The Catholic Diocese of Auchi has confirmed the burial date for Seminarian Andrew Peter.
Gunmen abducted Andrew alongside Rev. Fr. Philip Ekweli in early March 2025.
The diocese will bury Andrew on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
The funeral Mass will take place at the Priests’ Cemetery, Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode, Edo State.
The church, deeply saddened, continues to call for prayers and peace across the region.

Gunmen Attacked Church, Kidnapped Clergy

Armed men invaded St. Peter Catholic Church in Iviukhua-Agenebode, Edo State, on March 3, 2025.
The attackers abducted both Rev. Fr. Philip Ekweli and Seminarian Andrew Peter during the assault.
According to the Edo State Police Command, the kidnappers were likely armed herders.
While the attackers eventually released Rev. Fr. Ekweli, they tortured him before letting him go.
However, they killed Seminarian Andrew Peter ten days later, on March 13, 2025.

The Catholic community mourned Andrew’s death with deep grief.
The incident left many believers angry and heartbroken over the growing insecurity in Edo North.

Auchi Diocese Announces Funeral Mass

Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, the Diocese’s Director of Communications, released the official burial announcement.
He said the funeral mass would begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
The ceremony will be held at the priests’ cemetery within the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary.
This location lies in Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode, a town in Edo State.

Fr. Egielewa explained that both Andrew and Fr. Ekweli were victims of a direct attack on the priest’s rectory.
The statement described the attackers as gunmen who stormed the premises, kidnapped both men, and left a trail of sorrow.

Bishop Thanks Public, Seeks Healing

Bishop Gabriel Dunia, leader of the Diocese, appreciated everyone who supported the church during the crisis.
He thanked individuals and groups who offered moral, spiritual, and psychological support.
The Bishop encouraged continued prayers for Andrew’s soul.
He also asked for healing for Rev. Fr. Philip Ekweli, who suffered trauma during his captivity.

In addition, Bishop Dunia urged Nigerians to unite in prayer for peace and safety across the state.
He called on the government to take decisive action against rising insecurity in Edo and other regions.

Insecurity Threatens Church and Country

Attacks on Catholic clergy have become alarmingly frequent in Nigeria.
In fact, Nigeria now ranks among the most dangerous places for priests and seminarians.
Aid to the Church in Need recently reported that over 80% of religious killings or kidnappings happened in Nigeria in 2025.

This pattern shows a growing trend of violence that threatens religious freedom and national security.
The killings of Andrew Peter and Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia are just two heartbreaking examples.
Both men served faithfully but lost their lives due to unchecked violence.

Final Thoughts

The Diocese of Auchi continues to stand in mourning.
Andrew Peter died as a young seminarian dedicated to his faith and service.
His funeral marks not only an end but also a plea for justice and peace.

The church calls on the government to protect its people and prioritize safety.
While the community prepares to bury Andrew, they hold onto hope.
They pray that one day, such tragedies will end—and peace will return to Nigeria.