- Slams security agencies for leadership failure
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned the second deadly attack on the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, describing it as an unforgivable failure of leadership and a shameful indictment of Nigeria’s security architecture. The attack, which occurred penultimate Thursday night around 9:00 p.m., saw heavily armed gunmen storm the seminary premises from three different directions, killing a security officer, Mr. Christopher Aweneghieme of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and abducting three seminarians. Seminarians and priests fled in various directions during the chaos. In a series of statements issued by Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator, HURIWA decried the inability of the police and other security agencies to prevent the latest assault, especially as the Catholic institution had suffered a similar attack in October 2024.
That earlier attack led to the abduction of the Rector, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, who was later released traumatised, while a seminarian working in a nearby parish was killed. “This kind of repeated violence on a seminary, a place of religious training and peace, exposes the disgraceful lack of preparedness and coordination of security operatives in Edo State,” Onwubiko said. “The absence of leadership is glaring. The entire security and intelligence architectures have once again failed the people they swore to protect.” HURIWA expressed shock and disappointment that despite previous assurances by the government and security institutions that such an attack would never recur, the seminary community has again been thrown into mourning and fear.
Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, Director of Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, confirmed the attack and described the situation as heartbreaking. “This is the second time the seminary has been attacked in less than a year. This time, three seminarians were abducted and one civil defence officer was killed. It is a heartbreaking situation,” he lamented. Reacting further, HURIWA accused Edo security agencies of focusing more on protecting politicians and elites than on ordinary citizens. The group said the security operatives appeared distracted by political celebrations following the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s election on the same day the attack occurred.
“It would seem that the security operatives focused so much on joining in the celebration of the Supreme Court’s victory of the Edo State governor to the extent that the security of lives and properties of the citizens became secondary,” Onwubiko stated. “The security of citizens is the primary constitutional duty of politicians holding public office. The forests of Edo State must not be allowed to become safe havens for terrorists and armed bandits masquerading as herders.” HURIWA criticised the Edo State Police Command and the Department of State Services (DSS) for failing to clinically sweep off armed bandits suspected to be operating from forests in the state. “These forests must never be left to armed bandits to occupy as training grounds and hideouts of terrorists,” Onwubiko declared.
The group described the attack as an act of terrorism and called on security forces to ensure the rapid rescue of the abducted seminarians and arrest of the perpetrators. It also urged the Edo State Ministry of Justice and the judiciary to enforce prosecution and sentencing of those responsible. Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, has appealed for public prayers for the safe return of the abducted seminarians and for the peaceful repose of Mr. Aweneghieme. He described the attack as not just an assault on the Church but an attack on the soul of the nation, calling for urgent government intervention before more blood is spilled. Local vigilante groups reportedly began pursuing the attackers before police reinforcements arrived.
The Commissioner of Police visited the scene on Friday morning, assuring the community that no effort would be spared to bring the criminals to justice. “We understand the pain this community is going through. The command is fully mobilised and committed to rescuing the victims and restoring calm,” the commissioner said. HURIWA concluded by challenging Governor Okpebholo to prioritise citizens’ safety above politics and to deploy advanced surveillance, crime-fighting technologies, and community-based policing strategies to prevent further tragedies. “This is one incident too many,” Onwubiko stressed. “Nigerians deserve to live in a country where schools, churches, and seminaries are safe, and where government protects its citizens without excuses.”
