Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
Auchi (Agenzia Fides) – An armed attack took place at the “Immaculate Conception” diocesan minor seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Edo State, Nigeria. Three young seminarians were kidnapped by an armed group. A security officer was killed during the assault on the seminary.A statement issued by the Diocese of Auchi stated that the kidnapping took place shortly after 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 10.Bishop Gabriel Dunia, expressing his grief and that of the entire local Church for the death of Nigerian Civil Defense Corps officer Christopher Aweneghieme and the kidnapping of the three young seminarians, requested that the votive Mass of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus be celebrated in all parishes these days to pray for God to enlighten the hearts and minds of the kidnappers.At this time, the Diocese of Auchi stated, no contact has been established with the kidnappers.Police officers investigating the incident described the incident in a statement as a “senseless act of violence against a religious institution and innocent young students,” defining the attack as “not only barbaric, but also a direct attack on public peace and security.”For security reasons, the other seminarians present in the building have been “temporarily transferred to a secure area until security measures around the seminary are strengthened.”The same Seminary was attacked by a group of armed men on October 27, 2024 (see Fides, 29/10/2024). On that occasion, Father Thomas Oyode, Rector of the seminary, was kidnapped and taken into the bush, offering himself as a hostage in place of the two young seminarians whom the bandits were taking. On that occasion, Father Oyode was released after 11 days of captivity. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 12/7/2025)
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