A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Peter Ebhota Udo has been confirmed dead.

Father Udo reportedly died of hypertension 22 months after he regained freedom from kidnappers in Edo State.

Recall that Rev. Udo, the parish priest of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Uromi in Esan North East Local Government Area of the state was kidnapped alongside Rev. Fr. Philemon Oboh of St. Joseph retreat centre, Ugboha, in July 2022.

The priests were rescued unhurt by security operatives on July 6, 2022.

Meanwhile, colleagues and parishioners have taken to Facebook to mourn the beloved priest.

A Catholic priest, Fr. Kay, who confirmed the sad news in a Facebook post on Friday, October 13, 2023, said Rev Udo survived two kidnappings.

“Dear Rev Fr Peter Udo, the Priest of Impossible Cases, I can’t believe you’re no more. Life is a mystery. Just yesterday, you wished me happy birthday as I sat typing my morning reflection,” he wrote.

“I had previously wondered why you couldn’t make it to my birthday celebration. Unknown to us, you were already struggling with pains. But it is well. You were a man of peace. A joy giver, a light in the dark, and a priest who poured out his entire life for others. An Iroko tree has fallen! But God knows best. You survived two kidnappings, only to be felled by blood pressure? You’ll be sorely missed. We love you, but God loves you more. Keep resting in the Bosom of the Lord, till we meet to part no more! Earth’s loss is heaven’s gain. Udoooooo! Pray for us who are still here. At your Requiem Mass yesterday, men and women of the CONCLAVE WEPT. In fact, Jesus wept too! May God grant your family, friends, and loved ones, the fortitude to bear this great loss. Amen. Requiescat in Pace! Please say a prayer for the peaceful repose of Rev. Fr. Udo Peter,”

Ekas Anastasia, wrote: “You suffered from the hands of kidnappers for days and month and survived, now blood pressure took you away from us. I will forever miss you Fr. peter udo. you were a friend and father to many, you were so compassionate about souls for God, you were a padre with a kind heart, you care about others more than yourself, may God accept your soul and give you rest . Amen, good night padre, good night servant of the most high, till we meet again in the lord,”

“This is very hard to believe …You were strong this morning and now the sudden news of your demise,who would believe this. You were a great teacher. Earth has lost but Heaven has gained a Treasure…We are comforted by the life you lived while here on Earth. Rest in power great man, Rev. Fr. Peter Udo Ebhota,” another parishioner wrote.