Seminarian Killed In Crossfire During Police Rescue Of Kidnapped Catholic Priest In Edo
Ekeli was abducted alongside a seminarian, Peter Andrew, who lost his life during the rescue operation.
Edo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of Rev. Father Philip Ekeli, who was kidnapped on March 3, 2025, at St. Peter Catholic Church, Iviukha, in Etsako East Local Government Area.
Ekeli was abducted alongside a seminarian, Peter Andrew, who lost his life during the rescue operation.
In a statement on Friday, the Command’s spokesman, Moses Yamu, said the operation took place in Amughe Community on Thursday at about 4:50 p.m. While the priest was successfully rescued, Andrew was caught in the crossfire.
“Intensive search and rescue operations by police operatives and vigilante members led to the release of the Rev Father on 13/03/2025 at about 1652hrs in Amughe Community.
“Bush combing continues with a view to recover the remains of the seminarian, who regrettably lost his life in the process as well as to arrest the remaining gang of the kidnappers,” Yamu added.
On March 4, 2024, SaharaReporters reported that gunmen suspected to be herdsmen had abducted Ekeli, and a seminarian, Andrew, from St. Peter Catholic Church in Iviukwa Community, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
It was gathered that the attack reportedly occurred late Sunday night around 11:30pm.
According to security sources, the police received a distress call from the Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Mr. Inaede Gabriel, alerting them that the church was under siege.
He explained that security operatives, including members of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), were immediately deployed to the scene, where they confirmed that the priest and seminarian had been abducted and taken to an unknown location.
The source said during the attack, local vigilantes reportedly engaged the gunmen, killing one of the assailants.
However, his body was later deposited at the General Hospital Mortuary in Aghenebode.
Items recovered at the scene included a mobile phone with two Airtel SIM cards, a power bank, a dagger jacket, a bag containing biscuits and sachets of Nescafé tea, two pairs of rubber shoes, and ₦168,850 in cash.
