By Jethro Ibileke
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia, has criticised the Edo State Police Command over what he described as a lacklustre performance in the rescue of Rev. Fr. Philip Ekweli from his abductors.
P.M. NEWS reports that Fr. Ekweli and Seminarian Andrew Peter were kidnapped on Monday, March 3, 2025, around 9:30 p.m. from the priests’ rectory of St. Peter Catholic Church, Iviukhua-Agenebode, Etsako East LGA, Edo State. Armed men stormed the rectory and church, destroying doors and windows before dragging them into the surrounding forest.
Ekweli was eventually freed at about 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025, near Amughe village, a few kilometres from Okpekpe town, North Ibie, Etsako East LGA, ending 10 harrowing days in captivity. He is currently receiving medical attention.
Tragically, 21-year-old major Seminarian Andrew Peter was brutally murdered by the kidnappers.
In a statement dated March 14, 2025, and signed by the Director of Communications, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, Bishop Dunia expressed deep displeasure over the role of the police in the rescue efforts.
While thanking the Edo State Government for its intervention, he condemned the police for abandoning the rescue mission to the victim’s family.
“The chief shepherd is grateful to the Edo State Government for their sincere efforts in seeing the victims rescued, but expresses dissatisfaction with the response of the police in particular in the rescue efforts, urging them to put in place better measures to rescue kidnapped victims rather than leave the entire rescue efforts solely in the hands of family, friends and acquaintances of kidnapped victims.”
Dunia further called on governments at all levels and security agencies to end the deteriorating security crisis in Edo North, which he described as a safe haven for kidnappers operating at will.
“Life has been hell for our people in recent times. People are not safe on the roads, in their farms and even in their homes. This is unacceptable when there are elected officials whose duty it is to protect the people.”
Bishop Dunia lamented the relentless wave of attacks on Catholic priests, revealing that in the past decade: Six priests of the Diocese had been kidnapped, tortured, and released. Three had been attacked but escaped, while two had been brutally murdered—Fr. Christopher Odia and now Seminarian Andrew Peter
“In the last ten years, Auchi Diocese has had six of her priests kidnapped, tortured and released, three attacked but escaped, and one (Fr Christopher Odia) brutally murdered and now seminarian Andrew Peter also murdered. May the souls of Seminarian Andrew Peter, Fr Christopher Odia and all those killed by kidnappers in Nigeria through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.”
The Catholic Diocese of Auchi extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of Seminarian Andrew Peter, praying for their consolation and strength in this dark and painful time.
The Diocese also expressed gratitude to all those who offered prayers and moral support during the ordeal.
