Two Nigerian Minor Seminarians Released Months after Kidnapping, One Killed in Captivity

“Most Rev. Gabriel G. Dunia has expressed his deep pain and sorrow over the loss of the young Seminarian and has called on security agencies to intensify efforts toward protecting the lives and property of all citizens,” the Assistant Director of Communications of Auchi Diocese says.

Bishop Dunia has cautioned political leaders against “turning a blind eye on the worsening insecurity situation in the nation”, urging them to prioritize the safety and well-being of the people over political ambitions ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.

In his statement, Fr. Imoedemhei invites the people of God to “join us in praying for the repose of the soul of Emmanuel Alabi, and for the peace, healing, and security of our people and land.”

He says. “The Diocese of Auchi remains committed to the values of faith, peace, and justice, trusting in God's infinite mercy to bring comfort to the bereaved family, the seminary community, and all those affected by this tragedy.”

“May the soul of Emmanuel Alabi, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen,” Fr. Imoedemhei implores.

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The July 10 attack also claimed the life of Christopher Aweneghieme, a security guard at the Seminary.

On August 14, the Catholic Diocese of Auchi confirmed the authenticity of a viral video showing two of the three abducted Seminarians.

The footage shows the two young Seminarians with what appears to be a human skull, crying and pleading for their release while surrounded by gun-wielding individuals believed to be their captors.

Following the July 10 abduction, Bishop Dunia urged the families of the three Seminarians to remain steadfast in prayer.

In an interview with ACI Africa, the Local Ordinary of Auchi Diocese addressed the parents of the Seminarians, saying, “Do not be crushed by fear, threats, or intimidation.”

“These things are not happening only at the Seminary. Some Seminarians have even been kidnapped from their homes while on holiday. We must remain vigilant and do all we can to protect them,” Bishop Dunia said during the July 13 interview.

The Catholic Bishop appealed to all levels of government — local, state, and federal — to take decisive action to address the challenge of insecurity, and explained, “There is a vast forest stretching between Edo and Kogi States, and that forest is where these criminals hide and launch their attacks. The government knows how to deal with this — they have the intelligence and the resources — but they must act.”

He warned, “If nothing is done, communities will be abandoned, and these criminals will take over our land. We must not allow this to happen.”

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.