The Catholic diocese of Auchi has denounced the response of security agencies in the rescue efforts of its kidnapped priest, Reverend Father Philip Ekweli.
Daily Post reports that the diocese, which confirmed the liberation of the priest from the hands of her kidnappers, particularly criticized the response of the Nigeria police.
The bishop of the Diocese, most of the Reverend Dr. Gabriel Dunia, expressed the concerns of the diocese in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday in Benin City. However, the statement, signed by Rev. Peter Egielewa, communications director of the Diocese, expressed his gratitude to the State Government for their sincere efforts to ensure the release of the victims.
Dunia described as unacceptable a situation in which the rescue of kidnapped victims is left completely to family, friends and acquaintances.
“The Pastor Chief thanks the Government of the State of Edo for his sincere efforts to ensure the release of the victims, but expresses dissatisfaction with the police response, particularly in rescue efforts.
“He urged them to implement better measures to rescue the kidnapped victims instead of leaving the entire operation only to family, friends and acquaintances of the victims,” said the statement.
The bishop added that, in the last 10 years, Auchi's diocese has had six kidnapped priests, tortured and released, while three others were attacked but managed to escape. He pointed out that, in this period, one of the priests, Fr. Christopher Hate, was brutally murdered, along with a seminarian, Andrew Peter.
He revealed that the kidnapped priest was released from captivity on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at approximately 4 pm, near Amnughe Village, a few kilometers from the city of Okpekpe, North Ibie, in Etsako East Lga of the state of Edo.
Dunia declared that the launch ended the 10 -day 10 -day test in captivity, and is currently receiving medical treatment in an unleashed hospital.
“Unfortunately, however, the 21 -year -old seminarian, Andrew Peter, who was kidnapped along with Father Ekweli, was horrible murdered by the kidnappers.
“The diocese expresses sincere condolences to Andrew Peter's family, praying for God to grant them comfort and strength at this difficult time. May your soul rest in peace.
“P. Ekweli and the Andrew seminarian were kidnapped on Monday, March 2025, at approximately 9:30 pm of the rectory of the priests of the Catholic Church of San Pedro, Iviukhua-Agenebode, Etsako East Lga of the Edo state, when the gunmen attacked both the rectory and the church, destroyed the doors. They directed the surrounding forests.
“The bishop of the Catholic diocese of Auchi, most of the Reverend Dr. Gabriel Dunia, expresses gratitude to all for the prayers and moral support received, while Fr. Ekweli and the seminarian were kept in captivity,” he added.
However, he asked the Government at all levels and security agencies that address the deterioration of the security situation in the Senatorial District of Edo North in particular and other parts of the state of Edo.
He noted that the senatorial district has become a shelter for kidnappers, who operate at will while people feel helpless and abandoned.
The bishop also urged the government to take proactive measures to deploy the necessary resources for Edo North to ensure the lives and property of people.
He pointed out that life has become unbearable for “our people in recent times [and] People are not safe on the roads, in their farms or even in their homes. ”
He described the situation as unacceptable, especially when there are elected officials whose duty is to protect people.