The kidnappers of a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Philip Ekeli, and a seminarian, Peter Andrew, are demanding a ransom of N200 million, a firearm, and the release of two of their captured gang members before they will set their victims free.
The abduction took place on Monday night at St. Peter Catholic Church in Ivukwa, located in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State. The incident has left the local community in fear as efforts to secure their release continue.
Security forces, assisted by vigilante members, responded to the attack. During the operation, one of the kidnappers was shot dead, while another managed to escape into the forest with gunshot wounds. There are unconfirmed reports that the injured suspect may not have survived.
Although the Catholic Church has yet to make an official statement regarding the demands, a resident of the community, who requested anonymity, shared details over the phone.
He stated, “I just confirmed from the village, they have opened communication, but they are demanding for N200 million, a gun, and two of their gang members. You know one of their members was killed during the incident, and another escaped into the bush with injuries. That is the situation for now.”
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has not officially confirmed these demands. When reached for comments, the Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, stated that he was unaware of the latest developments.
He explained that various unverified reports tend to circulate in such situations. According to him, “In situations like this, there are bound to be all manner of insinuations. Somebody even called me yesterday to say that he read that they have even killed the Reverend Father, but for now, I am not aware of this development.”
