Suspected kidnappers on Thursday night attacked the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivianokpodi, Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, killing an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and abducting three students.

Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa of the Directorate of Social Communications, Catholic Diocese of Auchi, confirmed the incident on Friday, saying the gunmen stormed the school around 9:00 p.m.

He condemned the repeated attacks on Catholic institutions, revealing that this is the second assault on the seminary in just 10 months.

“Ten months ago, a priest was kidnapped. Now, three seminarians have been taken and a civil defence officer killed. A local vigilante also sustained gunshot injuries,” Egielewa lamented.

He called on the government at all levels to rise to the challenge of protecting personnel and facilities of the Catholic Church.

“We expect urgent and decisive action from security agencies to restore peace and ensure the safe return of the abducted students,” he added.