After 11 days in captivity, the Rector of Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode, Auchi Diocese, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, has been released by his abductors.
Fr. Oyode who was freed on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at about 7:00 pm in a village near Ajaokuta, Kogi State, was kidnapped on October 27, 2024, when gunmen attacked the seminary during evening prayers and Benediction.
According to a statement from the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, signed by its Director of Communications, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, the Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia, expressed profound gratitude to all who supported the Diocese during Fr. Oyode’s ordeal.
“Gratitude to all for the prayers and moral support received for the eleven days Fr. Thomas Oyode was held captive, including Catholic faithful within and outside the Diocese, well-meaning Nigerians within and outside the country, friends and well-wishers around the world, as well as security agencies, various vigilante groups and hunters who laboured day and night in search of Fr Thomas Oyode.”
However, Bishop Dunia according to the Press statement, also urged government authorities to address the deteriorating security situation in Edo North Senatorial District and Edo State.
“We implore government at all levels to take proactive measures to ensure citizens can live peacefully in their homes, farms, and while traveling,” Bishop Dunia emphasized.
