Two of the three Nigerian teenage seminarians who were kidnapped in July have been safely released, but the third was killed during his time in captivity, reported the Diocese of Auchi.
"We are grateful to God for the safe release of Japhet Jesse much earlier and, most recently, Joshua Aleobua, who regained his freedom on November 4, 2025," said the November 4 press release from the diocese.
The Diocese of Auchi is located in southern Nigeria.
The diocesan statement continued, saying "with deep sorrow, we announce the passing of seminarian Emmanuel Alabi, who lost his life in the course of the ordeal."
Jesse, Aleobua, and Alabi, who were between the ages of 14 and 17 at the time of their kidnapping, were students at Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi.
On July 10, a mob of what is believed to be Fulani herdsmen stormed the seminary, killing a security guard and kidnapping the three teens.
Jesse was released several days later in July.
Bishop Gabriel Dunia of Auchi "expressed his deep pain and sorrow over the loss of the young seminarian, and has called on security agencies to intensify efforts toward protecting the lives and property of all citizens."
"He also cautioned political leaders against turning a blind eye on the worsening insecurity situation in the nation, urging them instead to prioritize the safety and well-being of the people over political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections," said the statement from the diocese.
U.S. names Nigeria a "Country of Particular Concern"
On October 31, U.S. President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern," or "CPC," the highest designation the U.S. Secretary of State can put on a country for religious freedom violations. Nigeria was previously a CPC in 2020 and 2021.
The label is reserved for countries with governments that have either engaged in or tolerated "particularly severe violations of religious freedom," says the State Department's website.
edThese "particularly severe" violations include torture, prolonged imprisonment with no charges filed, "forced disappearance," as well as "other flagrant denial of life, liberty, or security of persons."
