The Catholic Diocese of Auchi announced on Thursday the release of Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode from his abductors.
The Director of Communications for the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, in a statement, said that Oyode was freed at approximately 7:00 pm on Wednesday, 6 November 2024, in a village near Ajaokuta, Kogi State.
Recall that Oyode was kidnapped on 27 October 2024 when gunmen attacked the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, while the priests and seminarians were observing their evening prayers and Benediction.
A source said the gunmen stormed the seminary at about 7pm on Sunday, shooting sporadically and in the process, kidnapped two students of the school.
He said the gunshots prompted the cleric to come out thinking the shots were from the security guards with a view to caution them.
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“When the Reverend came out, he discovered that two students have been kidnapped by the gunmen at gunpoint,” the source said.
The abducted cleric then pleaded with the kidnappers to free the two students and kidnap him who is their Rector and custodian of the seminary instead.
The gunmen were said to have heeded the Rector’s plead by releasing the two students, kidnapped him and took him into the bush.
The statement read in part: “The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, expresses gratitude to all for the prayers and moral support received during the eleven days Fr. Thomas Oyode was held captive, including from Catholic faithful within and outside the diocese…”
“The bishop also takes this opportunity to call on governments at all levels to address the deteriorating security situation in Edo North Senatorial District and Edo State. Proactive measures must be taken to ensure people can return to their normal peaceful lives in their homes, on their farms, and while travelling.”
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