Abductors of Catholic Seminary rector in Edo demand N200m ransom

The abductors of the Rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi in Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode have demanded N200 million for the release of the priest from captivity.

The kidnappers reportedly made contact with the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, led by Bishop Gabriel Dunia, on Monday evening demanding N200 million in ransom.

“The kidnappers on Monday evening contacted the Auchi Catholic Diocese and asked them to pay N200 million if they want them(kidnappers) to release the kidnapped priest,” the source said.

He said that after making their demand, the kidnapper ended the call, waiting for them (Catholic) to commence negotiations.

“As of yesterday,  negotiation was yet to commence with the Kidnappers, and I don’t know whether  the Catholic family will discuss ransom negotiation,” he said

When contacted, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, Director of Communications of the  Catholic Diocese of Auchi, confirmed the ransom demand in a text message to newsmen.

Egielewa, while replying to a text message sent to his phone for confirmation of the ransom demand, said, “It is true.”

Oyode was kidnapped by gunmen on Sunday at about 7:00 pm at Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School, Ivanokpodi, in Agenegbode, Etsako East local government of Edo state.

The gunmen, after storming the seminary, kidnapped two students after sporadic gunshots, Oyode pleaded with the kidnappers to free the students and instead kidnap him, who is the Rector and custodian of the students.

The gunmen were said to have heeded the Rev. father’s plea, released the two students, and kidnapped him into the bush.

The Catholic Diocese of Auchi, in a statement, confirmed the kidnapping of the priest and called for prayers for the release of the priest unhurt.