Tragedy struck again at the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, as gunmen launched a second violent attack on the Catholic institution.
The latest incident, which occurred around 9 pm on Thursday, July 10, left a civil defence officer dead and three seminarians abducted.
According to eyewitness reports, the attackers, armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the seminary from three different directions, catching residents off guard.
In the chaos that followed, many priests and seminarians fled for safety, but three of the seminarians were seized by the invaders.
The slain officer was later identified as Mr. Christopher Aweneghieme.
This is not the first time the seminary has come under attack. In October 2024, it was targeted by gunmen who abducted the Rector, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, and killed a seminarian serving at a nearby parish.
Though Fr. Oyode was eventually released, he returned deeply traumatized.
Confirming the latest incident, Fr. Peter Egielewa, Director of Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, expressed deep sorrow over the recurrence of violence.“
this is the second time the seminary has been attacked in less than a year. this time, three seminarians were abducted and one civil defence officer was killed. it is a heartbreaking situation,” he said.
Following the attack, local vigilantes initiated a pursuit of the kidnappers before police reinforcements arrived at the scene.
The Commissioner of Police later visited the seminary and promised urgent action, including enhanced security measures and the deployment of officers to assist in rescue operations.
In response to the tragic events, the Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, appealed to the authorities and the general public:
He called for “urgent government intervention” and asked for continued prayers for the safe return of the abducted seminarians and the peaceful repose of Mr. Aweneghieme’s soul.
The community remains in shock as the search for the kidnapped seminarians intensifies and the diocese grapples with another round of trauma.
Security forces have vowed to intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators and ensure the safety of religious institutions across the state.
