The Rector of Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Agenebode, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, who was kidnapped by suspected herdsmen in the Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State, has regained his freedom.
Naija News learnt that Oyode was abducted when the assailants raided the Catholic Diocese of Auchi on October 27 during the weekend.
The incident reportedly unfolded around 7 p.m. on Sunday during a prayer session and Benediction, a time when priests and seminarians had gathered.
In response to this distressing event, Reverend Father Peter Egielewa, the Director of Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, has issued a statement detailing the attack.
The statement, titled “Diocesan Minor Seminary Attacked, Rector, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode Abducted,” reads: “The Catholic Diocese of Auchi announces that at about 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 27, 2024, the Priests and Seminarians of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East LGA of Edo State, were attacked by gunmen during their evening prayers and Benediction. In the process, the Rector of the institution, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, was abducted and led into the bush.
“The Vice Rector and all the seminarians are safe and have been temporarily relocated to a secure location until security around the seminary is reinforced. However, no communication has been received from the abductors.
“An official report has been lodged with law enforcement agencies, and we await their assistance in securing the release of our abducted priest.
“The Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary was established in 2006 by the Catholic Bishop of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, to train future priests, with over 500 graduates to date.
“The Catholic Diocese of Auchi calls upon all people of goodwill to join us in prayers for the safe release of Fr. Oyode.”
Reverend Father Thomas Oyode Released
Reports, however, emerged on Thursday morning and confirmed that Rev. Fr. Oyode has been released after spending 11 days with his captors.
Naija News learnt that the cleric was released on Wednesday night.
Though the church and police have not made any official announcement regarding his release, a Facebook post by a Catholic member confirmed his release.
“Good NEWS, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi has been released from the kidnappers’ den. Indeed, what God cannot do does not exist. Thank you all for your unrelenting passion for God’s servant and prayers,” the post read.
During the kidnapping incident, Oyode was said to have pleaded with the kidnappers to free the students who were captured with him, and he was abducted instead.
The gunmen were said to have released the two students and went with the Reverend. Two days after his abduction, the kidnappers demanded ₦200 million ransom.
However, it is yet to be confirmed whether ransom was paid for the priest’s freedom.
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