Catholics seek help as kidnapped Edo seminarians spend 36th day in captivity

The two seminarians of Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, who were kidnapped on July 10, are yet to gain freedom.

Gunmen stormed the school, killed a civil defence corps officer, and abducted three seminarians.

While one of the abductees was released afterwards, two others have since remained in the kidnappers’ den.

The minors, who were surrounded by masked, gun-wielding men in a recent video reportedly released by the kidnappers, appealed to their parents and well-wishers to help secure their release.

The two teenage seminarians were seen begging their parents and members of the public to pay for their freedom.

Apparently touched by the video, the Catholic Diocese of Auchi in the state has appealed to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Monday Okpebholo, and security agencies to facilitate the release of the children.

The Director of Communication of the diocese, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, in a statement on Friday, said the diocese, led by Bishop Gabriel Dunia, had been traumatised since the video surfaced.

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 kidnap. Again I call on people everywhere to please pray with us.”

Egielewa said the diocese had been in contact with the kidnappers, urging them to release the remaining two seminarians.

“Coincidentally, since the minor seminary attack, there have been several kidnap cases in Edo North in particular and Edo State in general. It appears kidnappers in Nigeria have suddenly found a convenient place of operation in Edo North and Edo State.

“Our people feel frustrated and helpless. We are deeply worried about how this abnormality has become normal, and it appears our people are just left on their own to continue to live in such an environment of perpetual fear and terror. It shouldn’t be. We beg that Edo North be secured so that our people can once again live in peace and safety,” the statement added.