Edo : Seminarian ‘killed’ as abducted Catholic priest regains freedom

After spending nine days in captivity, Rev. Fr. Peter Ekweli, the Catholic priest of St. Peter Catholic Church in Ivukwa, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, has reportedly been released.

Tragically, the seminarian abducted alongside Fr. Ekweli is believed to have lost his life. While some accounts indicate he was killed, others suggest his fate remains uncertain.

A local source connected to the Catholic Church claimed a ransom of around N20 million might have been paid for the priest’s freedom, though conflicting reports suggest he could have been rescued.

A widely circulated video on Thursday showed a man, reportedly another kidnapping victim, surrounded by vigilante officers. In the footage, the man described being held with Fr. Ekweli and the seminarian.

According to him, their captors instructed them to close their eyes before a gunshot rang out. When they opened their eyes, he recounted seeing the seminarian gravely injured, fighting for his life.

The man added that the hostages were later forced to walk to a location in Edo Central, where he eventually escaped.

Meanwhile, a Catholic Church insider revealed that an official statement regarding the priest’s release is expected on Friday.