Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a Catholic priest, Rev.

The abduction occurred on Monday night around 11:30 PM, sending shockwaves through the community. However, swift action from security forces led to a fierce gun battle, resulting in the neutralization of one suspect and the arrest of four others.

Police Confirm Arrests & Recovery of Items

The Edo State Police Command, in an official statement released on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Moses Yamu, confirmed the abduction and provided updates on the rescue efforts.

According to Yamu, the arrested suspects include:

• Murtala Ibrahim (32 years)
• Joshua Joseph (31 years)
• Sadiq Sheidu (35 years)
• Sunday Bulus (28 years)

The police recovered several items from the suspects, including:

• ₦168,850 in cash
• Two pairs of rubber shoes
• A button Tecno phone with two SIM cards
• One power bank
• A dagger jacket
• A bag containing biscuits and Nescafé beverage

How the Attack Unfolded

The police report stated that on March 3, 2025, at about 11:30 PM, a distress call from a concerned citizen alerted authorities about the armed attack on St. Peter Catholic Church.

In response, Operation Rescue teams, local vigilantes, and hunters rushed to the scene, engaging the assailants in a gunfight. One of the kidnappers was fatally shot, and his body was deposited at the General Hospital in Agenebode.

Police & Military Join Forces for Rescue Mission

To ensure the safe release of the abducted priest and seminarian, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Betty Enekpen Isokpan, has deployed additional anti-kidnapping units, Police Mobile Force personnel, and military reinforcements to the area.

Security sources revealed that the suspects whisked their victims into a nearby bush, prompting a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) also played a crucial role in alerting security agencies, leading to the rapid deployment of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) operatives to the crime scene.

The search for Rev. Father Philip Ekeli and Seminarian Peter Andrew continues, with security operatives vowing to ensure their unharmed release and the complete dismantling of the kidnappers’ network.

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