The kidnap murder of Emmanuel Alabi, the junior Seminarian, was among the three hostages – seized by armed gang since July in
Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, has sparked anger and soul-searching for Civil Rights Advocacy group – Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA.
Multiple reports say three Seminarians were abducted on July 10, 2025 by gunmen who killed a Civil Defence officer on their way to their farm at Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivianokpodi.
The civic right watchdog
Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko,
National Coordinator of HURIWA) in a statement,
wondered why the State and federal governments could not activate effective and efficient security mechanisms to rescue him from the kidnappers’ den and to decisively liquidate the captors in their hideouts.
But the police Command in the State, claimed responsibility for the release of the hostages via a statement.
On the sideline the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, also confirmed the death of a minor Seminarian, Emmanuel Alabi on Wednesday.
The death of Seminarian Alabi, according to the Assistant Director of Communications, Directorate of Social Communications, Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr. Linus Imoedemhe, was unfortunate.
He said, “During that incident, three Seminarians -Japhet Jesse, Joshua Aleobua, and Emmanuel Alabi were abducted”.
”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 Bishop of the Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Gabriel G. Dunia, has 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”.
TheNewspad recalls that the Seminarians via a viral video, appealed to their parents and well-wishers to help secure their release in August 2025, after their abductors demanded the sum of N50 million as ransom from them.
