SUSPECTED GUNMEN KIDNAP CLERIC IN EDO
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A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, has reportedly been kidnapped by gunmen suspected of kidnapping in Edo State.
The event was reported to have occurred at Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School, Ivanokpodi, in Agenegbode, Etsako East Local Government Area of the state.
According to a source, gunmen raided the seminary on Sunday and attempted to abduct two students; however, the Reverend Father offered to take their place and was whisked away into the woods.
The source said, “The gunmen stormed the seminary at about 7 pm and started shooting sporadically, in the process kidnapping two students of the school.
“Thinking that the gunfire was from security personnel, the clergy came out to confront them, only to discover that two of his students were held at gunpoint.
“When the Reverend saw what had happened, he pleaded with the gunmen to free the students and take him instead, as he is the rector and custodian of the seminary.
“The gunmen heeded the Reverend Father’s plea, released the two students, kidnapped him, and took him into the bush.”
According to reports, as soon as the information was received, local hunters, vigilantes, and troops from a neighbouring military barracks began searching the bush.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Auchi confirmed the priest’s captivity in a statement issued on Monday by its Director of Communications, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa.
He alleged that gunmen ambushed the school’s priests and seminarians during their evening prayers and blessing at 7 p.m. on Sunday, abducting and taking the institution’s rector, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, into the forest.
He added, “However, the vice-rector and all the seminarians have been accounted for and are safe; they have been temporarily relocated to a secure area until security around the seminary is tightened.
“Unfortunately, no communication has been established with the abductors yet. We call for prayers for the release of the priest unhurt.”
When contacted on Monday, the Edo State Command’s spokesperson, SP Moses Yamu, said they were en route to the scene of the crime and would get back to our correspondent after obtaining details of what transpired.
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