By Jethro Ibileke
The Edo State Police Command has announced the rescue of Rev. Father Philip Ekeli, who was kidnapped on March 3, 2025, at St Peter Catholic Church Iviukha, Etsako East Local Government Area of the State.
He was abducted with a Seminarian, Peter Andrew, on the said date.
A statement on Friday morning by the Command’s spokesman, CSP Moses Yamu, disclosed that the Catholic Priest was rescued in Amughe Community on Thursday, at about 4.50 pm.
Sadly, he announced that the Seminarian lost his life in the rescue operation.
“Intensive search and rescue operations by Police operatives and vigilante members led to the release of the Rev Father on 13/03/2025 at about 1652hrs in Amughe Community.
“Bush combing continues with a view to recover the remains of the Seminarian, who regrettably lost his life in the process, as well as to arrest the remaining gang of the kidnappers,” Yamu said.
It would be recalled that one suspect was neutralised, and four of the kidnappers were arrested by the community youths on the day of the kidnapping.