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A young seminarian has been killed in Nigeria, a country facing an increase in attacks and kidnappings of Catholic clergy. The pontifical charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) reports that the first three months of 2025 have seen triple the number of clergy kidnappings compared to the same period in 2024.
Andrew Peter, a 21-year-old seminarian, was abducted alongside Father Philip Ekweli from the Diocese of Auchi on March 3. While Father Ekweli was released on March 13, Andrew Peter was killed by his captors. The two were taken from St. Peter Catholic Church's rectory in Iviukhua-Agenebode, Edo state, after gunmen attacked and damaged church property before leading them into a forest.
"The Diocese expresses sincere condolences to the family members of Andrew Peter, praying to God to grant them consolation and strength in this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace," stated a spokesman for the Diocese of Auchi on behalf of Bishop Gabriel Ghiakhomo Dunia.
Bishop Dunia described the situation as dire: "Life has been hell for our people in recent times. People are not safe on the roads, in their farms and even in their homes." He urged government intervention to enhance security and protect citizens.
The rise in priest kidnappings over recent months is attributed by ACN to several factors, including ransom demands by gangs and religious conflicts involving extremist groups such as Boko Haram, the Islamic State group in West African Province, and Muslim Fulani herders.
Statistics from the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria indicate that over the past decade, 145 priests and seminarians have been kidnapped with 11 fatalities. These figures were recorded before Andrew Peter's murder and Father Sylvester Okechukwu's death following his abduction on March 4.
Fredrick Nzwili reports for OSV News from Nairobi, Kenya.
