An attack on the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivianokpodi, Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, has left a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer dead, with three students abducted.
The gunmen reportedly struck around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, opening fire and causing panic among staff and students. A local vigilante member also sustained gunshot injuries during the raid.
Confirming the incident, the Director of Social Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, said the diocese was devastated by the incident, noting that this was the second time in less than a year that the school had come under attack.
“We are alarmed and heartbroken by this latest act of violence,” he said. “It is the second time in 10 months that our seminary has been targeted. A priest was kidnapped last time. Now, three seminarians have been taken, a civil defence officer killed, and a vigilante wounded. These repeated assaults are deeply disturbing.”
Fr. Egielewa appealed to the government and security agencies at all levels to take urgent steps to secure lives and property within Catholic institutions across the state. He emphasized the need for stronger protection measures to ensure that both staff and students can go about their duties without fear.
The incident has once again raised concerns about the safety of schools and religious institutions in rural areas, where security is often limited.
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