Bishop Gabriel Dunia of Auchi diocese has called on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo state to urgently intervene in the rescue of two seminarians abducted by gunmen in Etsako East.
The cleric made the appeal in a statement on Thursday signed by Revd Peter Egielewa, director of communications for the diocese.
Dunia said the seminarians have spent 35 days in captivity, adding that their ordeal was captured in a disturbing viral video circulating on social media.
The footage shows two young boys, believed to be the kidnapped seminarians, holding what appears to be a human skull as they cry and plead for help while surrounded by gunmen.
The boys were among three seminarians kidnapped on July 10, 2025, when gunmen attacked the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode, Etsako East LGA of Edo state.
The church confirmed that one of the victims, who was injured, was released on July 18, leaving two still in captivity.
Dunia said: “As the chief shepherd of the diocese, I feel personally hurt and disturbed that my seminarians, our children, are living with armed strangers for 35 days now.
“I find it difficult to sleep these days because of this. We have been praying since their kidnap, and again I call on people everywhere to please pray with us.”
The Bishop urged President Tinubu, Governor Okpebholo, and security agencies to “do the needful and help rescue our children from the hands of the kidnappers”.
He also lamented the growing insecurity in Edo North and called for urgent action to restore peace.
His words: “It appears kidnappers in Nigeria have suddenly found a convenient place of operation in Edo North and Edo state.
“Our people feel frustrated and helpless. We are deeply worried about how this abnormality has become normal, and it appears our people are just left on their own to continue living in an environment of perpetual fear and terror.
“It shouldn’t be. We beg that Edo North be secured so that our people can once again live in peace and safety.”
The church said it has maintained contact with the kidnappers in a bid to secure the release of the remaining boys.