The Edo State Police Command has intensified efforts to rescue three seminarians abducted by gunmen during an attack on the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School in Ivianokpodi, Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area.
The assault, which occurred around 9pm on Thursday, July 10, 2025, also claimed the life of a Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps officer posted to the school. A member of the local vigilante group was also critically injured.
Confirming the incident, the Director of Social Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Reverend Father Peter Egielewa, condemned the continued targeting of Catholic institutions and lamented the growing insecurity.
“We are deeply saddened by this brutal and repeated assault on our school. It’s painful that the lives of innocent students and those protecting them continue to be endangered,” Egielewa said.
In response to the incident, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, visited the school the following day, July 11, to assess the damage, commiserate with the victims, and mobilize resources to secure the release of the abducted students.
A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Yamu, noted that the Commissioner was accompanied by top-ranking officers including the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations, the Area Commander of Agenebode, and the Officer in Charge of the anti-kidnapping unit.
“This senseless act of violence against a religious institution and innocent young students is not only barbaric but also a direct assault on public peace and security,” the statement read.
The Commissioner assured that tactical teams, including the Anti-Kidnapping and Intelligence units, have been deployed and are working closely with other security agencies, vigilantes, and local hunters to track down the perpetrators and safely rescue the students.
“We will not rest until those behind this reprehensible act are apprehended and brought to justice,” Agbonika affirmed. “The command stands in solidarity with the Catholic Diocese of Auchi and the family of the deceased NSCDC officer during this tragic period.”
