The Catholic Diocese of Auchi has reported the abduction of Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, Rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East LGA, Edo State, following an attack by suspected herdsmen on Sunday evening. The assault occurred around 7 p.m. during a prayer session, with priests and seminarians gathered for evening prayers and Benediction. The assailants disrupted the session and led Fr. Oyode into the surrounding bush.
In a statement titled, “Diocesan Minor Seminary Attacked, Rector, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode Abducted,” Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, Director of Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, expressed deep concern for the safety of the rector. “The Vice Rector and all the seminarians are safe and have been temporarily relocated to a secure location until security around the seminary is reinforced,” Fr. Egielewa stated, adding that no communication has been received from the abductors.
The Catholic Diocese has notified law enforcement agencies and is awaiting assistance in securing Fr. Oyode’s safe release. The Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 5, Benin, AIG Arungwa Nwazue, has confirmed he will visit Agenebode to personally assess the situation and support ongoing investigations.
The Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, established in 2006 by the Catholic Bishop of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, has trained over 500 future priests. The Catholic Diocese of Auchi has called for prayers and support from the community, urging all people of goodwill to join them in praying for the safe return of Rev. Fr. Oyode.
