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Dear Friend
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) strongly condemns a deadly attack carried out on a seminary in Nigeria.
The assault resulted in the death of a security officer and the abduction of three seminarians at the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhiaro, Auchi Diocese, Edo State, Nigeria.
According to the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, the attack took place on Thursday, July 10, around 9:00 p.m. Several gunmen stormed the seminary premises, opening fire.
Christopher Aweneghieme, a member of the Nigerian Civil Defense Corps assigned to the seminary, was killed in the assault. Three minor seminarians were kidnapped and taken into the nearby bush, while the remaining students were temporarily relocated to a safe location as security protocols were reinforced.
As of now, no communication has been established with the abductors.
ACN, a pontifical foundation supporting local Churches around the world that are struggling against religious persecution, joins the Diocese of Auchi in mourning the loss of Mr. Aweneghieme and in fervent prayer for the safe and swift release of the abducted seminarians. We stand in solidarity with the affected families and the Christian community, which continues to suffer the consequences of violence and instability.
Bishop Gabriel Dunia of Auchi has called upon all priests in the diocese to celebrate Masses, offer Benediction, and lead the faithful in praying the Rosary for divine protection throughout Edo State and Nigeria.
The Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, founded in 2006, has trained over 500 students for the priesthood and remains a beacon of hope for the local Catholic community.
Aid to the Church in Need urges all people of goodwill to join the faithful in prayer for the repose of Mr. Christopher Aweneghieme’s soul and for the unharmed release of the kidnapped seminarians. |
