Andrew Peter, a Catholic seminarian from Auchi Diocese, is to be buried on Wednesday after being murdered by kidnappers on March 13.
The kidnapping of Rev. Father Philip Ekweli and Seminarian Peter Andrew by suspected herders at St. Peter Catholic Church in Ivukwa community, Etsako East Local Government Area of the state, on Monday was confirmed by the Edo State Police Command on March 3.
The diocese went into grief after the seminarian was killed on March 13 while the priest was freed.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the Priests Cemetery, Immaculate Conception, Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode, Edo State, according to a statement released by the Catholic Diocese of Auchi on Sunday by Director of Communications, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa.
The statement read, “The Catholic Diocese of Auchi wishes to announce the funeral Mass for Seminarian Andrew Peter who was murdered after being kidnapped along with Rev. Fr. Philip Ekweli, as follows:
“The date is Wednesday, 26” March 2025 at the Priests cemetery, Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode, Edo State at 10am.
“Seminarian Andrew Peter was kidnapped with Rev. Fr. Philip Ekweli on Monday 3 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 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.”
The statement further notes, “He enjoins all people of goodwill to pray for an end to insecurity in Edo State and once again calling on government at all levels to address the persistent security challenges in Edo North and other parts of Edo State.”
“May the souls of seminarian Andrew Peter, Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia, and all others killed by kidnappers in Nigeria, rest in peace. Amen. Thank you.”
