The Edo State Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights has held the Edo State Government and security agencies responsible for the death of a kidnapped seminarian, Alabi Emmanuel, condemning what it described as “negligence, complacency, and inexcusable inertia” on the part of the authorities.

Emmanuel reportedly died in captivity months after being abducted by gunmen who attacked the Immaculate Minor Seminary in Ivhianakpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, in July 2025. During the attack, an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was also killed.

In a statement jointly signed by the coalition’s Coordinator General, Marxist Kola Edokpayi, and Secretary General, Comrade Aghatise Raphael, the group expressed deep sorrow and outrage over Emmanuel’s death, describing it as “an unspeakable tragedy and a damning indictment” of the state government and security institutions.

“The Edo State Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights is enveloped in grief and righteous indignation over the untimely and tragic demise of a young seminarian, Alabi Emmanuel, who died in the clutches of his abductors after languishing in captivity since July 2025,” the statement read.

The coalition accused the authorities of ignoring multiple warnings and appeals for urgent action to rescue the kidnapped seminarians.

“For months, we issued passionate appeals, published press statements, and urged those in authority to act decisively to rescue these innocent children from the hands of the kidnappers. Yet, our pleas were met with silence and bureaucratic indifference,” it said.

According to the group, the government’s inaction has now resulted in the loss of a promising life.

“That silence has birthed another grave — a grave filled with youthful promise, broken dreams, and a destiny cruelly cut short,” the coalition lamented.

The statement further asserted that Emmanuel’s death “will forever stain the conscience of every person and institution that had the power to act but chose indifference when humanity demanded courage.”

Calling the incident “a national disgrace and a moral failure of leadership,” the coalition demanded accountability and concrete steps to break what it described as “a cycle of impunity, negligence, and moral decay” in Edo State and across Nigeria.

“The people of Edo deserve more than condolences; they deserve protection, justice, and accountability,” the statement concluded. “May the soul of Alabi Emmanuel find eternal rest.”