Two seminarians of the Catholics Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School at Ivianokpodi, Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area remain in custody after two months.
The development has heightened tension among their family members and the church community.
They were abducted on July 9, 2025 by suspected kidnappers in the school.
During the operation, the gunmen killed an official of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and injured a local vigilante attached to the school before kidnapping the seminarians.
It was gathered that one of the abductees was, however, released after the alleged payment of ransom by his relations, thereby leaving behind the other two students.
It was learnt that the kidnappers demanded an undisclosed amount as ransom to release them, which was yet to be paid.
In a viral video last month, the distressed seminarians appealed to relations and well-meaning Nigerians to assist in the payment of the ransom demanded from them to regain freedom.
The abductees were seen in a viral video, holding a human skull while soliciting for ransom.
"Please we are begging everybody to help us pay the ransom they demanded before we are released. We are suffering here. Help us so that we can be released," they pleaded.
Also recalls that the spokespersons of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr Peter Egielewa, had confirmed the video.
"Yes, the video you see of them holding a human skull is real, we are negotiating with the kidnappers, but they are asking for money which we do not have and I think out of frustration they did that video", he said.
The Edo State Police Command had said that it was doing everything possible to ensure the release of the seminarians.
The Public Relations Officer of the Command, Moses Yamu who spoke to newsmen added that the Command is working with its Kogi State counterpart to ensure that the victims are released unhurt.
