Gunmen believed to be kidnappers assaulted a Catholic seminary in the Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, abducting Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, the rector.
The attack occurred at the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi during evening prayers on Sunday, October 27, 2024.
The Catholic Diocese of Auchi confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday, indicating that they have filed an official report and are seeking help from law enforcement to secure the priest’s release.
Reverend Father Peter Egielewa, the Director of Communications for the diocese, reported that the assault took place around 7 PM while the priests and seminarians were engaged in their evening prayers and benediction. The attackers reportedly abducted Fr. Oyode and took him into the nearby bush.
Fortunately, the diocese confirmed that the vice-rector and all seminarians have been accounted for and relocated for their safety. However, there has been no communication with the kidnappers regarding Father Oyode.
Additionally, the diocese noted that the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, established in 2006 by the Catholic Bishop of Auchi, Most Reverend Gabriel Dunia, has successfully trained over 500 future priests since its inception.
