Priest Regains Freedom As Fears Mount Over Seminarian’s Fate
By Osehobo Ofure, Benin City
Peter Ekwili, the Catholic priest from St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Ivukwa, in Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State, who was abducted along with a seminarian nine days ago, has regained his freedom.
Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, confirmed the priest’s release following what he called an intensive search and rescue operation but stated that the seminarian, Peter Andrew, remains unaccounted for.
“Intensive search and rescue operations by police operatives and vigilante members led to the release of the reverend father on 13/03/2025 at about 16:52 hrs in Amughe Community,” Yamu stated.
However, he added that search efforts continue, with authorities combing the bush to recover the seminarian’s remains after he reportedly lost his life in captivity. “One suspect was neutralized and four others were arrested on the day of the abduction,” he noted.
The priest’s release follows the circulation of a viral video featuring a former abductee who claimed to have escaped from the kidnappers. Surrounded by uniformed vigilantes, the escapee recounted his ordeal, stating that he had been held in the same location as the priest and seminarian.
According to his account, all captives were forced to keep their eyes shut at one point. Suddenly, a gunshot rang out, and when they were allowed to open their eyes, the seminarian was seen struggling for life before succumbing to his injuries.
He further revealed that the captives were later relocated to an undisclosed area in Edo Central, from where he managed to escape.
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