The Catholic Diocese of Auchi has condemned the response of security agencies in tackling kidnappings in Edo State, following the killing of 21-year-old seminarian, Andrew Peter, by his abductors.

The Edo State Police Command announced Peter’s death on Friday while confirming the rescue of Rev. Fr. Philip Ekweli, who was kidnapped alongside him.

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr Gabriel Dunia, in a statement on Saturday by the Director of Communications of the diocese, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, called on the government at all levels and security agencies to stop the deteriorating security situation, particularly in Edo North and other parts of Edo State.

The statement read, “The Catholic Diocese of Auchi wishes to announce the release of Rev. Fr. Philip Ekweli from the hands of his abductors.

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“He was released at about 4.00 pm on Thursday, 13th of March, 2025 close to Amughe village, a few kilometres to Okpekpe town, North Ibie in Etsako East LGA of Edo State, ending 10 days of captivity in the hands of his abductors. He is now receiving appropriate medical attention.

“Unfortunately, however, the 21-year-old major seminarian, Andrew Peter, who was kidnapped along with Fr Ekweli, was gruesomely murdered by the abductors. The Diocese expresses sincere condolences to the family members of Andrew Peter, praying God to grant them consolation and strength in this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.”

Dunia noted that the state has now become a haven for kidnappers, operating at will while the people have become helpless and abandoned.

He added, “A call goes to the government at all levels and security agencies to stop the deteriorating security situation in Edo North in particular and other parts of Edo State, which has now become a safe haven for kidnappers, operating at will while the people feel helpless and abandoned.

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“He urges the government to take proactive steps to deplore the necessary resources to Edo North to secure the lives and property of the people.

“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.

“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.”

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The diocese revealed that in the past decade, six of its priests had been kidnapped and tortured before release, three were attacked but escaped, and two—Fr. Christopher Odia and Seminarian Andrew Peter—were murdered.

“The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, expresses gratitude to all for the prayers and moral support received while Fr Ekweli and the Seminarian were held in captivity.

“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 statement concluded.