The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, has called on all levels of government and security agencies to address the deteriorating security situation in the country.
Reacting to the recent release of an abducted priest in his Diocese, Bishop Dunia emphasized the need for proactive measures, urging the government to deploy the necessary resources to protect lives and property.
“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,” he lamented.
The Bishop further revealed that in the past decade, the Catholic Diocese of Auchi has witnessed six of its priests kidnapped, tortured, and later released, while three others were attacked, and one was brutally murdered.
Speaking through Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, the Director of Communications for the diocese, he expressed deep condolences to the family of Andrew Peter, praying for God’s strength and consolation for them.
“Fr. Ekweli and Seminarian Andrew were kidnapped on Monday, March 3, 2025, at about 9:30 p.m. from the priests’ rectory of St. Peter Catholic Church, Iviukhun-Agenebode, Etsako East LGA, Edo State, when gunmen stormed the rectory and church, destroyed doors and windows, and led them into the surrounding forests,” he stated.
While appreciating the Edo State Government for its efforts in securing the victims’ release, Bishop Dunia expressed disappointment with the police response, urging them to implement more effective rescue strategies instead of leaving families and acquaintances to handle the rescue of kidnapped victims.
