The Catholic Diocese of Auchi has expressed deep concern over the increasing frequency of abductions targeting Catholic priests in Edo North Senatorial District.
In a statement issued by its Director of Communication, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, the diocese described the situation as alarming.
“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. Ekweli unharmed.”
Providing further details on how the abduction occurred, the statement noted that “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 Ekweli 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.”
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 in Ivukwa, Etsako East Local Government Area.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, the incident occurred on March 3 at approximately 11:30 pm. Upon receiving reports, security operatives, including local vigilantes and hunters, quickly mobilized to the scene in an attempt to rescue the victims.
During the confrontation, one suspected kidnapper was fatally shot, while four others were apprehended.
However, the remaining abductors managed to flee into the forest with their captives.
The deceased suspect’s body was later deposited at the General Hospital in Agenebode.
Items recovered from the suspect included two pairs of rubber shoes, a button Tecno phone with two SIM cards, a power bank, a dagger jacket, a bag containing biscuits and Nescafé beverage, and a sum of N168,850.
In response, Commissioner of Police Betty Otimeyin has deployed additional anti-kidnapping operatives alongside the Police Mobile Force and military personnel to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the capture of the kidnappers.
Efforts are ongoing to secure their safe release.
