Tragedy struck in Edo State as Peter Andrew, a seminarian with St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Ivukwa, Etsako East Local Government Area, was killed by his kidnappers. Andrew was abducted alongside the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Peter Ekweli, on March 3, 2025.
While Ekweli has since regained his freedom, Andrew was not as fortunate. The Edo State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday in Benin City by its spokesman, Moses Yamu.
According to Yamu, security operatives and local vigilantes rescued Ekweli in Amughe Community on Thursday. However, efforts to recover Andrew’s remains and apprehend the remaining kidnappers are still ongoing.
“One suspect was killed and four others arrested on the day of the abduction,” Yamu stated. “Bush-combing efforts are ongoing to recover the remains of the seminarian and apprehend the remaining members of the gang.”
He assured the public that security forces are intensifying operations to track down the fleeing suspects, emphasizing the command’s commitment to ensuring that all perpetrators face justice.
The tragic killing of the seminarian has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over the rising cases of kidnapping in the region. Authorities have vowed to bring those responsible to book and strengthen security measures to prevent further occurrences.
