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At Burial, Seminarian Murdered by Abductors in Nigeria Eulogized as “shining example of a life dedicated to the Lord”

Jude Atemanke

By Jude Atemanke

Auchi, 28 March, 2025 / 10:49 pm (ACI Africa).

Andrew Peter, the Seminarian abducted and murdered in Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Auchi on March 13 was a “shining example” of dedication to the Lord in His service, the homilist at his burial has said.

Fr. Terence Egwaogie, who had personally known Seminarian Andrew highlighted other virtues of the late 21-year-old Major Seminarian that he said inspired those who “knew him.”

“Brother Andrew Peter was a shining example of a life dedicated to the Lord. As a Seminarian, he was dedicated to serving the Lord and His people,” Fr. Terence said during the Wednesday, March 26 Funeral Mass held at the Priestly Cemetery at Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary of Auchi Diocese, Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode.

He added, “His selflessness, humility, and leadership were an inspiration to all who knew him. As a Parish Priest, I had the privilege of witnessing his growth and development as a young man of faith.”

“His commitment to his vocation was evident in everything he did, from the active participation in the church activities to his kindness and compassion towards others,” the Nigerian Catholic Priest said.

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He continued, “Brother Andrew Peter was not just his own personal achievement, was not just about him, but about those around him. He was very committed in serving others and his community, the societies to which he belonged, I talk about the altar boys, the Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, they are talking well of him. He was there for them.”

“As we mourn the loss of our dear Seminarian, we are also reminded of the violence and insecurity that plagues our nation,” Fr. Terence said in his homily on March 26.

He went on to lament the senseless killings, kidnappings, and displacement of communities.

“The senseless killing of innocent lives, the kidnapping of Priests and ordinary citizens, and the dispersion of communities are all a stack of reminders of the darkness that threatens our lives and existence. But even as in the midst of this darkness, we are called to be beacons of hope. We are called to promote peace,” he said.

As a Church, the Nigerian Catholic Priest continued, “we will continue to advocate for security and stand in solidarity with the victims of violence and their families.”

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To the grieving family, Fr. Terence offered words of comfort, saying, “Be consoled because your son lived a worthy life. People speak well of him. He was humble, gentle, and greeted everyone he met. Even strangers have testified to his goodness. His life was a testament to his faith. He died professing what he believed.”

“May the Lord continue to comfort you in your grief and grant you the strength to carry on. May the memory of your loved one continue to inspire you to live your lives faithfully,” he added.

Fr. Terence lauded the Local Ordinary of Auchi Diocese, Bishop Gabriel Ghiakhomo Dunia, for the gesture of allowing Seminarian Andrew to be laid to rest at the Priests’ Cemetery.

“This is a great honour to the Church, to the family, and to the entire community. It is a recognition of the faithful life he lived,” Fr. Terence said, and implored, “May his soul rest in peace, and may his memory inspire us to live our faith more faithfully.”

“Let us stand together in the face of adversity and continue to be a beacon of hope in our community,” he further implored.

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Seminarian Andrew was abducted on March 3 from St. Peter’s Iviukhua-Agenebode Catholic Parish Rectory of Auchi Diocese alongside Fr. Philip Ekweli. Fr. Ekweli was released.

In his remarks during the March 26 funeral Mass, Bishop Dunia called for faith and resilience following the tragic death of Seminarian Andrew.

“Those who think we have suffered disaster, we have not suffered disaster,” he said, adding that Seminarian Andrew’s “sacrifice would inspire future generations.”

He expressed confidence that more vocations to Priestly and Religious Life would emerge from late Seminarian Andrew’s family and community to ensure the continuation of the mission of the Church.

Bishop Dunia also reflected on the spiritual significance of Seminarian Andrew’s passing, stating that his journey was shortened so he could be with the Lord. 

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He reassured the late Seminarian’s family of the spiritual solidarity and support, and added, “The work he has done now, a great soldier of Christ, he has done the same work.”

The Nigerian Catholic Church leader called on the people of God to stand firm in their faith, and cautioned against giving in to fear or intimidation. 

“We are not afraid; we are not going to move away from our land. We will stay here; this place will be more secure than ever in times to come,” he said.

Bishop Dunia implored, “May the God Almighty, through the intercession of Blessed Virgin Mary, pour heavenly blessings of consolation, peace, joy, and love.”

Jude Atemanke

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.