Gunmen kidnap Rev Father in Edo

In a distressing incident in Edo State, Nigeria, a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, has been reportedly abducted by gunmen believed to be kidnappers.

The attack occurred at the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School, located in Ivanokpodi, Agenegbode, within Etsako East Local Government Area.

According to local sources, the kidnapping took place around 7 p.m. on Sunday. Witnesses report that a group of armed men invaded the seminary grounds, creating chaos with sporadic gunfire.

During the onslaught, they abducted the Reverend Father, forcibly taking him into the surrounding bush. Tragically, two students of the seminary were also reportedly seized during the violent raid.

READ ALSO: Rev Father escapes second abduction as gunmen kidnap Catechist in Kaduna

Eyewitnesses recount that the sound of gunfire initially drew the attention of Fr. Oyode, who emerged from his quarters, assuming the disturbance came from the security guards. He intended to address the situation, unaware of the danger waiting outside.

“When the Reverend came out, he discovered that two of his students have been kidnapped by the gunmen at gunpoint,” he said.

He said the priest then pleaded with the kidnappers to free the two students and instead kidnap him who is their Rector and custodian.

The gunmen were said to have heeded the Reverend father’s plea and release the two students, while he was taken into the bush.

It was gathered that the local hunters, vigilantes and soldiers from nearby military barracks embarked on bush combine.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Auchi in a statement by its Director of Communications, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, confirmed the development.

He said the priests and seminarians were attacked during their evening prayers and benediction at 7pm on Sunday and in the process, the Rector of the institution, 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. We called for prayers for the release of the priest unhurt,” the statement added.

When contacted, the Edo State Command’s Spokesperson, SP Moses Yamu, said they were on their way to the scene of the crime.
He promised to provide details of what transpired.