Gunmen Kidnap Three Seminarians, Kill NSCDC Officer in Edo

Three students of the Catholic Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivianokpodi, Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, have been reportedly abducted by suspected kidnappers during a violent night raid that also claimed the life of a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer.

The attack occurred around 9pm on Wednesday when the assailants stormed the premises of the seminary. A local vigilante attached to the school also sustained gunshot injuries during the incident.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, described the attack as deeply troubling, noting it was the second time in 10 months that the school had come under siege.

“Ten months ago, a priest was kidnapped, and now three seminarians have been abducted. A civil defence corps officer was killed and a local vigilante wounded by gunmen,” he said.

Fr. Egielewa expressed grave concern over the repeated targeting of the Catholic institution and its personnel. He called on all levels of government to urgently step in.

“We hope the security agencies at the local, state and federal level take up the responsibility on that, so our people can be in peace and safety,” he added.

A community source, speaking under anonymity, recalled that a similar incident had occurred late last month when two brothers were kidnapped in the area. Although the family paid a ransom of N36 million, the gunmen reportedly demanded an additional N6 million and still failed to release the victims.

“But they refused to release the victim after the ransom payment and demanded additional N6 million from the family,” the source alleged.

The latest incident has heightened fears in the region and reignited calls for more proactive security measures around educational institutions and religious facilities in Edo State.