On Sunday evening, gunmen kidnapped Reverend Father Thomas Oyode, the rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
In response to the abduction, the Catholic Diocese of Auchi is seeking assistance from law enforcement agencies to secure the priest’s release.
Reverend Father Peter Egielewa, the diocese’s Director of Communications, stated on Monday that the priests and seminarians at the seminary were engaged in their evening prayers and benediction when the attack occurred around 7 PM. The assailants abducted Father Oyode and took him into the nearby bush.
The diocese confirmed that the vice-rector and all seminarians are safe and have been relocated for their protection. However, there has been no communication with the kidnappers regarding Father Oyode’s situation.
Additionally, the diocese noted that the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, established by the Catholic Bishop of Auchi, Most Reverend Gabriel Dunia, in 2006, has trained over 500 graduates over the years.
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