An armed attack on the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Edo State, Nigeria resulted in the kidnapping of 3 seminarians and the death of a security officer. The Diocese of Auchi issued a statement expressing grief over the death of the security officer and reported that no contact had been made with the kidnappers. Police described the incident as a direct attack on public peace and security and a senseless act of violence against a religious institution. The other seminarians have been moved to a safer area. Bishop Dunia requested prayers for the safe return of the kidnapped seminarians.
5 months ago
On the night of July 10, 2025, armed assailants attacked the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Edo State, Nigeria 1 3 4 5. The assault, which occurred shortly after 9 p.m., resulted in the death of security guard Christopher Aweneghieme and the abduction of three minor seminarians 1 4 5. The gunmen fled into the surrounding forest, and as of July 15, no contact had been established with the abductors, nor had any group claimed responsibility 1 4.
Following the attack, the remaining seminarians were immediately moved to a secure location, and security measures at the seminary have been reinforced 1 3 4. The Diocese of Auchi, through its communications director Father Peter Egielewa, expressed sympathy for the deceased guard's family and appealed for prayers for the safe return of the abducted students 1 5.
Bishop Gabriel Dunia, who established the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in 2006, denounced the attack and called upon security agencies to enhance protection for citizens and properties 1 4. He directed all priests in the Diocese of Auchi to celebrate Votive Masses of the Precious Blood of Jesus on July 12 and 14 1 5. Additionally, Bishop Dunia mandated the continuous recitation of the Holy Rosary and Sunday evening Benediction across all parishes for divine protection over the faithful in the diocese, Edo State, and Nigeria 1 5.
The bishop's appeal extended to all people of goodwill, urging them to join in prayer for the repose of Christopher Aweneghieme’s soul and the swift, unharmed release of the seminarians 1 5. Police investigating the incident described it as a "barbaric" and "senseless act of violence" 3.
This incident marks the second attack on the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in less than a year 3 4. In October 2024, the seminary's rector, Father Thomas Oyode, was kidnapped and held for 11 days after volunteering to be taken in place of two seminarians 3 4. The attack is part of a wider and escalating pattern of insecurity across Nigeria, which has been ongoing since the Boko Haram insurgency began in 2009 with the aim of establishing an Islamic state 1 4 5.
The crisis has been further complicated by the involvement of predominantly Muslim Fulani herdsmen, also known as the Fulani Militia, contributing to land disputes, ethnic tensions, and religious friction 1 4 5. Between 2015 and 2025, 145 Catholic priests were abducted in Nigeria, with at least 11 murdered, indicating that clergy and religious institutions are increasingly targeted for ransom by organized criminal networks and militant groups 3 4. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has consistently condemned these killings and abductions, urging the government to prioritize the safeguarding of human life 1 5.
What is the Church's teaching on violence and persecution?
The Catholic Church teaches that violence is inherently evil and an unacceptable means of resolving problems, as it goes against the truth of faith and human dignity, and ultimately destroys what it claims to defend . Violence is seen as a lie that provokes further violence, leading to new forms of oppression .
The Church's stance on violence is rooted in its commitment to human dignity and peace:
The Church has a long history of experiencing persecution and views it as an injustice that prevents the free worship of God .
In summary, the Church condemns violence as fundamentally contrary to human dignity and the Gospel, while recognizing the legitimate right to self-defense and just war under strict conditions. It views persecution as an ongoing injustice against religious freedom and human rights, calling for perseverance and advocating for a world where all are free to practice their faith.