Tragedy has struck the Catholic Diocese of Auchi following the death of one of its abducted seminarians, Emmanuel Alabi, who reportedly died in captivity months after being kidnapped by gunmen.
The Diocese confirmed the sad development in a statement issued late Tuesday by its Assistant Director of Communications, Rev. Fr. Linus Imoedemhe.
According to the statement, Alabi was among the three junior seminarians abducted on July 10, 2025, from the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivianokpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The three – Japhet Jesse, Joshua Aleobua, and Emmanuel Alabi – were taken away by armed men who invaded the seminary premises at night.
While Jesse was released shortly after the incident, reportedly following a ransom payment by his family, the other two remained in captivity for several months, as the Church reportedly refused to pay ransom to the kidnappers.
Fr. Imoedemhe said the Church was grateful for the eventual release of Joshua Aleobua on November 4, 2025, but heartbroken over the death of Alabi, who never made it home.
“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. However, with deep sorrow, we announce the passing of seminarian Emmanuel Alabi, who lost his life in the course of the ordeal,” the statement read.
Reacting to the incident, the Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia, expressed deep sorrow over the loss and condemned the continued attacks on innocent citizens by criminal elements.
He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to secure lives and property, describing the rising wave of abductions and killings as a national tragedy that must not be ignored.
Bishop Dunia also appealed to political leaders to place the safety of Nigerians above partisan interests as the 2027 general elections draw near.
“The Diocese of Auchi remains steadfast in its commitment to faith, peace, and justice, trusting in God’s mercy to console the bereaved family, the seminary community, and all those affected by this tragedy,” the statement added.