Nigeria's Youth in Peril: Abducted Seminarians' Haunting Video Sparks Outcry as Bishop Pleads for Their Release

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick 
BENIN CITY, EDO STATE — The Catholic Diocese of Auchi is making an urgent and emotional plea to President Bola Tinubu and other security agencies to secure the release of two seminarians who were abducted more than a month ago. The seminarians were kidnapped from the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode on July 10, 2025, and have now been held captive for 35 days.

The situation has become even more alarming after a viral video surfaced, showing the young men holding human skulls and begging for financial help to secure their freedom. Bishop Gabriel Dunia, the head of the Diocese, has expressed deep personal distress over the incident, stating, "I feel personally hurt and disturbed that my seminarians, our children, are living with armed strangers for 35 days now." The bishop is not only praying for their release but also calling on people everywhere to join him in prayer.

During the attack, a Nigerian Civil Defense officer, Christopher Aweneghieme, was killed. Three minor seminarians were initially abducted, but one of them was released a few days later after being injured, leaving the other two in captivity. The Diocese has been in contact with the kidnappers in an attempt to negotiate their release.
This tragic event highlights the growing security crisis in Edo North, which has become a kidnapping hotspot.

 Residents feel frustrated and helpless, and the Bishop has implored the government and security forces to take immediate and decisive action to restore peace and safety to the region.

 The Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, established in 2006 to train future priests, has successfully graduated over 500 students, but this incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of all its students and staff. The Diocese and the wider community are now holding their breath, hoping for a swift and safe resolution.

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