Catholic priest gives self to free kidnapped students

A Catholic priest, Reverend Father Thomas Oyode, was abducted on Sunday by suspected kidnappers in Edo State.

The incident took place at the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivanokpodi, located in Agenegbode, Etsako East Local Government Area.

According to sources, the armed attackers stormed the seminary around 7 p.m., firing gunshots indiscriminately. Amid the chaos, two students of the school were reportedly taken hostage at gunpoint. It was during this commotion that Reverend Oyode, the seminary’s rector, came out, initially thinking the gunshots were from the school’s security guards.

Upon discovering the abduction of the students, the priest pleaded with the gunmen, offering himself in exchange for the release of the young hostages. In an unexpected turn of events, the kidnappers accepted his offer, freeing the students and taking Reverend Oyode into the nearby bush.

Following the abduction, local hunters, vigilantes, and military personnel from a nearby barracks launched a search operation to rescue the cleric.

In a statement released by the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Reverend Father Peter Egielewa, the Director of Communications, confirmed the attack and the abduction of Reverend Oyode. He stated that the gunmen attacked the seminary during evening prayers and benediction.

“The Vice Rector and all seminarians are safe and have been temporarily relocated to a secure area until security around the seminary is strengthened,” Egielewa assured. He also added that there has been no communication with the abductors so far and urged prayers for the priest’s safe release.

The Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Moses Yamu, acknowledged the incident, revealing that police officers were en route to the crime scene to gather more details. He assured the public that the police would provide further updates as the investigation unfolds.