By Emma Eko
Unidentified gunmen have stormed Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary Thursday night, killing a security guard and abducting some minor seminarians.
The incident occurred at about 9pm on Thursday 10 July, 2025 at the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, located along the Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area of Auchi, Edo State.
According to a press statement signed by the Diocesan Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, “a personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corp, Mr. Christopher Aweneghieme stationed at the Seminary was killed while three minor Seminarians were abducted and led into the bush. At this moment, the other Seminarians have been temporarily relocated to safe area until security measures around the Seminary are tightened. Unfortunately, no communication has been had with the abductors yet.
The Chief Shepherd of the Diocese, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia, has appealed to security agencies to do more to intensify efforts to protect lives and property of the people. The Bishop has also directed all priests of the Diocese to organise a Votive Mass of the Precious Blood of Jesus to be celebrated in the diocese.
It will be recalled that the Rector of the Seminary, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, was previously kidnapped by Fulani herdsmen on October 27 last year during Benediction with seminarians in Ivianokpodi, Edo State, Nigeria.
The Catholic Diocese of Auchi requests all people of goodwill to join the faithful of the Diocese to pray for the repose of the soul of Mr. Christopher Aweneghieme and for the speedy and safe release of the abducted Seminarians.
