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Local government

Fresh Attack on Edo Catholic Seminary: NSCDC Officer Killed, Three Seminarians Abducted

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Tragedy struck again in Edo State as armed gunmen killed an officer of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and abducted three Catholic seminarians at the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivianokpodi, Agenebode in Etsako East Local Government Area. The attack occurred around 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2025, leaving a local vigilante with gunshot wounds. This is the second attack on the seminary in less than a year, with a priest being kidnapped about 10 months ago. The Director of Social Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Reverend Father Peter Egielewa, condemned the persistent attacks on Catholic institutions in the region, describing the latest assault as 'deeply troubling and unacceptable.'

Key Takeaways:

  • An officer of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was killed during a violent attack on the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Etsako East Local Government Area.
  • Three Catholic seminarians were abducted by armed gunmen on Thursday night, July 10, 2025.
  • This incident marks the second attack on the seminary in less than a year, following the kidnapping of a priest about 10 months ago.
  • A local vigilante sustained gunshot wounds during the attack.
  • The Catholic Diocese of Auchi has condemned the persistent attacks on Catholic institutions in the region, describing the latest assault as 'deeply troubling and unacceptable.'
  • The diocese has appealed to the federal, state, and local governments to strengthen security around Catholic institutions and communities in Edo State.
  • Kidnappings in the area are on the rise, with two brothers being abducted and their family paying a ransom of N35 million just last month.
  • A blood money demand of N6 million was allegedly made to the family despite releasing the victims.
  • A previous incident on March 3, 2025, resulted in the kidnapping of Rev. Father Philip Ekeli and Seminarian Peter Andrew, with the seminarian being killed and the priest released after a ransom was reportedly paid.

Statistics:

  • One NSCDC officer was killed during the attack.
  • Three Catholic seminarians were abducted.
  • A local vigilante sustained gunshot wounds.
  • Kidnapping ransom paid: N35 million.
  • Demanded ransom: N6 million (further demanded after initial ransom payment).

Sources:

  • DAILY POST
  • Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Reverend Father Peter Egielewa.

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