Two minor seminarians abducted from the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode, Edo State, have now spent 35 days in captivity, heightening fears over rising insecurity in Edo North.
The development follows the release of a disturbing viral video showing the boys in distress, clutching what appeared to be a human skull, while surrounded by armed men suspected to be their captors. In the footage, the children were seen tearfully begging for their freedom.
The seminarians were among three boys seized on the night of July 10, 2025, when gunmen invaded the seminary. During the attack, a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer, Mr. Christopher Aweneghieme, who was on guard duty, was killed. One of the abducted boys, who sustained injuries, was freed on July 18, 2025, while the remaining two remain in captivity.
In a statement on Friday, the Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, described the situation as deeply painful and personally distressing.
“As the chief shepherd of the Diocese, I feel personally hurt and disturbed that my seminarians, our children, are living with armed strangers for 35 days now. I find it difficult to sleep because of this. We have been praying since their kidnap, and again, I call on people everywhere to please pray with us,” he said.
Bishop Dunia explained that the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, founded in 2006, has so far graduated more than 500 students and remains a vital institution for training future priests.
He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and relevant security agencies to urgently “do the needful” to ensure the release of the boys and restore security in Edo North.
“It appears kidnappers in Nigeria have suddenly found a convenient place of operation in Edo North and Edo State. Our people feel frustrated and helpless. We beg that Edo North be secured so our people can once again live in peace and safety,” the Bishop added.
The Diocese also paid tribute to the late NSCDC officer, Mr. Aweneghieme, describing him as a dedicated officer who died in the line of duty.
