Kidnappers strike again, abduct Catholic Seminary Rector in Edo

Published By: Paul Dada

By Jethro Ibileke

Suspected kidnappers terrorising Agenebode axis of Edo North District on Sunday struck and abducted the Rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, located in Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode.

The Director of Communications Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, disclosed the news of the abduction of the priest in a statement on Monday.

He explained that the incident occurred at about 7pm on Sunday, 27 of October, 2024, as the priests and seminarians of the Minor Seminary were attacked by the 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. However, the Vice Rector and all the seminarians have been accounted for and are safe and temporarily relocated to a safe area until security measures around the Seminary are tightened.

“Unfortunately, no communication has been had with the abductors yet.

“An official report of the incident has been lodged with the Law Enforcement Agencies and we look forward to their assistance in securing the release of our abducted priest.

“The Catholic Diocese of Auchi requests all people of goodwill to join the faithful of the Diocese in prayers so that the abductors release Fr. Oyode unharmed,” the statement said.

The Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary was established by the Catholic Bishop of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, in 2006 for the training of future priests. Over 500 students have so far successfully graduated from the church institution.