Three young religious trainees abducted in Nigeria; perpetrators demand payment for their release
In a series of troubling incidents, Nigeria has witnessed a concerning rise in the kidnapping of seminarians, with the latest attack occurring on July 10, 2025, at the Minor Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Ivhiaro, Edo State. Three seminarians were abducted during the armed assault, and a security guard, Christopher Aweneghieme, affiliated with the Nigerian Civil Defense, lost his life in the attack.
The Diocese of Auchi, where the seminary is located, has expressed deep sympathy for the guard's family and is currently engaging mediators to communicate with the kidnappers. The Bishop of Auchi, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia, has urged calm among the families of the abducted seminarians and called on everyone to pray for their safe return.
This attack is part of a broader pattern of violence targeting Christian institutions in Nigeria. Between 2015 and early 2025, a total of 145 priests were kidnapped, with at least 11 killed during this period. The recent kidnappings of seminarians reflect a continuation and intensification of this trend, with previous years witnessing similar abductions and fatalities.
The ethnic or armed groups involved in these kidnappings are not specifically identified in the available reports. However, Nigeria has grappled with insecurity since the Boko Haram insurgency began in 2009, a group known for perpetrating violence and kidnappings, particularly against Christians, in their attempt to establish an Islamic state. The assailants in the July 2025 seminary attack fled into surrounding forests, and as of mid-July, there has been no communication from the abductors or claim of responsibility.
In response, the Diocese of Auchi has taken measures to protect other seminarians by relocating them to safer locations until enhanced security can be put in place. The diocese has also called on the Nigerian authorities for help, but as of yet, no concrete action has been seen.
The government's response includes investigation and calls for calm, while on-the-ground church authorities move to fortify security. However, persistent insecurity amid ongoing kidnappings of clergy and seminarians continues to challenge peace and safety for religious communities in Nigeria.
In a show of solidarity, Pope Leo XIV prayed for the Nigerian people during the Angelus on Sunday, June 15, specifically praying for "security, justice, and peace" in Nigeria, particularly for the rural Christian communities of Benue State who have been the victims of violence. Pope Leo XIV also expressed concern over a brutal attack in Benue State that resulted in the death of 200 people.
Bishop Dunia has called on all priests in the diocese to lead the faithful in the prayer of the Holy Rosary and offer blessings for divine protection throughout Edo State and Nigeria. The students will not return until security measures have been strengthened and a security barrier has been placed around the school. The remaining seminarians have been transferred to safer locations to complete their end-of-year exams.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Diocese of Auchi encourages readers to stay informed by subscribing to their newsletter. The rector of the Minor Seminary was kidnapped five months ago, and one of the seminarians was killed. Bishop Dunia has called on everyone to make any effort, whether material, spiritual, or human, to help contain insecurity in Nigeria.
[1] https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/440235-three-seminarians-kidnapped-in-edo-state.html [2] https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-07/nigeria-seminarians-kidnapped-pope-leo-xiv-prays-for-security.html [3] https://www.thenationonlineng.net/news/kidnappers-demand-ransom-for-safe-return-of-three-seminarians/ [4] https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/440235-three-seminarians-kidnapped-in-edo-state.html
- Amidst increasing concerns over war-and-conflicts, the politics surrounding security in Nigeria have been highlighted yet again, as the recent kidnapping of seminarians continues a troubling trend of violence targeting Christian institutions.
- As the General News of crime-and-justice continue to unfold, newspapers and Vatican News outlets are reporting on the call for prayers for 'security, justice, and peace' in Nigeria, led by Pope Leo XIV, in response to the continued insecurity and kidnapping of clergy and seminarians.
