Catholic beg Tinubu, Edo Gov to help release kidnapped Seminarians

After more than one month in captivity, the Catholic Diocese of Auchi in Edo State has appealed to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Monday Okpebholo and security agencies to help facilitate the release of two seminarians of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi Agenebode, Etsako East local government area.

The Seminarians were kidnapped on the night of July 10, 2025 and have spent 35 days in the den of their captors.

In a recent viral video, the two minors were seen holding dried human skulls and begging that funds be raised for their release.

In a statement, on Friday, by the Director of Communication of the diocese, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa said the diocese, led by Bishop Gabriel Dunia, has been traumatised since the video surfaced and appealed for the release of the children.

The statement read, “As the chief shepherd of the Diocese, I feel personally hurt and disturbed that my seminarians, our children, are living with armed strangers for 35 days now.

“I find it difficult to sleep these days because of this. We have been praying since their kidnapping, and again, I call on people everywhere to please pray with us.”

He said three students were actually kidnapped on the day of the incident after the killing of the security personnel on duty, but the third one was released a few days after because he was injured and went away with the two.