Gunmen kidnap cleric in Edo

A Catholic priest identified as Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode has reportedly been kidnapped by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers in Edo State.

It was gathered that the incident occurred at Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School, Ivanokpodi, in Agenegbode, Etsako East Local Government Area of the state.

A source stated that the gunmen stormed 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 bush.

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.

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“The gunmen heeded the Reverend Father’s plea, released the two students, kidnapped him, and took him into the bush.”

It was gathered that local hunters, vigilantes, and soldiers from nearby military barracks embarked on a search of the bush as soon as the information reached them.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, in a statement on Monday by the Director of Communications, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, confirmed the kidnapping of the priest.

He stated that the priests and seminarians of the school were attacked by gunmen during their evening prayers and benediction at 7 pm on Sunday, and in the process, the Rector of the institution, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, was abducted and taken into the bush.

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.