Gunmen invaded the Catholic Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School in Ivianokpodi, Etsako East LGA of Edo State on Thursday night, abducting three seminarians and killing a Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer attached to the school. A vigilante member was also severely injured in the attack, which took place around 9 p.m. The assault has drawn widespread condemnation, especially as it comes less than a year after a similar attack in which a priest and another individual were kidnapped and one victim was killed.
Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, Director of Social Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, confirmed the incident on Friday and expressed deep concern over repeated attacks on the institution, its staff, and facilities. He emphasized the traumatic impact on both the clergy and the community, decrying the lack of adequate security despite previous incidents.
In swift response, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, visited the seminary alongside top police officials, including the Deputy Commissioner of Operations and the Area Commander. He described the assault as a barbaric act and a direct affront to public safety and religious institutions. He pledged that the police would intensify efforts to secure the release of the students and ensure justice for the perpetrators.
To this end, the police command has deployed tactical teams, including Anti-Kidnapping and Intelligence units, to collaborate with other security agencies, vigilantes, and local hunters in a coordinated rescue and apprehension effort. The CP assured the public of the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and restoring order, vowing that those responsible for the crime would be tracked down and brought to justice.
