Abducted Edo Teenage Seminarians Beg for Ransom Payment in Viral Video with Human Skulls
By SpringnewsNG Media Limited August 15,2025
Two teenage students of Catholic Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School, Ivianokpodi, Agenebode, in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, have appeared in a disturbing viral video pleading for financial assistance to secure their release from kidnappers.
In the footage, reportedly released by the abductors on social media, the visibly frightened teenagers were seen holding human skulls as they begged their parents, the Catholic community, and members of the public to help raise the ransom demanded for their freedom.
The victims said the kidnappers had threatened to kill them if the ransom—whose exact amount remains undisclosed—was not paid.
This incident follows a similar case in Auchi, Etsako West LGA, where three abducted victims, freed on August 11, 2025, after a N75 million ransom payment, had earlier made public pleas for assistance through a viral video.
According to reports, three teenage seminarians were initially abducted from the college on July 10, 2025, during an attack in which a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer attached to the school was killed. While one was released, the other two remain in captivity.
Confirming the authenticity of the new viral video, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, spokesperson for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, said:
“The video with the two teenagers holding human skulls is real. We are negotiating with the kidnappers, but they are demanding money which we do not have. I think the video was made out of frustration.”
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, during a visit to the school, ordered the immediate deployment of tactical teams to track down the abductors and rescue the seminarians unhurt. He vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
