Gunmen Kill NSCDC Officer, Abduct 3 Seminarians in Edo

Gunmen have attacked the Catholic Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivianokpodi, Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, killing an official of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and abducting three seminarians.

The Catholic Diocese of Auchi confirmed the incident in a statement released on Saturday. According to the Director of Social Communications for the diocese, Fr. Peter Egielewa, this is the second time in 10 months that the seminary has come under attack.

The diocese expressed deep concern over the repeated targeting of the Catholic institution, its staff, and facilities. It described the attacks as deeply troubling and completely unacceptable. In addition to the three abducted seminarians, the recent incident left one NSCDC official dead and a local vigilante injured.

The previous attack occurred in October 2024, when the seminary’s rector, Thomas Oyode, was kidnapped while priests and seminarians were observing evening prayers and benediction. He was later released.

Following the latest assault, the Edo State Police Command has pledged to apprehend those responsible. The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, visited the scene of the attack to assess the situation. He offered condolences to the affected community and assured that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are working to rescue the abducted seminarians and bring the attackers to justice.

It urged the government and security agencies at the local, state, and federal levels to step up protection efforts and ensure the safety of Catholic facilities and those who serve within them.

In response to the attack, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, visited the scene to assess the situation. He extended condolences to the affected community and vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. The police command also announced that efforts were underway to rescue the abducted seminarians and restore calm to the area.

As of the time of this report, the identities of the kidnapped individuals have not been released, and security operations are ongoing.