On the night of July 10, armed attackers stormed the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, in southern Nigeria, killing a security guard and abducting three seminarians, aged just 14 to 17.
The Diocese of Auchi, responsible for the seminary, confirmed that the assailants — believed to be members of the Fulani ethnic group — arrived in large numbers, overwhelming the guards.
Christopher Aweneghieme, a member of the Civil Defense Corps, died trying to defend the community.
“They came in large numbers, and it was impossible for the guards to stop them,” said Bishop Gabriel Dunia of Auchi, speaking to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). “Three students of the minor seminary were kidnapped, and we are in contact with the assailants through mediators.”
The bishop has evacuated all students and faculty to nearby parishes and is working to reinforce the compound’s security. But his message to the world is clear: They cannot face this crisis alone.
“I call on everyone, every person, to come to our aid: to pray for us, to make any effort, whatever it may be — material, spiritual, or human — that helps us contain insecurity,” Bishop Dunia urged.
In Nigeria, Catholic institutions have increasingly become targets. The same seminary was attacked in March 2025, when its rector was kidnapped and a seminarian was killed.
Though the motive in this recent assault remains unclear, the bishop fears it may be part of a broader campaign to drive Christian communities from the region. The kidnappers have also demanded ransom.
While Church leaders have spoken with the kidnappers, ransom demands are unlikely to be met. The Diocese of Auchi and many of the students’ families live in deep poverty. Moreover, Church policy in Nigeria forbids paying ransoms — a stance taken to prevent encouraging further abductions.
Bishop Dunia also expressed frustration over the lack of government response. Authorities had promised to protect the area after previous attacks, but, he says, little has changed on the ground.
Catholic presence
Founded in 2006, the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary has trained over 500 young men for the priesthood. It has become a vital part of the Catholic presence in southern Nigeria — a place where young faith is formed in hope, despite instability.
ACN, which has long supported priestly formation in Auchi through scholarships and Mass stipends, condemned the attack and has joined the bishop in calling for international solidarity. “Christian institutions should not be left vulnerable to violence,” said a spokesperson for ACN. “We must stand together in prayer and action.”
The Church teaches that human dignity must always be defended, especially where life and liberty are under threat. Today, that defense begins with remembering the name of a brave guard—Christopher Aweneghieme — and praying for the safe return of three young boys who dared to dream of priesthood.
To support ACN’s emergency work in Nigeria, visit acninternational.org.
