A tragic attack on the Catholic Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivianokpodi, Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, has left one officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) dead and three seminarians abducted.
The incident occurred around 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). A local vigilante also sustained gunshot wounds during the raid.
Confirming the development, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, Director of Social Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, condemned the attack in strong terms, expressing deep concern over the recurring assaults on Catholic institutions.
“We are deeply saddened and condemn in the strongest terms this act of violence,” Egielewa stated. “This is the second attack on the school in just 10 months. The last time, a priest was kidnapped. Now, three seminarians have been taken, and a security officer has been killed.”
Egielewa called on government authorities at all levels to take immediate action to ensure the protection of lives and property within the Catholic community.
“We urge the government to protect those who work in Catholic institutions and our diocese. We look to security agencies at the local, state, and federal levels to take their responsibilities seriously, so our people can live in peace and safety,” he said.
