The Catholic Diocese of Auchi in Edo State on Friday urged President Bola Tinubu, Governor Monday Okpebholo, and security agencies to assist in the release of two seminarians from the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi Agenebode, Etsako East local government area.
The seminarians were kidnapped on the night of July 10, 2025, and have spent 35 days in their captors’ den.
In a recent viral video, the two juveniles are seen holding dried human skulls and pleading for donations to be raised for their release.
In a statement, the diocese’s Director of Communication, Rev. Fr Peter Egielewa, stated that the diocese, led by Bishop Gabriel Dunia, has been traumatised since the video aired and called for the children’s release.
The statement read, “As the chief shepherd of the Diocese, I feel personally hurt and disturbed that my seminarians, our children, have been living with armed strangers for 35 days now.
“I find it difficult to sleep these days because of this. We have been praying since their kidnapping, and again, I call on people everywhere to please pray with us.”
He stated that three students were actually kidnapped after the killing of the security personnel on duty, but the third one was released a few days after because he was injured and they went away with the two.
He added, “A personnel of the Nigerian Civil Defence, Mr Christopher Aweneghieme, stationed at the seminary was killed, and three minor seminarians were abducted and led into the bush.
“However, on the 18th of July 2025, one of the seminarians, who was injured, was released by the abductors, leaving the other two with them. The Diocese of Auchi has been in contact with the kidnappers, urging them to release the remaining two seminarians.
“The Bishop of the Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr Gabriel Dunia, calls on the president of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and all security agencies in the country to do the needful and help rescue our children from the hands of the kidnappers.
“Coincidentally, since the minor seminary attack, there have been several kidnap cases in Edo North in particular and Edo State. 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 are deeply worried about how this abnormality has become normal, and it appears our people are just left on their own to continue to live in such an environment of perpetual fear and terror. It shouldn’t be. We beg that Edo North be secured so that our people can once again live in peace and safety.”
The Catholic Bishop of Auchi established the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in 2006 to train future priests, and more than 500 students have graduated from the church school.
