CRUX
Three seminarians were kidnapped in Nigeria’s Edo State on July 10, adding to the escalating crisis of abductions plaguing the country, with Christians increasingly being targeted.
The attack occurred shortly after 9:00 PM local time at the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, according to a July 11 statement signed by the director of communications of the Auchi Diocese, Father Peter Egielewa.
He said armed assailants stormed the facility, resulting in the kidnapping of the three students. A security guard was killed during the assault. The three seminarians were carted off into the bush.
He said the other seminarians had been moved to a location he described as “a safe area until security measures around the seminary are tightened.”
“Unfortunately, no communication has been had with the abductors yet,” he said.
Police investigating the kidnapping described the incident as a “senseless act of violence against a religious institution and innocent young students.” The statement described the attack as “not only barbaric, but also a direct attack on public peace and security.”