Operative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was reportedly shot dead last Wednesday
when the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivianokpodi, Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, came under attack by gunmen who also took three students in the Seminary as hostages.
Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, the Director of Social Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi confirmed this to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the incident which has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of religious institutions in the State.
The official described the incident as “deeply saddening” and condemned the repeated targeting of the seminary, which he revealed had come under attack just ten months ago.
“This is the second time in ten months that the school has been attacked,” he said.
“Ten months ago, a priest was kidnapped. Now, three seminarians have been abducted and a civil defence corps officer has been killed, while a local vigilante also sustained gunshot injuries.”
Egielewa also called on authorities at all levels to take urgent action to protect Catholic institutions and ensure the safety of staff, students, and Clergy.
“We call on the government to protect the lives of all those who work in Catholic institutions and within our diocese. We hope the security agencies at the local, state, and federal levels will rise to their responsibilities so that our people can live in peace and safety”, according to him.
TheNewspad reports that a combined team of Security operatives have been deployed to the area, amid tension.
