Bishop Dunia to Tinubu, security chiefs – Free kidnapped seminarians in viral video

The Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Gabriel Dunia, has called on President Bola Tinubu, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, and the nation’s security heads  to urgently secure the release of two abducted seminarians whose harrowing ordeal was recently shown in a viral video.

In a statement issued Thursday by the Diocese’s Director of Communications, Revd Fr. Peter Egielewa, Bishop Dunia expressed deep anguish that the seminarians have remained in captivity for 35 days and urged Christians across the country to pray for their freedom.

The bishop appealed to authorities to “do the needful and help rescue our children from the hands of the kidnappers.”

The disturbing footage, which has circulated online, shows two young boys holding what appears to be a human skull, crying and begging for mercy as armed men stand over them.

According to the church, the children in the video are among three seminarians seized on July 10, 2025, when gunmen stormed the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State. One boy who sustained injuries was freed on July 18, leaving the remaining two still held by their abductors.

“As the chief shepherd of the Diocese, I feel personally hurt and disturbed that my seminarians, our children, are living with armed strangers for 35 days now. I find it difficult to sleep these days because of this. We have been praying since their kidnap, and again I call on people everywhere to please pray with us,” Dunia said.

The Diocese confirmed it has kept contact with the kidnappers while negotiating for the boys’ release. However, Bishop Dunia lamented that insecurity across Edo North and the wider state is worsening
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“It appears kidnappers in Nigeria have suddenly found a convenient place of operation in Edo North and Edo State. Our people feel frustrated and helpless.

“We are deeply worried about how this abnormality has become normal, and it appears our people are just left on their own to continue living in an environment of perpetual fear and terror. It shouldn’t be. We beg that Edo North be secured so that our people can once again live in peace and safety,” he said.