Nigeria mourns 21-year-old seminarian killed by kidnappers as outrage grows

The Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Nigeria, is mourning the tragic death of 21-year-old major seminarian Andrew Peter, who was killed by his abductors after being kidnapped alongside a priest earlier this month.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage and grief across Nigeria, with many calling for urgent action against the rising wave of kidnappings.

According to a statement by Diocesan spokesperson Father Peter Egielewa, seminarian  Peter was "gruesomely murdered by the abductors," while Father Philip Ekweli, who was kidnapped alongside him, has been released and is currently receiving medical attention.

Fr. Egielewa confirmed that Fr. Ekweli was released on March 13, near Amughe village, close to Okpekpe town in Edo State, after spending 10 days in captivity.

“Unfortunately, the seminarian who was with him died," the statement said. "The Diocese expresses sincere condolences to the family of Andrew Peter, praying for consolation and strength during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace."

Bishop Gabriel Dunia of the Diocese of Auchi urged authorities to take decisive action to address the escalating insecurity.

While thanking the Edo State Government for securing Fr. Ekweli's release, the bishop expressed frustration with the police’s handling of the situation and lamented the worsening security crisis in the region.

“A call goes to the government at all levels and security agencies to stop the deteriorating security situation in Edo North and other parts of Edo State, which has now become a haven for kidnappers, operating at will while the people feel helpless and abandoned,” the diocese said.

Fr. Ekweli and seminarian Peter were kidnapped on March 3, when armed men attacked St. Peter’s Parish and Rectory in Iviukhua-Agenebode, Etsako Local Government Area.

Despite the efforts of local vigilantes who attempted to fend off the attackers, the kidnappers’ superior firepower overwhelmed them.

This tragic incident follows the killing of Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu of the Diocese of Kafanchan, who was murdered by kidnappers on Ash Wednesday, March 5.

Recently, Nigeria has witnessed a sharp increase in the kidnapping of Catholic priests, seminarians, and religious women, with criminal groups often seeking ransom.

The brutal murder of seminarian Peter has deeply shocked Nigerians, with many taking to social media to express their grief and outrage.

The incident has further fueled calls for the government to strengthen security and end the growing wave of abductions targeting clergy and religious personnel.

A report by Rome-based Fides Agency shows that between 2015 and 2025, a total of 145 priests were kidnapped and 11 killed in Nigeria, signifying a continuous rise in ransom-related kidnappings that also harm communities and people.