Bishop Dunia © Auchi Diocese
Source: Aid to the Church in Need
A Bishop in Nigeria has accused the government of failing to take “concrete action” after gunmen targeted his seminary for the second time in less than 10 months, this time killing a security guard and kidnapping three students.
Condemning the attack on Thursday (10th July) at the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Edo State, central southern Nigeria, Bishop Gabriel Dunia of Auchi said: “We are asking the civilian government to come to the site. They assured that they would stay to protect the area. But we haven’t seen any concrete action so far.”
In the interview with Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Bishop Dunia described how armed men “came in large numbers and it was impossible for the guards to stop them”.
He added: “I call on everyone, every person, to come to our aid, to pray for us, to make any effort – whatever it may be – material, spiritual or human – that helps us contain insecurity. Our local efforts are being overwhelmed.”
Christopher Aweneghieme from the Civil Defence Corps assigned to the seminary, was killed during the attack.
The bishop confirmed that the three seminarians kidnapped on Thursday evening are aged between 14 and 17, adding: “we are in contact with the assailants through mediators”.
The Church authorities follow a policy of not paying ransoms, partly to discourage further kidnappings.
Meanwhile, the entire seminary community – students and teachers – has been evacuated to nearby parishes until security measures are reinforced and a protective fence is erected around the seminary grounds.
The last time the seminary came under attack was in October 2024 when armed gunmen stormed the seminary chapel and kidnapped the rector, Fr Thomas Oyode. He was freed the following month after 11 days in captivity.
Elsewhere in the diocese, seminarian Andrew Peter, 21, was murdered after he and Fr Philip Ekweli were kidnapped in March 2025 from St Peter’s Church in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo state. The priest was released after 10 days in captivity.
According to Bishop Dunua, the attackers come from the north and are believed to be members of the Fulani ethnic group.
He added: “We don’t even know for sure what they want. But we see a growing pattern of attacks directed against Christian communities and institutions.”
The bishop expressed concerns that such attacks may be aimed at occupying land or expelling the Christian community from the area.
For many years, ACN has supported Immaculate Conception Seminary, supporting the formation of seminarians and providing Mass stipends for priests in Auchi Diocese.
LINK
Aid to the Church in Need: www.acnuk.org
