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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Edo State, has confirmed the death of one of its abducted seminarians, Emmanuel Alabi, who reportedly died in the custody of kidnappers months after his abduction.
The news was disclosed in a statement issued late Tuesday by the Assistant Director of Communications for the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Linus Imoedemhe, who described the development as a painful loss to the Church and the seminary community.
According to the statement, Alabi died while in captivity after being abducted alongside two other junior seminarians earlier this year.
“With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of seminarian Emmanuel Alabi, who lost his life in the course of the ordeal,” the statement read.
The incident dates back to July 10, 2025, when three seminarians Japhet Jesse, Joshua Aleobua, and Emmanuel Alabi were kidnapped from the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivianokpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
While Jesse was released shortly after the abduction, reportedly following the payment of ransom by his family, the other two Aleobua and Alabi remained in captivity for over three months. Reports suggest that their continued detention was linked to the Church’s policy of refusing to pay ransom to abductors.
Rev. Fr. Imoedemhe, in the statement, expressed gratitude to God for the eventual release of Joshua Aleobua on November 4, 2025, but lamented that Alabi did not survive the ordeal.
“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,” he stated. “However, with deep sorrow, we announce the passing of seminarian Emmanuel Alabi.”
Reacting to the news, the Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia, described Alabi’s death as a devastating blow to the Church and called for urgent government action to curb the worsening insecurity across the country.
“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 bishop said.
He further urged the government and security agencies to intensify efforts toward safeguarding lives and property, noting that the “prevailing wave of insecurity” was becoming unbearable.
“We call on political leaders to rise above partisan interests and prioritize national security and citizens’ safety, especially as the 2027 general elections approach,” Dunia added.