By Jethro Ibileke
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of a Catholic priest, Rev. Father Philip Ekeli, and a seminarian, Peter Andrew, by armed assailants.
The Catholic Priest and the Seminarian were taken at around 11:30 p.m. on Monday from St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Ivukwa, Etsako East Local Government Area.
Spokesman for the Edo State Police Command, CSP Moses Yamu, stated that a joint rescue operation was launched in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters.
During the operation, one suspected kidnapper was neutralised, while four others were arrested.
Despite this breakthrough, the remaining kidnappers managed to escape with the Catholic Priest and the Seminarian. The body of the slain suspect has been deposited at the General Hospital in Agenebode.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Murtala Ibrahim (32), Joshua Joseph (31), Sadiq Sheidu (35), and Sunday Bulus (28).
The police also recovered ₦168,850 from one of the suspects.
Meanwhile, a resident of the community, who spoke anonymously, described the incident as distressing, saying it has left locals in fear.
Security forces are continuing efforts to secure the release of the abducted priest and seminarian.
