The Catholic Diocese of Auchi has officially reported the abduction of Reverend Father Thomas Oyode, rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, and is seeking assistance from law enforcement agencies for his safe return.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening during evening prayers and benediction at the seminary, when armed assailants attacked around 7 PM, abducting Father Oyode and fleeing into nearby bushland.
In a press release issued on Monday by the diocese’s Director of Communications, Reverend Father Peter Egielewa, it was confirmed that the vice-rector and all seminarians have been accounted for and relocated for their safety. However, the diocese has not received any communication from the abductors regarding Father Oyode’s whereabouts.
The Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, established in 2006 by Most Reverend Gabriel Dunia, the Catholic Bishop of Auchi, has trained over 500 future priests throughout its years of operation.
