The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the kidnapping of Rev. Fr. Philip Ekweli and Seminarian Peter Andrew by suspected herders at St. Peter Catholic Church in the Ivukwa community of Etsako East Local Government Area.
Police spokesman Moses Yamu reported that officers engaged the kidnappers, leading to the death of one suspect and the arrest of four others.
Yamu revealed that on March 3, 2025, at approximately 11:30 PM, the police received a distress call about armed men believed to be herdsmen attacking St. Peter Catholic Church and abducting the priest and seminarian.
In a swift response, police, alongside local vigilantes and hunters, confronted the assailants, resulting in the neutralization of one suspect. The suspect’s remains have been taken to General Hospital, Agenebode.
Authorities recovered several items from the arrest, including rubber shoes, a mobile phone with multiple SIM cards, a power bank, a dagger jacket, a bag containing biscuits and Nescafé, along with N168,850 in cash. The arrested individuals have been identified as Murtala Ibrahim (32), Joshua Joseph (31), Sadiq Sheidu (35), and Sunday Bulus (28).
Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin, has deployed additional anti-kidnapping units as well as Police Mobile Force personnel to collaborate with military forces in securing the victims’ release and apprehending the remaining suspects.
In light of the recent surge in attacks on Catholic priests, the Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, has called for urgent government action to address the escalating security challenges in Edo North.
In a statement from the diocese, it was reported that the violent assault occurred around 9:30 PM on March 3, 2025, at the rectory and church of St. Peter Catholic Church, Iviukhua-Agenebode, Etsako East LGA. Local vigilantes attempted to thwart the kidnappers, but the attackers came equipped with superior firearms, resulting in the abduction of Rev. Fr. Philip Ekweli and the seminarian.
The diocese has urged the public to pray for the safe return of the abducted priest and seminarian. As of the latest updates, there has been no contact with the kidnappers.
