By Paschal Norbert
EDO STATE, JULY 15, 2025 (CISA) – Gunmen attacked the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivianokpodi, Etsako East LGA, Edo State, Nigeria, late on the evening of July 10, 2025. The assailants killed a Nigerian Civil Defense officer and abducted three seminarians, sending shockwaves through the local community and the Catholic Diocese of Auchi.
Rt Rev Gabriel Dunia, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi who founded the minor seminary in 2006, condemned the attack, offering condolences and calling for swift action to secure the safe release of the abducted students.
The attack occurred around 9:00 p.m. when the gunmen stormed the seminary, killing a Mr. Christopher Awenegheime, a security officer stationed at the institution. In addition to the loss of the security official’s life, three seminarians were taken by the assailants and led into the nearby bush, with no contact from the abductors reported at the time of the diocese’s press release.
“We sympathize with the family of the deceased and pray for the repose of his soul while asking for prayers for the swift release of our seminarians,” said Fr Peter Egielewa, Director of Social Communications for the Diocese of Auchi, in a statement released on July 11.
In a bid to address the rising tension, the Commissioner of Police for Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, visited the scene of the attack on July 11, 2025. Accompanied by senior police officers, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations and the Officer in Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit. CP Agbonika assessed the situation and reassured the public of a concerted effort to track down the perpetrators.
“This senseless act of violence against a religious institution and innocent students is a direct assault on public peace and security,” CP Agbonika stated. He further confirmed that a massive manhunt had been launched, with tactical teams, local vigilantes, and hunters now involved in the search for the abducted seminarians.
The Commissioner emphasized that Edo State Police were committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice, urging the public to provide any credible information that could assist in the investigation.
“We will not relent until those behind this reprehensible act are brought to justice,” Agbonika declared.
As the search for the abducted seminarians continues, both the Catholic Diocese of Auchi and the police are calling for public cooperation to ensure a safe and swift resolution. The Diocese of Auchi has appealed to all people of goodwill to pray for the safe return of the seminarians and the repose of the fallen security officer’s soul.
