The abductors of Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, the Rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi in Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, are reportedly demanding a ransom of N200 million for his release. Oyode was kidnapped on Sunday while attending evening mass.
Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, the Director of Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, confirmed the ransom demand in a brief message to journalists in Benin City, stating, “It is true.”
A source, who requested anonymity, revealed that the kidnappers contacted the Auchi Catholic Diocese on Monday evening, requesting the ransom for the release of the kidnapped priest. As of the latest updates, negotiations had not yet begun, and it remains unclear if the Catholic community will engage in discussions regarding the ransom.
During the kidnapping incident, it was reported that the gunmen also abducted two students after firing sporadically. Rev. Fr. Oyode reportedly pleaded with the kidnappers to release the students and instead opted to take him, who serves as the Rector and custodian of the students. The gunmen subsequently released the two students and took Oyode into custody.
According to a statement released by Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, the incident occurred on October 27 at approximately 7 p.m., when priests and seminarians were attacked during evening prayers and Benediction. The statement indicated that while Rev. Fr. Oyode was abducted, the Vice Rector and all seminarians were accounted for and safely relocated to a secure area until security measures around the seminary are reinforced.
The diocese has lodged an official report with law enforcement agencies and is seeking their assistance in securing the release of Fr. Oyode. The Catholic Diocese of Auchi has called upon all people of goodwill to join in prayers for the safe return of the abducted priest.
The Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, established by the Catholic Bishop of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, in 2006, has trained over 500 students for the priesthood.
