Suspected kidnappers have abducted three seminarians in Edo State and killed a personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the process. A member of the local vigilante group also sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.
The gunmen reportedly launched the attack on the Catholic Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, located at Ivianokpodi, Agenebode, in Etsako East Local Government Area, around 9pm on Thursday.
The deceased NSCDC personnel was attached to the Catholic school for security duties.
Confirming the incident, Reverend Father Peter Egielewa, Director of Social Communications, Catholic Diocese of Auchi, expressed strong condemnation of the attack and the persistent targeting of Catholic facilities and personnel in the area.
“This is the second time in 10 months that the school has been attacked. Ten months ago, a priest was kidnapped. Now, three seminarians have been abducted, a civil defence corps member killed, and a local vigilante injured,” Fr. Egielewa said.
The Diocese called on the government to prioritise the protection of lives within Catholic institutions and expressed hope that security agencies at the local, state, and federal levels would take responsibility to ensure peace and safety for all.