Muslim Marauders Abduct Teenage Catholic Seminarians In Nigeria

The Catholic Diocese of Auchi released a statement saying that on July 10 at approximately 9 pm, priests and seminarians of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East LGA of Edo State in Nigeria were attacked by Muslim gunmen. 

Officer Christopher Awenenghieme of the Nigerian Civil Defense was killed, and three teenage seminarians were abducted and taken into the bush. The Diocese announced that remaining seminarians were taken to a safe area pending security measures at the seminary. As of today, no word has emerged from the assailants as to the health and welfare of those kidnapped. Edo State is in the South South region of Nigeria near the shore of the Atlantic Ocean.

The diocese issued pledges of sympathy to survivors of Officer Aweneghieme and "prays for the respose of his soul, while also calling for prayers for the quick release" of the seminarians.

Bishop Gabriel Dunia used the occasion to again call on Nigeria's security agencies to do more to secure the lives and property of local people. He directed the priests of the diocese to celebrate a votive Mass of the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ on July 12 and on July 14. He called on his priests to endsure the "continuous recitation of the Holy Rosary and Sunday evening Benediction for divine protection for all faithful of the Diocese" and the rest of Nigeria.

According to the release, Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary was established by Bishop Dunia in 2006 to raise up future priests. So far, more than 500 seminarians have graduated.

"The Catholic Diocese of Auchi requests all people of goodwill to join the faithful of the Diocese to pray for the reporse of the soul of Mr. Christopher Aweneghieme and for the speedy release of the abducted seminarians unharmed."