The unsettling narrative of Peter Andrew, a seminarian serving at St. Peter Catholic Church in Ivukwa Community, Edo State, tragically ended in his untimely death following a kidnapping ordeal that began on March 3, 2025. Andrew was abducted alongside Rev. Fr. Peter Ekweli, the church’s priest, marking the commencement of a harrowing chapter that would expose the pervasive threat of kidnapping and its devastating consequences within the region. The initial ransom demand of N100 million, a staggering sum, underscored the audacity and ruthlessness of the perpetrators, while also reflecting the precarious security situation plaguing communities across Nigeria.
The kidnappers subsequently reduced their demand to N10 million, a concession that offered a flicker of hope for the safe return of the captives. However, this hope was tragically extinguished when a chilling video surfaced, depicting a harrowing account of the events that unfolded during their captivity. The victim in the video, whose identity remains undisclosed for security reasons, recounted being held captive with Andrew and Ekweli. He described a moment of terror when they were all forced to close their eyes, followed by the piercing sound of a gunshot. Upon opening their eyes, the horrifying reality of the situation came into sharp focus: Andrew lay dying, a victim of the kidnappers’ brutal act.
The surviving victim, according to his account, was subsequently forced to trek to an undisclosed location in Edo Central, from where he managed to escape, bringing with him the tragic news of Andrew’s fate. His testimony not only exposed the brutality of the kidnappers but also highlighted the vulnerability of communities in the face of such criminal activities.
The Edo State Police Command, responding to the incident, launched a comprehensive search and rescue operation, involving police operatives and vigilante members. Their efforts culminated in the rescue of Rev. Fr. Peter Ekweli on March 13, 2025, in Amughe Community. While Ekweli’s rescue offered a glimmer of relief amidst the tragedy, the search for Andrew’s remains continued, underscoring the commitment of law enforcement to bring closure to the grieving community and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Edo State Police Command spokesperson, Moses Yamu, confirmed Andrew’s death and affirmed that the police were actively combing the bush to recover his body and apprehend the remaining kidnappers. The statement further revealed that one suspect had been neutralized and four others arrested on the day of the kidnapping. This indicated that while the tragic loss of life remained a stark reality, law enforcement was making strides in dismantling the criminal network responsible for the abduction and ensuring accountability for their actions.
The narrative surrounding Andrew’s kidnapping and death serves as a poignant reminder of the persistent challenges facing Nigeria in its fight against crime and insecurity. It underscores the need for more robust security measures, greater community involvement, and a concerted effort to address the root causes of such criminal activities. While the recovery of Rev. Fr. Ekweli offers a measure of solace, the loss of Peter Andrew casts a long shadow, reminding us of the human cost of these crimes and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to ensure the safety and security of all citizens. The incident also highlights the critical role of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement in combating such threats. As investigations continue, the hope remains that justice will be served and that measures will be put in place to prevent future tragedies of this nature.
