By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
An officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), was killed on Wednesday night when gunmen attacked Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivianokpodi, Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The assailants, who struck around 9:00 p.m., also abducted three students from the Catholic seminary, while a member of a local vigilante group sustained gunshot injuries during the incident.
Confirming the attack, the Director of Social Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, expressed deep concern over the rising insecurity and targeted violence against Catholic institutions in the area.
He revealed that this was the second attack on the seminary in less than a year.
“We are deeply saddened and strongly condemn this act of violence. It is troubling and unacceptable that the seminary has been targeted twice in just 10 months,” Egielewa said. “Previously, a priest was kidnapped. Now, three seminarians have been abducted, a civil defence officer has been killed, and a vigilante injured.”
He called on the government and security agencies at all levels to take swift and decisive action to protect religious institutions and their members.
“No one should live in fear while pursuing their faith or education. We demand that the authorities ensure the safety and security of our people,” he urged.
As of the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of the abducted students remain unknown, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
