The Catholic Diocese of Auchi has confirmed the death of Emmanuel Alabi, a minor seminarian who was kidnapped in Edo State in July 2025.
The announcement was made on Wednesday in a press statement signed by Rev. Fr. Linus Imoedemhe, Assistant Director of Communications at the Directorate of Social Communications, Catholic Diocese of Auchi.
Alabi was among three seminarians abducted on July 10, 2025, when armed men attacked the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivianokpodi. During the assault, a civil defence officer was killed, and the three seminarians were taken hostage.
In August, the abducted seminarians had appealed publicly to their parents and well-wishers to help facilitate their release.
While mourning the tragic loss, the Church expressed gratitude for the safe return of Joshua Aleobua, one of the kidnapped seminarians.
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.
“He also cautioned political leaders against turning a blind eye to the worsening insecurity situation in the nation, urging them instead to prioritise the safety and well-being of the people over political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The Catholic Diocese of Auchi invites all the faithful and people of goodwill to join us in praying for the repose of the soul of Emmanuel Alabi, and for the peace, healing, and security of our people and land.”
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