The brutal murder of 21-year-old major seminarian Andrew Peter has once again underscored the alarming rise in kidnappings and killings of Catholic priests and religious personnel in Nigeria. The Catholic Diocese of Auchi confirmed the tragic incident, describing his death as a heartbreaking loss for the Church and the nation.
A Tragic Abduction Ends in Murder
Speaking on behalf of the Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Bishop Gabriel Dunia, diocesan spokesperson Fr. Peter Egielewa stated that Andrew Peter was “gruesomely murdered” by his captors. The seminarian had been abducted alongside Fr. Philip Ekweli on March 3, 2025, when gunmen stormed St. Peter’s Parish in Iviukhua-Agenebode, Etsako Local Government Area of Edo State.
While Fr. Ekweli was released on March 13 after 10 days in captivity, Andrew Peter was not so fortunate. His death adds to the growing list of clergymen who have fallen victim to Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
“The Catholic Diocese of Auchi wishes to announce the release of Rev. Fr. Philip Ekweli from the hands of his abductors. He was released at about 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, 13 March 2025, close to Amughe village, a few kilometers from Okpekpe town, North Ibie in Etsako East LGA of Edo State, ending 10 days of captivity at the hands of his abductors. He is now receiving appropriate medical attention,” said Fr. Egielewa in a weekend statement.
He continued, “Unfortunately, however, the 21-year-old major seminarian, Andrew Peter, who was kidnapped along with Fr. Ekweli, was gruesomely murdered by the abductors. The Diocese expresses sincere condolences to the family members of Andrew Peter, praying God to grant them consolation and strength in this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.”
A Disturbing Trend of Targeting Clergy
The killing of Andrew Peter follows a disturbing pattern of increasing attacks on Catholic priests and religious men and women across Nigeria. In recent years, clergy members have been abducted and, in many cases, killed by kidnappers operating with impunity.
Only weeks before Andrew Peter’s murder, another Catholic priest, Fr. Christopher Okechukwu of the Kafanchan Diocese in Kaduna State, was abducted and later found dead on Ash Wednesday. His murder further highlights the escalating insecurity facing religious leaders, particularly in the northern and central regions of the country.
Since 2020, dozens of Catholic priests and seminarians have been kidnapped, and many have been killed. Some of the most shocking incidents include the 2022 killing of Fr. John Cheitnum, also from Kafanchan Diocese, and the 2023 murder of Fr. Isaac Achi in Niger State, who was burned alive by attackers.
These violent attacks have led to widespread fear among Christian communities, with many calling for stronger government intervention to curb the menace of armed gangs and extremist groups that are increasingly targeting the Church.
Calls for Government Action
The Bishop of Auchi, Gabriel Dunia, has joined other Catholic leaders in condemning the deteriorating security situation. While he expressed gratitude to the Edo State Government for helping secure Fr. Ekweli’s release, he criticized the slow response of law enforcement agencies and the government’s inability to prevent such incidents.
“A call goes to the government at all levels and security agencies to stop the deteriorating security situation in Edo North in particular and other parts of Edo State, which has now become a safe haven for kidnappers, operating at will while the people feel helpless and abandoned,” the statement read.
Religious organizations and civil society groups have long urged the Nigerian government to take decisive action to protect clergy members who serve vulnerable communities. However, with each new abduction and killing, frustration grows over the lack of effective measures to address the crisis.
As the Catholic Church mourns yet another victim, the need for urgent and sustained security reforms remains critical. Until concrete actions are taken, the rising wave of abductions and killings threatens to weaken religious institutions and heighten fear among Christians in Nigeria.
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