Gunmen have launched a second deadly attack on the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, killing a security officer and abducting three seminarians.

The attack occurred at about 9 p.m. on Thursday, 10 July, when heavily armed assailants stormed the seminary premises from three different directions. The victims were caught unprepared as seminarians and priests fled for safety. In the chaos, three seminarians were seized and taken away, while a security officer, identified as Mr Christopher Aweneghieme, was shot and killed.

The seminary, which falls under the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, was previously attacked in October 2024. In that incident, the Rector, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, was kidnapped and later released traumatised.

A seminarian working in a nearby parish was also killed during the earlier attack.

Director of Communications for the Diocese, Fr. Peter Egielewa, in a release, said: “This is the second time the seminary has been attacked in less than a year. This time, three seminarians were abducted and one civil defence officer was killed. It is a heartbreaking situation.”

Local vigilantes reportedly began a pursuit of the kidnappers before police reinforcements arrived. The Commissioner of Police has since visited the scene and promised swift action, including the deployment of officers to support rescue efforts.

The Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Gabriel Dunia, has called for urgent government intervention and asked the public to pray for the safe return of the abducted seminarians and the peaceful repose of Mr Aweneghieme’s soul.