CurrentReport Blog In a daring rescue operation on March 3, 2025, the Edo State Police Command successfully rescued Rev. Father Philip Ekeli and Seminarian Peter Andrew, who were abducted at St. Peter Catholic Church in Ivukwa, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
At approximately 11:30 pm on Monday, armed men suspected to be herdsmen stormed the church and took the victims into the bush. Following a distress call, the police, assisted by vigilantes and hunters, launched a swift rescue mission. The operation led to a gun duel between the police and the kidnappers, resulting in one suspect being neutralized and his body deposited at the General Hospital in Agenebode.
The police recovered significant items from the suspect, including N168,850, two pairs of rubber shoes, a Tecno phone, a power bank, a dagger jacket, and a bag of biscuits and Nescafè beverage. Four other suspects—Murtala Ibrahim (32), Joshua Joseph (31), Sadiq Sheidu (35), and Sunday Bulus (28)—were arrested in connection with the abduction.
The Edo State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, confirmed the details of the operation, emphasizing that additional anti-kidnapping units, alongside police mobile forces and military personnel, have been deployed to ensure the victims’ safe release and apprehend any remaining abductors.
The Commissioner of Police, Betty Enekpen Isokpan, commended the efforts of the security agencies and vowed to continue the fight against crime in the region.
This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in Edo State and highlights the importance of quick response and collaboration between local security forces and community members.
