The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia on Wednesday expressed sadness over the frequent attack and kidnap of Priests in the Diocese of Auchi and Edo State.
He lamented that Auchi Diocese, which used to be a peaceful locality in Edo North Senatorial District of the State has become a field haven for criminals, where kidnappers come in at will and kidnap people for ransom.
The spokesperson for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, revealed this in a statement made available to journalists in Benin.
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The statement is a reaction to the kidnàp of Rev. Fr. Philip-Mario Ekweli, the Parish Priest of St. Peter’s Apostle Catholic Church, Iviukhua Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State and Bro.
Peter Andrew, a seminarian, on Monday night at the church premises.
According to the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, the armed assailants stormed the priest’s rectory and the church premises at around 9:30 p.m., forcefully pulling down doors and windows while firing gunshots.
“At this time, no communication has been had with the abductors yet. The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia “expresses sadness at the frequency at which priests in his Diocese are attacked and kidnapped and that the once peaceful Edo North of the State, which houses the Diocese of Auchi, has become a field of the absurd where kidnappers come in at will and regular intervals and kidnap people for ransom.
“The Catholic Diocese of Auchi requests all people of goodwill to join the faithful of the Diocese in prayers so that the abductors release Fr. Ekweli unharmed,” the statement added.
The Edo State police command is yet to respond to the issue.
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