Gunmen kidnapped Catholic priest Rev. Father Philip Ekeli and seminarian Peter Andrew in Edo State, with a joint search-and-rescue team now hunting for the victims

[dropcap]G[/dropcap]unmen have kidnapped a Catholic priest, Rev. Father Philip Ekeli, and a seminarian, Peter Andrew, from St. Peter Catholic Church in Iviukwa Community, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Also read: Kaduna police rescue 23 kidnapped victims in joint operation

The attack, which occurred late on Sunday night, around 11:30 pm, has been confirmed by police sources.

The police received a distress call from the Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Mr. Inaede Gabriel, notifying them of the church under attack.

In response, officers, including those from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), rushed to the scene and confirmed that both the priest and seminarian had been taken away by the gunmen and moved to an unknown location in the nearby bush.

During the violent incident, local vigilantes attempted to confront the assailants, leading to a clash in which one of the attackers was killed.

The body of the deceased was later taken to the General Hospital Mortuary in Aghenebode.

Authorities also recovered several items from the crime scene, including a button phone with two Airtel SIM cards, a power bank, a jacket, a bag containing biscuits and sachets of Nescafé tea, two pairs of rubber shoes, and ₦168,850 in cash.

Also read: Kaduna police rescue 23 kidnapped victims in joint operation

In an effort to locate the kidnapped victims, a joint search-and-rescue operation has been launched. The team, which includes soldiers from the Nigerian Army’s 195 Battalion, police officers, local vigilantes, and hunters, is currently scouring the area for any leads.