Gunmen have once again struck in Edo State, launching a brutal attack on the Catholic Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School in Ivianokpodi, Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area. The armed assailants, who invaded the school around 9 p.m. on Thursday night, killed an operative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and kidnapped three students.
The gunmen, described as ruthless and heavily armed, also shot and wounded a member of the local vigilante group before fleeing with their young captives. The attack marks the second time in less than a year that the seminary has been targeted.
Confirming the incident, the Director of Social Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, lamented the recurring assaults on Catholic institutions in the region. “This is the second time in 10 months that gunmen have attacked the school. The first time, a priest was abducted. Now, three seminarians have been taken, a Civil Defence officer killed, and a vigilante injured,” he said.
Gunmen seen heavily armed in a remote location, highlighting the growing security challenges in Nigeria.
Fr. Egielewa called on government authorities and security agencies at all levels to take swift action to ensure the safety of Catholic personnel and facilities. “We appeal to the government to provide better security for all those working in Catholic institutions and across our Diocese. Our people deserve to live in peace and without fear,” he added.
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A local resident, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed that gunmen had also kidnapped two brothers in the area just last month. Despite receiving a ₦36 million ransom, the attackers allegedly refused to release the victims and demanded an additional ₦6 million.
