Gunmen Storm Catholic Seminary in Edo, Kill Officer, Kidnap 3 Students in Night Attack

According to a NewsVista reporter, tragedy struck Edo State on Wednesday night, July 9, 2025, after armed men attacked the Catholic Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School in Ivianokpodi, Etsako East LGA, killing a civil defence officer and kidnapping three seminarians.

The gunmen, who stormed the school around 9PM, also shot and injured a local vigilante guarding the premises.

Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, spokesperson for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, confirmed the attack, calling it the second assault on the Catholic institution within 10 months. He recalled that a priest was kidnapped months earlier, and now, students have become targets.

“They killed an officer of the NSCDC, shot one of our local security men, and abducted three of our boys,” he said.

A community source revealed that this incident comes just weeks after two brothers were kidnapped in the same area — and even after paying ₦36 million in ransom, the kidnappers allegedly demanded another ₦6 million before release.

Fr. Egielewa called on government at all levels to act immediately, warning that persistent attacks on Catholic institutions have put both students and workers in fear.

The Diocese is pleading for stronger protection before more lives are lost.