BREAKING NEWS: Minor Seminary in Ivianokpodi Agenebode Under Bandits Attack, School’s Security Personnel Killed
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Minor Seminary of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi in Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East local government area of Edo State was yesterday, 10th July attacked by several gunmen that led to the death of school’s security personnel while three seminarians were abducted and led into the bush by the bandits.
The late security personnel, Mr. Christopher Aweneghieme is with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).
In a statement signed by Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Auchi and made available The9JaTREND disclosed that the attacked which occurred at about 9.00pm, led to the temporarily relocation of other seminarians to a safe area until security measures around the Seminary are tightened.
The statement reads:
“Diocesan Minor Seminary attacked, security personnel killed, 3 seminarians abducted
“The Catholic Diocese of Auchi announces that at about 9pm on Thursday 10th of July 2025, the Priests and Seminarians of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East LGA of Edo State, were attacked by several gunmen. In the process, the Nigerian Civil Defense Security official, Mr. Christopher Aweneghieme, stationed at the Seminary was killed, and three minor seminarians were abducted and led into the bush. At this moment, the other seminarians have been temporarily relocated to a safe area until security measures around the Seminary are tightened. Unfortunately, no communication has been had with the abductors yet.
“The Diocese sympathises with the family of the deceased security official and prays for the repose of his soul while calling for prayers for the quick release of our seminarians.
“The Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Gabriel Dunia, has again called on security agencies to do more to secure the lives and properties of our people. The Bishop has directed all Priests of the Diocese to celebrate votive Mass of the Precious Blood of Jesus both at the Deanery Levels at 12noon on Saturday 12th July 2025 together with the lay faithful and Parish Priests with their parishioners at their respective parish morning Masses on Monday 14th July 2025. In addition, the Bishop has also directed all Parish Priests to ensure the continuous recitation of the Holy Rosary and Sunday evening Benediction for divine protection for all faithful of the Diocese, Edo State and Nigeria until further notice.
“The Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary was established by the Catholic Bishop of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, in 2006 for the training of future priests. Over 500 students have so far successfully graduated from the church institution.
“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.”
