An official of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was reportedly killed in an attack on the Catholic Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivianokpodi, Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
It was gathered that the gunmen invaded the institution on Thursday night, killing the security agent and abducting three seminarians.
The Catholic Diocese of Auchi confirmed the attack in a statement sent to Channels Television on Saturday.
According to the diocese’s Director of Social Communications, Peter Egielewa, the latest incident is the second time in 10 months that the school had come under attack.
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He said the diocese strongly condemned the incident and expressed deep concern over the repeated targeting of the catholic institution, its personnel, and facilities.
“We are deeply saddened and condemn in the strongest terms this act of violence,” Egielewa said, describing the persistent attacks as troubling and unacceptable.
“This is the second time in 10 months that the school has been attacked. Ten months ago, a priest was kidnapped. And now three seminarians were abducted and a civil defence corps member was killed, while a local vigilante sustained gun injuries,” he stated
“We call on the government to protect the lives of all those who work in catholic institutions and our diocese. We hope the security agencies at the local, state, and federal levels will take up the responsibility for that so our people can be at peace and in safety.”
On October 27, 2024, Thomas Oyode, the seminary’s rector, was kidnapped when gunmen attacked the institution while the priests and seminarians were observing evening prayers and benediction.
Police Vow To Arrest Killers
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has vowed to fish out the perpetrators of the attack on the seminary.
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, who visited the scene of the incident, which occurred at 11 pm on Thursday, to assess the situation firsthand, commiserated with the affected community.
Agbonika, in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, reinforced the Command’s determination to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In his entourage were the Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations, Commanding Officer 60PMF, the Area Commander in Agenebode, the Divisional Police Officer in Agenebode, and the head of the anti-kidnapping unit.
The statement read in part, “This senseless act of violence against a religious institution and innocent young students is not only barbaric but also a direct assault on public peace and security. The Command commiserates with the family of the fallen NSCDC officer, the NSCDC leadership, the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, and the families of the abducted students during this difficult time.
“In response to the attack, the CP has ordered the immediate deployment of tactical teams, including operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping and Intelligence units, to work in synergy with other security agencies, vigilantes, and hunters to rescue the abducted students unhurt and apprehend the attackers.
“We assure the public that this Command is fully committed to the protection of lives and property. We will not relent until those behind this reprehensible act are tracked down and made to face the full wrath of the law.”
