It was wailing and lamentation at Ivianokpodi community, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, as news filtered in that one of the minor seminarians kidnapped since July 2025 had died in the hands of his abductors.
The situation worsened when five people from the same community were reported kidnapped on their way to their farm last Saturday.
The abductors of the five new victims were said to have demanded the sum of N50 million as ransom for their release.
A press statement issued by the Assistant Director of Communications, Directorate of Social Communications, Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr. Linus Imoedemhe, copies of which were made available to journalists on Wednesday, said that although the Church was grateful to God that one of the victims, Joshua Aleobua, regained his freedom, the other victim, Emmanuel Alabi, sadly died.
The seminarians, it would be recalled, were abducted on July 10, 2025, when armed men attacked the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivianokpodi.
According to the statement, ‘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.
‘The Catholic Diocese of Auchi invites all the faithful and people of goodwill 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.’
A resident of the community, who disclosed the abduction of the five farmers, said the victims kidnapped last Saturday comprised three males and two females.
‘One of them is my neighbour. They were kidnapped last Saturday, and as of today, the abductors are asking for N50 million,’ the community source further disclosed.