing biscuits and Nescafé beverage, the sum of N168,850 were recovered in his possession.”
Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimeyin, has deployed additional teams from the anti-kidnapping unit and the Police Mobile Force, working alongside the military, to secure the release of the abducted clerics and apprehend the culprits.
Reacting, the Catholic Diocese of Auchi decried the recurring abductions of priests in Edo North Senatorial District.
A statement by its Director of Communication, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, read, “The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, expresses sadness at the frequency at which priests in his Diocese are attacked and kidnapped and that the once peaceful Edo North of the state, which houses the Diocese of Auchi, has become a field of the absurd where kidnappers come in at will and at regular intervals and kidnap people for ransom.
“It has become a business centre for kidnappers, calling on the government to address these persistent security challenges in Edo North and other parts of Edo State.
“The Catholic Diocese of Auchi requests all people of goodwill to join the faithful of the Diocese in prayers so that the abductors release Fr. Ekeli unharmed.”
On the circumstances of the attack, the statement continued, “At about 9.30 pm on Monday 3rd of March 2025, the Priest’s rectory and church of St Peter Catholic Church, Iviukhua-Agenebode, Etsako East LGA of Edo State, was violently attacked by gunmen. Doors and windows in both the rectory and church were pulled down accompanied by gunshots.
“The local vigilantes engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel. However, due to the superior weapons in possession of the kidnappers, the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Philip Ekeli, was unfortunately taken away along with the major seminarian serving in the parish into the surrounding forests. At this time, no communication has been had with the abductors yet.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
