Kidnapped Teenage Seminarians Beg for Ransom in Viral Video

Two teenage students of the Catholic Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivianokpodi, Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, have appeared in a disturbing viral video appealing for financial assistance to secure their release from suspected kidnappers.

In the footage, reportedly released on social media by the abductors, the seminarians are seen holding human skulls and pleading with their parents and the public to help raise an undisclosed ransom. The visibly distressed teenagers said they feared being killed if the money was not paid.

The abduction occurred on July 10, 2025, during an attack on the seminary that claimed the life of a Civil Defence Corps officer attached to the school. Three seminarians were initially taken; one has since been freed, while the remaining two have been in captivity for over a month.

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Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, spokesperson for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, confirmed the authenticity of the video, explaining that negotiations were ongoing but hampered by the kidnappers’ financial demands. “They are asking for money we do not have. I believe the video was made out of frustration,” he said.

This latest appeal mirrors a similar case in Auchi, Etsako West LGA, where three kidnap victims regained their freedom on August 11, 2025, after N75 million was paid.

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Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, who visited the school after the incident, ordered the deployment of tactical teams to track down the abductors and rescue the boys unharmed. He assured that the police would not relent until those responsible were brought to justice.