The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the sad news of the passing of Seminarian Peter Andrew, who was abducted alongside Rev. Fr. Peter Ekweli on March 3 at St. Peter Catholic Church in Ivukwa Community, Etsako East Local Government Area. A police spokesperson, Moses Yamu, revealed that the seminarian had tragically lost his life, while the reverend father was fortunate to be released.
Initially, the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N100 million but eventually settled for N10 million. The police successfully rescued the reverend father on Thursday, bringing some relief to the situation.
A video circulating online depicted a kidnap victim, surrounded by individuals believed to be vigilantes, recounting the harrowing experience of being held captive with the priest and seminarian. The victim described being forced to close his eyes and hearing a gunshot before witnessing the seminarian’s struggle for life and eventual passing.
The victim managed to escape by trekking to a location in Edo Central. Meanwhile, police efforts are underway to locate the seminarian’s body and apprehend the kidnappers responsible for this tragic incident.
In an official statement, Yamu confirmed the seminarian’s demise and provided details of the ongoing search and rescue operations. One suspect was neutralized, and four others were arrested in connection with the kidnapping. Additionally, a reliable source connected to the Catholic Church mentioned that Rev. Fr. Ekweli is currently recuperating at an undisclosed medical facility.