Edo Seminary Rector Abducted During Prayer Service Regains Freedom

Edo Seminary Rector Abducted During Prayer Service Regains Freedom

The Rector of Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Agenebode, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, who was kidnapped by suspected herdsmen in Edo State’s Etsako East Local Government Area, has regained his freedom.Fr. Oyode was abducted on October 27 when armed assailants stormed the….CONTINUE READING….

Catholic Diocese of Auchi during an evening prayer and Benediction service. According to Naija News, the incident occurred around 7 p.m. as priests and seminarians gathered for prayer.

In response to the kidnapping, Reverend Father Peter Egielewa, Communications Director for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, issued a statement outlining the attack and requested prayers for Fr. Oyode’s safe return. The statement, titled “Diocesan Minor Seminary Attacked, Rector, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode Abducted,” described the assault and relocation of the seminarians to a secure location while security measures were reinforced.

On Thursday morning, reports confirmed Fr. Oyode’s release after 11 days in captivity, though no official statement has been made by the church or police. A Facebook post by a Catholic parishioner shared the news, thanking supporters for their prayers.

During the incident, Fr. Oyode reportedly requested the kidnappers to free the students captured with him, after which he was taken alone. The gunmen initially demanded a ₦200 million ransom, though it remains unclear if any payment was made for his release.