Gunmen abduct rector of Catholic seminary in Edo

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, has reportedly been abducted by gunmen.

The Director of Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, explained in a statement on Monday that the incident occurred at about 7pm on Sunday, October 27, 2024, when priests and seminarians of the Minor Seminary were attacked by the gunmen during their evening prayers and Benediction.

“In the process, the Rector of the institution, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, was abducted and led into the bush. However, the vice-rector and all the seminarians have been accounted for and are safe and temporarily relocated to a secure area until security measures around the seminary are tightened. Unfortunately, no communication has been made with the abductors yet.

“An official report of the incident has been lodged with law enforcement agencies, and we look forward to their assistance in securing the release of our abducted priest.

“The Catholic Diocese of Auchi requests all people of goodwill to join the faithful of the Diocese in prayers so that the abductors release Fr. Oyode unharmed,” the statement said.

The Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary was established by the Catholic Bishop of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, in 2006 for the training of future priests. Over 500 students have successfully graduated from the church institution.