Our reporter
Nine days after his abduction, Rev. Fr. Peter Ekweli, the Catholic Priest of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Ivukwa, in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, has regained his freedom. However, uncertainty continues to surround the fate of the seminarian, Peter Andrew, who was kidnapped alongside him.
A viral video circulating on Thursday featured a former hostage, surrounded by uniformed men believed to be local vigilantes, recounting his ordeal. He claimed that he was held in the same location as the priest and seminarian and that all captives were forced to keep their eyes shut at one point. Suddenly, a gunshot rang out, and when they were instructed to open their eyes, the seminarian was seen struggling for life before succumbing to his injuries.
The witness further narrated that they were later moved to an area in Edo Central, from where he managed to escape.
A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Edo State command, Moses Yamu, attributed the release to intensive search and rescue operation.
“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. Recaĺl that, one suspect was neutralised and four arrested on the day of the kidnap.” It added.
Meanwhile, a source within the Catholic Church indicated that an official statement regarding the priest’s release would be made public on Friday.
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