Kidnapped Edo Rev Father regains freedom

In a significant development, Rev. Father Thomas Oyode, the Rector of Immaculate Conception Seminary, Agenebode, has regained his freedom nearly two weeks after his abduction.

Fr. Oyode was kidnapped by gunmen during an evening prayer session at the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State on October 27, 2024.

Reports indicate that security forces, including police and other agencies, ramped up efforts to locate the cleric, eventually conducting air surveillance over forest areas in the region.

This high-pressure strategy seemed to pay off, as the kidnappers were forced to release Fr. Oyode, abandoning him in a remote bush area in Kogi State.

The kidnappers had initially demanded a ransom of N200 million. However, while negotiations were reportedly in progress, security agencies worked to pinpoint Fr. Oyode’s location, tracking the kidnappers’ movements closely. It remains unclear if any ransom was ultimately paid to secure his release.

AIG Arungwa Nwazue, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 5, Benin, confirmed the rescue of Fr. Oyode to news outlets, commending the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in achieving this outcome.

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In a statement titled “Diocesan Minor Seminary Attacked, Rector, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode Abducted,” Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, Director of Communications for the Diocese, confirmed the incident, noting that all other priests and seminarians were safe and had been relocated temporarily as a precaution.

The diocese also shared that the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary was established in 2006 by the Catholic Bishop of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, and has graduated over 500 students to date.

In a heartfelt appeal, the Diocese requested prayers from the faithful and people of goodwill for Fr. Oyode’s safe release.