Gov Monday Okpebholo of Edo State
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, (HURIWA) a pro-democracy and civil rights advocacy group, on Wednesday knocked the Edo State government for complicity in the death in captivity of Emmanuel Alabi, the junior seminarian kidnapped since July 10, 2025, at Ivianokpodi community in Etsako East local government area.
HURIWA blamed the Governor Monday Okpebholo government for failure to activate effective and efficient security mechanisms to rescue him from the kidnappers’ den and to decisively liquidate the captors.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that the Ivianokpodi community had been thrown into mourning following media reports that one of the minor seminarians kidnapped since July 10, 2025, had died in the captivity of the kidnappers.
The spate of kidnapping in the community continued on Saturday with the abduction of five persons from the same community who were on their way to the farm with the abductors demanding N50 million ransom.
The Rights group cited a statement by the Assistant Director of Communications, Directorate of Social Communications, Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr. Linus Imoedemhe, which was made available to journalists on Wednesday, as stating that although the Church was grateful to God that one of the victims, Joshua Aleobua, regained his freedom, the other victim, Emmanuel Alabi died.
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 on 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.”
HURIWA carpeted the government of Edo state for spectacularly failing to provide the basic fundamental service of government to the people which forms the fulcrum of the legal obligation of government to the citizens which is to guarantee their safety, security from terrorists and bandits roaring round like wild lions unleashing devastating and blood cuddling violence on the good people of Edo state.
Delving deeper into constitutional and legal obligations of government to the citizens, HURIWA affirmed just like law scholars would argue that a government’s first duty is to protect its citizens against imminent danger; and protection at times of present and future peril necessitates policy upon facts and logic. The Rights group therefore asked the Edo state government to wake up from slumber and protect the good people of Edo state and if he lacks the zeal, passion and wherewithal to attain this noble objective for which he claimed to have been elected, then he can as well resign.