The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has ordered the immediate deployment of tactical teams to apprehend the gunmen who attacked the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivianokpodi, Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area, killing a Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer and abducting three seminarians.
The attack occurred on Thursday night at about 9 p.m., leaving one vigilante member severely injured while the gunmen fled with the abducted students.
Confirming the incident, the Director of Social Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, expressed concern over the recurring assaults on Catholic institutions in the area. He decried the growing insecurity and targeted violence against religious communities, lamenting that this was not the first time such an attack had taken place. Notably, just ten months ago, a similar incident led to the abduction of two individuals, including a priest, with one victim later confirmed dead.
In response to the latest attack, CP Agbonika visited the seminary on Friday to assess the situation firsthand, sympathize with the affected community, and underscore the command’s resolve to ensure justice.
A statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Yamu, stated:
> “The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, on 11/07/2025, visited the scene of the incident, which occurred on 10/07/2025 at about 21:00hrs, to assess the situation firsthand, commiserate with the affected community, and reinforce the command’s determination to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
The CP was accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, the Commanding Officer of 60 PMF, the Area Commander of Agenebode, the Divisional Police Officer of Agenebode, and the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
Describing the attack as “barbaric” and “a direct assault on public peace and security,” the statement added:
> “This senseless act of violence against a religious institution and innocent young students is not only reprehensible but also deeply unsettling.
The command commiserates with the family of the slain NSCDC officer, the leadership of the NSCDC, the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, and the families of the abducted seminarians during this difficult time.”
To ensure a swift response, CP Agbonika has deployed tactical teams from the Anti-Kidnapping and Intelligence Units. These operatives are working in close synergy with other security agencies, local vigilante groups, and hunters in a coordinated rescue mission.
> “We assure the public that this command is fully committed to the protection of lives and property. We will not relent until those behind this heinous act are brought to justice,” the statement concluded.
As investigations intensify, residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to the nearest security formation.