Monday Agbonika, the Edo State Commissioner of Police has ordered the deployment of police tactical teams to collaborate with security agencies to apprehend assailants who abducted three Seminarians of the Catholic Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School at Ivianokpodi, Agenebode in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo on Thursday.
A Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps officer working with the school got killed in the incident and a vigilante was injured in the incident.
Rev. Fr Peter Egielewa, the Director, Social Communications, Catholic Diocese of Auchi who confirmed the unfortunate incident noted that the school came under attack by gunmen around 9:00pm on the fateful day.
Rev. Egielewa voiced deep displeasure over the consistent attack on the Catholic school, personnel and its facilities. the Catholic school, personnel and its facilities.
The Police CP who visited the school in the aftermath of the attack noted that the police and other security agencies, in conjunction with local hunters, would rescue the abducted students unhurt and apprehend the attackers.
Moses Yamu, the spokesperson for the command made this disclosure in a statement released on Saturday.
The statement reads, “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.
“In his entourage was the Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations, Commanding Officer 60PMF, Area Commander Agenebode, DPO Agenebode and OC anti-kidnapping.
“This senseless act of violence against a religious institution and innocent young students is not only barbaric but also a direct assault on public peace and security.
“The command commiserates with the family of the fallen NSCDC officer, the NSCDC leadership, the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, and the families of the abducted students during this difficult time.
“In response to the attack, the CP has ordered the immediate deployment of tactical teams, including operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping and Intelligence units, to work in synergy with other security agencies, vigilantes and hunters to rescue the abducted students unhurt and apprehend the attackers.
“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 reprehensible act are tracked down and made to face the full wrath of the law.”
