By Osehobo Ofure, Benin City

The Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State will on Wednesday 26th March 2025, hold a funeral Mass for Seminarian Andrew Peter who was murdered in a kidnappers’ den.

The Mass is a Catholic liturgical service held for a deceased person before burial. It is not certain if the diocese is planning a burial and when.

The seminarian was kidnapped along with Rev. Fr. Philip Ekweli who was released after 10 days near Amughe village, near Okpekpe town, North Ibie in Etsako East LGA, Edo State.

The diocesan Director of Communication, Rev. Peter Egielewa, in a statement said:
“Seminarian Andrew Peter was kidnapped with Rev. Fr. Philip Ekweli on Monday 3rd of March 2025, when gunmen attacked the Priest’s rectory and church of St Peter Catholic Church, Iviukhua-Agenebode, Etsako East LGA of Edo State.

“While Rev. Fr. Philip Ekweli was severely tortured and released on the 13th of March 2025, seminarian Andrew Peter was unfortunately murdered by his abductors.”

The statement, while quoting the Bishop of the Diocese, stated: “The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, thanks all for their moral, spiritual and psychological support in this painful incident.

“He requests all to join the Diocese in praying for the repose of the soul of seminarian Andrew Peter and healing for Rev. Fr. Philip Ekweli.

“He enjoins all people of good will to pray for an end to insecurity in Edo State and once again calls on Government at all levels to address the persistent security challenges in Edo North and other parts of Edo State.”

The Diocese added that six of her priests have in the last decade been kidnapped, tortured and released, while three were violently attacked but escaped. One priest, Fr. Christopher Odia, was brutally murdered like Seminarian Andrew Peter.