Three seminarians were kidnapped and a security guard died during the armed attack on the minor seminar of the Immaculate Conception, in the diocese of Auchi (Nigeria), the night of July 10.
In a statement issued on July 11, Fr. Peter Egielewa, Communications Director of the Diocese of Auchi, reported that several armed men attacked at 9:00 p.m. (local time) the Catholic institution located in Ivhianokpodi, in the state of Edo.
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The priest indicated that during the attack Christopher Aweneghieme, Nigeria civil defense officer who was assigned to the seminar was killed. In addition, “three minor seminarians were kidnapped and taken to the forest,” said Fr. Egielewa.
The other seminarians were transferred to “a safe area until security measures are reinforced around the seminar.”
“Unfortunately, communication has not yet been communicated with the kidnappers,” he said, adding that the diocese “solidarity with the family of the deceased security officer and prays for his eternal rest.”
In his statement, Fr. Egielewa also requested prayers for the prompt liberation of our seminarians. He added that the bishop denounced the attack and urged security agencies to “make more to protect the life and properties of our people.”
Because of the attack, on Saturday 12 and Monday 14, local priests celebrated masses dedicated to the beautiful blood of Jesus at the request of Mons. Gabriel Ghiakhomo Dunia.
The Prelate also called the presbyters to “guarantee the continuous prayer of the Holy Rosary and the evening blessing of Sunday for the divine protection of all the faithful of the diocese, of the state of Edo and Nigeria.”
He also asked the entire population to pray for the eternal rest of Aweneghieme and the early liberation of the kidnapped seminarians.
Mons. Dunia, who has been in charge of the Diocese of Auchi since February 2003, founded the Minor Seminar of the Immaculate Conception in 2006 for the formation of future priests. More than 500 minor seminarians have graduated successfully in the institution to date.
Nigeria has experienced insecurity since 2009, when Boko Haram’s insurgency began with the aim of turning the country into an Islamic State.
Since then, the group, one of the largest Islamist groups in Africa, has orchestrated indiscriminate terrorist attacks against various objectives, including religious and political groups, as well as civilians.
The insecurity situation has been aggravated by the participation of Fulani shepherds, predominantly Muslim, also known as the Fulani militia. Members of the Catholic Episcopal Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) have repeatedly denounced the murders and kidnappings reported in this country of Western Africa and have urged the government to prioritize the protection of human life.
Translated and adapted by the ACI Press team. Published in CNA.
Jude Atemanke
Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist passionate about the communication of the Catholic Church. It has a degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude works as a journalist for aci Africa.