Catholic Priest, Seminarian Abducted In Edo As Police Kill 1, Arrest 4 Suspects
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Father Philip Ekeli and Seminarian Peter Andrew by suspected herders at St. Peter Catholic Church in Ivukwa, Etsako East Local Government Area of the state. The abduction occurred on the night of March 3, 2025, around 11:30 PM.
According to the Police spokesperson, Moses Yamu, the force responded swiftly after receiving a distress call from a concerned citizen. The Police, supported by Operation Rescue teams, vigilantes, and hunters, engaged the armed assailants in a gun duel. During the operation, one of the suspects, whose identity remains unknown, was killed. His body has been deposited at the General Hospital in Agenebode.
In addition to neutralizing the suspect, the Police recovered several items from the scene, including two pairs of rubber shoes, a 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.
Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the abductions: Murtala Ibrahim (32), Joshua Joseph (31), Sadiq Sheidu (35), and Sunday Bulus (28).
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Betty Otimenyin, has ordered the deployment of additional anti-kidnapping teams, as well as Police Mobile Force personnel and military support, to secure the immediate release of the victims and apprehend the remaining abductors.
The police continue to work on ensuring the safe release of Father Ekeli and Seminarian Andrew while further investigations are underway.
