Viral Video: Police Say Efforts Ongoing To Rescue Abducted Edo Seminarians

Viral Video: Police Say Efforts Ongoing To Rescue Abducted Edo Seminarians

The Catholic Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary was abducted by gunmen from the Etsako East Local Government Area of the State on July 10, 2025, according to the Edo State Police Command, making every effort to secure their release.

The police command made this statement as a response to concerns raised after a viral video of the seminarians being filmed and requesting assistance surfaced online.

The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Joel Yamu, claimed that CP Monday Agbonika, the police commissioner, was directly helming the rescue efforts in a statement released on Sunday.

Also read: Gunmen Kill Security Agent and Abduct Three Seminarians in Edo.

“The Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other tactical teams immediately mobilized to ensure the victims’ safe rescue,” the statement read. A tactical Division has also been established in the Ivieukwa Community to improve security and technical intelligence in the area, “in support of these efforts,” the statement said in part.

The police continued, adding that they were putting together coordinated operations and advanced intelligence with security experts.

Yamu believes that the joint approach emphasizes the urgency of the rescue mission.

The police urged parents, guardians, and the Catholic Diocese of Auchi to remain calm while responding to concerns raised by a viral video of the abducted seminarians, insisting that their safety remained a top priority.

The Catholic Diocese of Auchi, parents, guardians, and the general public know about the recent viral video involving the boys, and we want to let everyone know that the Edo State Police Command is steadfast in its efforts to rescue the seminarians.

In this challenging time, the families have “we deeply sympathize with them” and applaud their patience and cooperation with security agencies, the statement continued.

The Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, and it also made an appeal to the public for assistance and cooperation as operations get more intense.

It stated that updates would be made as the process progressed without compromising the boys’ safety.

During the alleged murder of a member of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), an official was reported to have been killed at the Catholic minor seminary in Ivianokpodi, Agenebode.

The Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Gabriel Dunia, pleaded with President Bola Tinubu, Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, and security forces to urgently rescue the seminarians who were suffering in the wake of the viral video.

Bishop Dunia expressed regret over the 35 days of armed strangers’ association and pleaded with the public to pray for their release in a statement released by the Diocese’s Director of Communications, Rev. Dr. Peter Egielewa on Thursday.

The bishop urged the president, governor, and all other national security forces to “do the needful and assist in rescuing our children from the clutches of the kidnappers.”

Source: Channels TV

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