Another Tragic Attack on Catholic Seminary
In yet another disturbing incident, armed assailants launched a violent attack on the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School in Ivianokpodi, Agenebode, situated in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State. The assault, which occurred around 9 p.m. on Thursday night, resulted in the abduction of three seminarians.
Gunmen Kill NSCDC Officer, Injure Vigilante
Eyewitness accounts and security sources confirm that the attackers, described as “daredevil hoodlums”, not only kidnapped the students but also killed an operative of the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) who was on guard duty at the school. A local vigilante man was also seriously injured during the firefight as he attempted to fend off the attackers.
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Second Attack on the Seminary in 10 Months
Reverend Father Peter Egielewa, Director of Social Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, confirmed the incident and expressed deep concern. He noted that this marks the second time in less than a year that the seminary has been targeted.
“This is the second time in 10 months that the school has been attacked,” said Fr. Egielewa. “Ten months ago, a priest was abducted. Now, three seminarians have been taken, a Civil Defence officer murdered, and a vigilante wounded. We are devastated.”
Auchi Diocese Raises Alarm Over Targeted Assaults
The Diocese of Auchi has raised alarm over what appears to be deliberate and targeted attacks on Catholic institutions in the region. Rev. Egielewa urged government authorities to take urgent action to prevent further loss of lives and safeguard students, staff, and church property.
“We call on the government to protect the lives of all those who work in Catholic institutions within our Diocese,” he said. “We expect local, state, and federal security agencies to take this seriously so our people can live in peace and safety.”
Community Left in Fear as Kidnappings Rise
This latest attack adds to the rising insecurity in the area, with locals now living in constant fear. A resident, who requested anonymity, recalled a similar incident just last month in which two brothers were kidnapped. Despite their family paying a ransom of ₦36 million, the victims were not released.
Family Paid ₦36m Ransom – Yet Victims Held
“The kidnappers collected ₦36 million, yet they refused to free the two brothers. They’re now demanding an extra ₦6 million,” the source revealed, highlighting the alarming trend of ransom inflation and the ruthlessness of the criminals.
Catholic Church and Residents Demand Government Action
With back-to-back attacks on the seminary and persistent kidnappings in the region, both the Church and the local residents are calling on the Nigerian government to improve intelligence gathering and provide sufficient security personnel to patrol vulnerable communities.
