The Edo State Police Command has vowed that “no effort will be spared” in securing the release of the three seminarians abducted by gunmen from the Catholic Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Etsako East Local Government Area on July 10, 2025.
The assurance followed public concern after a viral video emerged showing the abducted seminarians pleading for help.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Joel Yamu, revealed that Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, is personally leading the rescue operation.
“Consequently, operatives of tactical teams, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, were immediately deployed to ensure the safe rescue of the victims. In furtherance of these efforts, a tactical Division has also been established in Ivieukwa Community to strengthen security and technical intelligence in the area,” the statement partly read.
The command explained that it is working closely with security experts and sister agencies to deploy advanced intelligence and coordinated strategies. Yamu emphasized that the collaborative approach reflects the seriousness of the mission to bring the boys back home safely.
Responding to the viral video of the abducted children, the police urged parents, guardians, and the Catholic Diocese of Auchi to remain calm, stressing that their safety remains the top priority.
“We are aware of the recent viral video involving the boys, and we wish to assure the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, parents, guardians, and the general public that the Edo State Police Command is leaving no stone unturned in its resolve to bring the seminarians back safely.
“We deeply sympathise with the families during this difficult time and commend their patience and cooperation with security agencies,” the statement added.
The police further reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property while appealing to the public for continued cooperation. They also promised to provide updates without compromising the safety of the boys.
It was reported that an official of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was killed during the attack on the Catholic minor seminary in Ivianokpodi, Agenebode.
Meanwhile, Bishop Gabriel Dunia of Auchi Diocese has appealed to President Bola Tinubu, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, and security agencies to act swiftly to rescue the seminarians.
In a statement signed by the Diocese’s Director of Communications, Revd Peter Egielewa, the bishop expressed his pain, noting that his seminarians had been in captivity for 35 days, and urged the public to pray for their release.
The bishop further called on the president, governor, and all security agencies to “do the needful and help rescue our children from the hands of the kidnappers.”
The disturbing viral video showed two young boys holding what appeared to be a human skull while crying and pleading for their freedom, surrounded by gunmen.