Rector Of Catholic Seminary In Edo Kidnapped, Now Freed

Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, the Rector of Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary located in Ivhianokpodi, Agenebode, Edo State, who was kidnapped by suspected herdsmen in Etsako East Local Government Area, has been released. According to LMSINT MEDIA, Oyode was taken on October 27 during an attack on the Catholic Diocese of Auchi.

The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on a Sunday, during a prayer session and Benediction when priests and seminarians were present.

Reverend Father Peter Egielewa, Director of Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, released a statement providing details of the event.

The statement, titled “Diocesan Minor Seminary Attacked, Rector, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode Abducted,” mentioned that on October 27, 2024, gunmen attacked the seminary at approximately 7 p.m., interrupting the evening prayers. During the attack, the rector was taken and led away into the forest.

The statement added that the Vice Rector and all seminarians were unharmed and relocated for safety pending enhanced security measures. Authorities were notified, and assistance was awaited to secure the release of Fr. Oyode.

The Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary was founded in 2006 by the Catholic Bishop of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, with over 500 graduates produced since its inception.

The Diocese urged the public to join in prayers for Oyode’s safe return.

Fr. Oyode Released After 11 Days Reports surfaced on Thursday confirming Fr. Oyode’s release after 11 days of captivity. Although no official church or police statement has been issued regarding his release, a Catholic community member’s Facebook post confirmed it.

The post read: “Good NEWS, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi has been released from the kidnappers’ den. Indeed, what God cannot do does not exist. Thank you all for your unrelenting passion for God’s servant and prayers.”

It was reported that during the abduction, Oyode negotiated the release of the students initially captured with him and offered himself instead. Two days after the incident, the kidnappers demanded a ₦200 million ransom. However, it remains unclear if any ransom was paid for his release.