Catholic Priest Abducted in Edo Dropped Around Ajaokuta in Kogi

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A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, who was kidnapped October 27, 2024, when some gunmen invaded the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, has regained his freedom. Priests and seminarians were observing their evening prayers when the gun men stormed the chapel and abducted Oyode.The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of ₦200 million.
Oyode’s release, 11 days after his kidnap, was announced on Thursday by the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, in a press statement. 

The Director of Communications of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, in the statement, said Rev. Fr. Oyode was released at about 7.00pm on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at a village close to Ajaokuta, Kogi State. The statement was however silent on how much was paid to secure his freedom.

Fr. Egielewa said, “The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, expresses 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 welt 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. 

“The bishop also uses this opportunity to call on Government at all levels to work to arrest the deteriorating security situation around the Edo North Senatorial District and Edo State and take pro-active steps to put in place measures that will guarantee that people return to their normal peaceful lives in their homes, in their farms and while on transit”.