Gunmen are demanding a ₦200 million ransom for the release of Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, Rector of Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, who was kidnapped in Edo State on Sunday.
Fr. Oyode was taken during evening prayers at the seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area.
The Communications Director for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, confirmed the ransom demand, saying, “It is true.”
An unnamed source also shared that the kidnappers contacted the Diocese on Monday with the ransom request but noted that negotiations had not started.
The kidnappers initially seized two students during the attack but later released them after Fr. Oyode reportedly volunteered himself in their place.
In a statement, Fr. Egielewa described the events: “On Sunday, October 27, at about 7 pm, priests and seminarians were attacked during evening prayers. The Rector, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, was abducted and led into the bush, but the Vice Rector and all seminarians are safe.”
The Diocese has asked the public to join them in praying for Fr. Oyode’s safe release. “We look forward to law enforcement’s assistance in securing the release of our abducted priest,” Fr. Egielewa said.
Meanwhile, Edo State Police Command spokesperson, Moses Yamu, stated that Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun is closely monitoring the case. Assistant Inspector-General Arungwa Nwazue and Edo State Commissioner of Police Umoru Ozigi visited the area on Monday to discuss security with local leaders, including traditional rulers and the local government chairperson.
“The Police will stop at nothing to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice and that the abducted priest is safely rescued,” Yamu assured.
In response, local hunters, vigilantes, and soldiers began combing the nearby forests in search of Fr. Oyode.
