Catholics Protest Rising Kidnappings, Killings of Clergy

Members of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi in Edo State took to the streets yesterday in a peaceful protest against the persistent abduction and killing of priests in the region. The demonstration followed the recent kidnapping of Rev. Fr. Philip Ekweli and seminarian Andrew Peter. While Fr. Ekweli was released after an alleged ransom payment, Peter was tragically killed by his captors.

Clergy members, along with parishioners, marched through Auchi carrying placards demanding justice and better security. The protest was led by Rev. Fr. (Dr) Clement Anadevha, Director of the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), who called on the government to declare a state of emergency on security to protect lives and property.

The demonstrators visited the Catholic Bishop of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, to express their concerns. Dunia lamented the increasing attacks on priests and churches, noting that farmland occupations by armed groups have also deprived local farmers of their livelihoods. He urged the government to take decisive action against the growing insecurity.

The protest extended to the Etsako West Council secretariat, where Local Government Chairman Valentine Okwilagwe assured the demonstrators that their demands would be conveyed to the relevant authorities.

Meanwhile, in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, a mob reportedly set suspected kidnappers on fire. According to a resident, criminals have been using trucks from the northern region to smuggle themselves into communities, hiding among goods before emerging to abduct victims.