Two abducted Edo Catholic seminarians beg for ransom in viral video with human skulls as police launch rescue operation

Two teenage students of the Catholic Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School, Ivianokpodi, Agenebode, Etsako East LGA of Edo State, have appeared in a viral video pleading for ransom to secure their release from suspected kidnappers.

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In the disturbing footage, reportedly released on social media by the abductors, the seminarians are seen flanked by masked, armed men and holding human skulls.

The victims appeal to their parents and the public to urgently raise the undisclosed sum demanded, warning that their captors have threatened to kill them if payment is not made.

The teenagers were among three seminarians kidnapped during a July 10, 2025 attack on the school, during which a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps officer was killed. One of the abducted students has since been released, but the other two remain in captivity.

The incident echoes a similar August 11 case in Auchi, Etsako West LGA, where three kidnap victims were freed after a ₦75 million ransom was reportedly paid, following a viral appeal video.

Spokesperson for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr Peter Egielewa, confirmed the authenticity of the latest video, describing it as an act of “frustration” by the kidnappers during stalled negotiations.

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Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, who visited the school, has ordered the immediate deployment of tactical teams to track down the abductors and rescue the victims unharmed. He vowed that the command will ensure the perpetrators face the full weight of the law.