Edo: Abducted seminarian dies in captivity

Edo map

The Catholic Diocese of Auchi on Wednesday confirmed the death of a minor seminarian, Emmanuel Alabi, who was kidnapped in July in Edo State.

The death of Alabi was made known in a press statement by Assistant Director of Communications, Directorate of Social Communications, Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr. Linus Imoedemhe.

PUNCH Online recalls that the seminarians were abducted on July 10, 2025, when armed men attacked the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivianokpodi, killing a civil defence officer and abducting three seminarians. In August, the seminarians appealed to their parents and well-wishers to help secure their release.

While mourning Alabi’s death, the church expressed gratitude to God for the release of Joshua Aleobua.

He said, “During that incident, three seminarians, Japhet Jesse, Joshua Aleobua, and Emmanuel Alabi, were abducted. We are grateful to God for the safe release of Japhet Jesse much earlier and, most recently, Joshua Aleobua, who regained his freedom on November 4, 2025. However, with deep sorrow. We announce the passing of seminarian Emmanuel Alabi, who lost his life in the course of the ordeal.

“The Bishop of the Diocese of Auchi, 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.

“He also cautioned political leaders against turning a blind eye to the worsening insecurity situation in the nation, urging them instead to prioritise the safety and well-being of the people over political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections. Punch