The Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Edo State, has made a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, and security agencies to intervene in securing the release of two abducted seminarians. The victims, both minors from the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area, were kidnapped on July 10, 2025, and have now spent 35 days in captivity.
In a statement on Friday, the Director of Communication of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, said the church had been traumatised since a disturbing video emerged showing the boys holding dried human skulls while pleading for funds to secure their freedom. Egielewa, speaking on behalf of Bishop Gabriel Dunia, lamented the emotional toll on the church and community, stressing that prayers had been ongoing since the incident.
According to the diocese, three seminarians were initially kidnapped after armed assailants killed Civil Defence officer Christopher Aweneghieme, who was on duty at the seminary. One of the victims, injured during the attack, was released eight days later, while the other two remain in the custody of the abductors. The church said it has been in direct contact with the kidnappers, appealing for the safe return of the children.
Bishop Dunia also expressed concern over the rising cases of kidnapping in Edo North, noting that the region appears to have become a “convenient base” for criminal operations. “Our people feel frustrated and helpless. This abnormality has become normal, and it appears our people have been left on their own to live in fear and terror,” the statement read, urging urgent government action to restore peace and security.
Established in 2006, the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary has trained over 500 students for the priesthood. The diocese stressed that the safety of its students and the wider community now depends on swift and decisive action from authorities to end the wave of insecurity.
