The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, has expressed deep concern over the rising cases of attacks and kidnappings targeting priests in the diocese and across Edo State.

His remarks followed the recent abduction of Rev. Fr. Philip-Mario Ekweli, the Parish Priest of St. Peter?s Apostle Catholic Church, Iviukhua Agenebode, in Etsako East Local Council.

Speaking through a statement issued by the spokesperson for the diocese, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, Bishop Dunia described the situation as a tragic transformation of Edo North Senatorial District from a peaceful region into a hotbed of violence. The statement lamented the regularity with which kidnappers invade the area, taking victims for ransom without restraint.

Ekweli and a seminarian, Peter Andrew, were abducted on Monday night when armed men stormed the church premises at about 9:30 p.m. The attackers reportedly forced their way into the rectory, breaking down doors and windows while firing shots. As of yesterday, no communication had been established with the abductors.

The diocese called on all people of goodwill to join the faithful in prayers for the safe release of the abducted priest and seminarian.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has launched a rescue operation in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters.

Spokesperson for the command, CSP Moses Yamu, disclosed that the police engaged the assailants in a gunfight, resulting in the neutralisation of one suspect, whose body has been deposited at the General Hospital in Agenebode.

Recovered from the suspect were various items, including N168,850, a dagger jacket, and a bag containing biscuits and beverages. Additionally, four suspects ? Murtala Ibrahim, 32; Joshua Joseph, 31; Sadiq Sheidu, 35; and Sunday Bulus, 28 ? were arrested. CSP Yamu confirmed that additional anti-kidnapping units and military personnel have been deployed to the area to ensure the unconditional release of the victims and apprehend their abductors.

In a related development, the abductions have sparked political tension, with the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the state government trading accusations over the security situation.

The PDP Caretaker Committee, through its Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, alleged that Edo State has become a hub for violent crimes despite the administration receiving N750 million monthly in security allocations.

Nehikhare claimed the state?s vigilante network had been weakened under Governor Monday Okpebholo, leading to a surge in criminal activities. He cited the recent 12-day abduction of Afenifere Youth Council National President, Prince Eniola Olajuni, as evidence of the deteriorating security landscape.

In response, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo, Fred Itua, dismissed the PDP?s claims as baseless and politically motivated. He accused the opposition of fabricating stories to tarnish the administration?s reputation and noted that the PDP?s tenure in power was marked by its own security challenges. (Daily Sun)

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