Bishop Appeals to Tinubu, Police for Swift Rescue of Abducted Seminarians Held for 35 Days

The Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia, has made a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Tinubu, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, and Nigeria’s security agencies to take urgent action to rescue two seminarians who have been held captive by armed kidnappers for over a month.

In a statement issued by the Diocese’s Director of Communications, Revd Peter Egielewa, Bishop Dunia expressed deep anguish over the continued captivity of the young seminarians, who were abducted on July 10, 2025, during an attack on the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

“It breaks my heart to know that for 35 days, our children—my seminarians—have been living with armed criminals,” said Bishop Dunia. “I find it difficult to sleep. We have been praying without ceasing since the abduction, and I now appeal to all Nigerians to join us in prayer and action.”

A disturbing video recently circulated online showing the two missing seminarians, visibly distressed and holding what appears to be a human skull, pleading tearfully for help while surrounded by armed men. The Church has confirmed the boys’ identities, noting that a third seminarian who was abducted alongside them was released on July 18 after sustaining injuries.

The Diocese revealed that it has maintained communication with the abductors in an attempt to negotiate the safe return of the remaining boys.

Bishop Dunia also used the opportunity to criticize the deteriorating security situation in Edo North and other parts of the state. “It appears Edo North has become a hotspot for kidnappers. Our people are frustrated, living in constant fear. This level of insecurity has become disturbingly normalized,” he said.

Calling for decisive government intervention, the bishop urged authorities to “do the needful” to ensure the safe return of the seminarians and restore peace to the region.

“We beg the government and security agencies—please, rescue our children. Let our people live in peace again,” he pleaded.