(LifeSiteNews) — In a July 11 press release, the Diocese of Auchi in Edo State, Nigeria, reported that at around 9 p.m. on Thursday, several gunmen attacked the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, killing one security guard and kidnapping three seminarians.
“At this moment, the other seminarians have temporarily been relocated to a safe area until security measures around the Seminary are tightened,” wrote director of communications Fr. Peter Egielewa.
“Unfortunately, no communication has been had with the abductors yet.”
Police officers who investigated the scene of the murder and kidnapping described the event as a “senseless act of violence against a religious institution and innocent young students.”
The security guard who was killed, Christopher Aweneghieme, was employed by the Vulnerable People Project (VPP), an initiative founded by Catholic humanitarian Jason Jones.
The incident marks the second time the Immaculate Conception seminary was attacked within a year. On October 27, 2024, assailants attacked the seminary and attempted to abduct two seminarians. In a courageous act, Fr. Thomas Oyode, the seminary’s rector, offered himself in their place. As a result, Fr. Oyode was held captive for a total of 11 days before being released.
READ: Security guard murdered while defending Catholic seminarians in Nigeria
In response to the shocking news, Bishop Gabriel Dunia called on security agencies to increase their proactivity in securing seminaries. The bishop further directed that all priests within the Diocese of Auchi offer the Votive Mass of the Precious Blood of Jesus on Monday, July 14, for the safe return of the kidnapped seminarians.
In addition, the recitation of the Holy Rosary and Sunday Benediction was directed for the “divine protection for all the faithful of the Diocese, Edo State, and Nigeria until further notice.”
These kidnappings reflect a broader pattern of clergy abductions occurring across Nigeria. Vatican News reported that between 2015 and 2025, 145 Nigerian priests were abducted while 11 were killed.
Hostage-taking in Nigeria has become a lucrative industry for insurgents such as the Islamic terror group Boko Haram. Since 2009, Boko Haram has conducted mass kidnappings, including those of school children, particularly in the northeast and northwest Nigerian regions.
Concluding the press release on behalf of the Diocese of Auchi, Fr. Peter urged all the faithful to pray for the deceased security guard and for the swift release of the captives.
“The Catholic Diocese of Auchi requests all people of goodwill to join the faithful of the Diocese to pray for the repose of the soul of Mr. Christopher Aweneghieme and for the speedy release of the abducted seminarians unharmed.”
