The abductors of Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Aghenebode, Edo State, have reportedly demanded a ransom of N200 million for his release.
It was gathered that Fr. Oyode, a prominent cleric of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, was kidnapped on Sunday, October 27, by armed assailants who stormed the seminary during an evening mass.
Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, Director of Communications for the Auchi Diocese, confirmed the ransom demand in a text message to journalists in Benin City, stating, “It is true.”
According to a source who requested anonymity, the kidnappers reached out to the diocese on Monday to present their demand, though negotiations had not yet commenced. The source added that it remains uncertain whether the diocese will engage in ransom negotiations with the abductors.
Reports indicate that during the attack, the armed men initially took two students along with Fr. Oyode after an exchange of sporadic gunfire.
However, Fr. Oyode reportedly pleaded for the students' release, offering himself in their place. The kidnappers then freed the students and took Fr. Oyode into custody.
In a statement released on Monday, Fr. Egielewa recounted the incident, which occurred around 7 p.m. during evening prayers and benediction. He confirmed that while Fr. Oyode was led into the bush by the assailants, all other seminarians and clergy were safe and have since been relocated to a secure area as additional security measures are put in place around the seminary.
"An official report of the incident has been lodged with law enforcement agencies, and we look forward to their assistance in securing the release of our abducted priest," the statement read.
The Catholic Diocese of Auchi has urged the faithful and people of goodwill to join in prayers for Fr. Oyode’s safe release.
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, expressed commitment to apprehending the kidnappers.
A statement from Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Moses Yamu, confirmed that Assistant Inspector-General of Police Arungwa Nwazue and Edo State Commissioner of Police Umoru Ozigi have already visited the scene, where they met with local officials and traditional rulers to address regional security concerns.
In a show of solidarity and to bolster security efforts, local hunters, vigilantes, and military personnel have initiated a search operation to locate the priest.
The Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, founded by Bishop Gabriel Dunia in 2006, has been an institution for training aspiring priests and has seen over 500 students graduate.
