Gunmen on Wednesday night launched a deadly attack on the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivianokpodi, Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, killing an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and abducting three students of the seminary.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the incident occurred around 9pm, sparking fear and renewed concerns over the safety of religious institutions in the state.

The Catholic Diocese of Auchi expressed strong condemnation of the attack and urged swift action to secure the release of the abducted seminarians.

Confirming the attack, the Director of Social Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, described the incident as “deeply saddening” and condemned the repeated targeting of the seminary, which he revealed had come under attack just ten months ago.

“This is the second time in ten months that the school has been attacked,” he said.

“Ten months ago, a priest was kidnapped. Now, three seminarians have been abducted and a civil defence corps officer has been killed, while a local vigilante also sustained gunshot injuries.”

Egielewa called on authorities at all levels to take urgent action to protect Catholic institutions and ensure the safety of staff, students, and clergy.

“We call on the government to protect the lives of all those who work in Catholic institutions and within our diocese. We hope the security agencies at the local, state, and federal levels will rise to their responsibilities so that our people can live in peace and safety.”

As of the time of reporting, the identities of the kidnapped students had not been disclosed, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

There have been increased insecurity in different states across the country with calls for urgent intervention to nip the bud of activities of kidnappers and bandits.

While the Nigerian government led by President Bola Tinubu has promised to put an end to the killings and abductions by the rampaging criminals, it has been unable to do so.

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