Three seminarians were kidnapped and a security guard was killed in an armed attack on Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in the Diocese of Auchi in Nigeria on July 10. Source: CNA.
In a statement issued on Friday, Fr Peter Egielewa, the director of communications of the Auchi Diocese, provided details about the attack.
He said the 9pm attack on the Catholic institution located in Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo state, involved “several gunmen”.
“In the process, the Nigerian Civil Defence Security official stationed at the seminary, Christopher Aweneghieme, was killed, and three minor seminarians were abducted and led into the bush,” Fr Egielewa said.
The other seminarians have been moved to what Fr Egielewa described as “a safe area until security measures around the seminary are tightened”.
“Unfortunately, no communication has been had with the abductors yet,” he said, adding that the leadership of the diocese “sympathises with the family of the deceased security official and prays for the repose of his soul.”
Fr Egielewa also appealed for “prayers for the quick release of our seminarians”.
He said the bishop of the Auchi Diocese has denounced the attack and called on security agencies to “do more to secure the lives and properties of our people.”
Bishop Gabriel Ghiakhomo Dunia directed all priests of the diocese to celebrate a Votive Mass of the Precious Blood of Jesus on Saturday and in morning Masses yesterday.
According to Fr Egielewa, the bishop has also directed all parish priests to “ensure the continuous recitation of the holy rosary and Sunday evening Benediction for divine protection for all faithful of the diocese, Edo state, and the country of Nigeria until further notice.”
He appealed to all people of goodwill to “join the faithful of the diocese to pray for the repose of the soul of Mr Aweneghieme and for the speedy release of the abducted seminarians unharmed”.
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Security guard killed, 3 seminarians abducted from Nigerian seminary (By Jude Atemanke, CNA)
