By Charles Igwe
Three young Catholic seminarians are still in captivity days after they were abducted from a minor seminary in Edo state, and their kidnappers have now demanded a ransom for their release.
The students, aged 14 to 17, were taken on Thursday, July 10, when armed men stormed the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Edo State, under the Diocese of Auchi. The attackers also killed the seminary’s security guard, Christopher Aweneghieme, who was a member of the Nigerian Civil Defense Corps.
Bishop Gabriel Dunia of Auchi confirmed to international Catholic aid organizations that contact has been made with the kidnappers and that negotiations are ongoing. “The seminarians are still in the hands of their kidnappers,” he said. “They have asked for ransom, and talks are underway.”
According to the bishop, the gunmen are believed to be from the Fulani ethnic group, a detail that has further heightened fears among local Christians. “They came in large numbers, and it was impossible to stop them,” Bishop Dunia stated. “We don’t know what they want specifically, but the pattern is becoming clearer—Christian communities and institutions are under siege.”
This latest attack has shaken the seminary community, which provides early priestly formation for over 500 boys. As a precaution, the remaining students have been moved to safer locations where they are currently taking their end-of-term examinations. The seminary will remain closed until stronger security measures, including fencing and surveillance, are put in place.
Bishop Dunia said the diocese has reached out to Nigerian authorities, calling on the civilian government to act swiftly. “We’ve made our appeals, and although we’ve received promises, there has been no concrete action so far,” he said.
This is the second major attack on the seminary in less than a year. In October, the rector, Father Thomas Oyode, was kidnapped by armed men during evening prayers. He volunteered to go with them in place of the seminarians and was later released after eleven days.
As the community prays for the safe return of the kidnapped boys, Bishop Dunia is calling on the wider public for help. “We appeal to everyone—please pray for us, support us in any way possible, and help us fight this growing insecurity. Our local efforts are no longer enough.”
