Kidnapped Rector of minor seminary, Agenebode, Rev. Father Oyode regains freedom
….AIG Zone 5, AIG Arungwa Confirms Rescue
By: Kingsley Omonobi
The kidnapped Rector of Immaculate Conception Seminary, Agenebode, Rev. Father Thomas Oyode, has regained his freedom nearly two weeks after being abducted by gunmen in Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East LGA, Edo State.
Sources report that he was abandoned in the bush in Kogi State after security forces, including police and other agencies, conducted air surveillance over the forest where he was held, pressuring the kidnappers as operatives closed in.
The abductors had reportedly demanded a ransom of N200 million for Fr. Oyode’s release. However, while negotiations were ongoing, security agencies actively tracked his location and movements. It remains unclear if any ransom was paid.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 5, Benin, AIG Arungwa Nwazue, confirmed the priest’s rescue when contacted by Vanguard.
Earlier, the Catholic Diocese of Auchi had disclosed that on Sunday, October 27, 2024, around 7 p.m., the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Agenebode, was attacked by gunmen during a prayer session. The gunmen abducted Fr. Oyode and led him into the bush.
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.
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