The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the Edo State Government, accusing it of gross negligence and failure to protect its citizens following the death of Emmanuel Alabi, a junior seminarian who reportedly died in kidnappers’ captivity months after his abduction.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA said Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration failed to deploy effective security mechanisms to rescue the victim or neutralize the kidnappers who have terrorized parts of the state with impunity.
According to media reports, grief has engulfed Ivianokpodi community in Etsako East Local Government Area after Alabi, one of three seminarians kidnapped in July 2025 from the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, was confirmed dead while in captivity.
The Catholic Diocese of Auchi, through its Assistant Director of Communications, Rev. Fr. Linus Imoedemhe, confirmed the tragic development in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday.
Fr. Imoedemhe disclosed that while one of the abducted seminarians, Joshua Aleobua, regained his freedom on November 4, another, Japhet Jesse, had earlier been released. Sadly, Emmanuel Alabi did not survive the ordeal.
“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 Bishop of the Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia, has expressed deep pain over the loss and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to safeguard lives and property.”
The Diocese also urged the faithful and all people of goodwill to pray for the repose of Alabi’s soul and for peace and security in the state.
HURIWA, however, faulted what it described as the “spectacular failure” of the Edo government to fulfill its constitutional duty of safeguarding lives and property. The group said the state’s inaction amounted to a breach of the social contract between government and citizens.
“Government exists primarily to protect life and property. When it fails to do so, it loses moral legitimacy,” the statement read.
“Every human being, regardless of age or social status, has a natural and inviolable right to life. The Edo government’s failure to rescue this innocent seminarian is a tragedy and an indictment on leadership.”
The rights group further argued that protecting life is the foundation of all liberties, urging the Edo government to compensate the family of the late seminarian for the loss of their son.
HURIWA demanded the payment of ₦100 billion as compensation and called on Governor Okpebholo to “wake up from slumber” and act decisively against rising insecurity in the state.
“If the governor lacks the zeal, passion, or capacity to secure his people, he should resign honorably,” HURIWA added.
The group also urged security agencies to intensify coordinated operations to dismantle criminal networks across Edo and neighboring states.