Kidnapped Edo priest regains freedom, seminarian killed

Rev. Fr. Philip Ekeli, who was kidnapped in Edo State, has regained his freedom after spending 10 days in captivity.  

Tragically, a seminarian, Peter Andrew, who was abducted alongside the priest, was killed by the kidnappers.

The duo was kidnapped on March 3 at St. Peter Catholic Church, Iviukha, in Etsako East Local Government Area.

According to a statement by the Edo State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, the priest was rescued through a joint effort by the police and local vigilante groups.

“Intensive search and rescue operations by police operatives and vigilante members led to the release of the Rev Father on March 13, in Amughe Community.

“Regrettably the seminarian lost his life in the process while efforts is on to arrest the remaining gang of the kidnappers,” he said.

One of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised during the kidnapping operation while four others were arrested.