The Catholic Diocese of Auchi has reported the abduction of Reverend Father Thomas Oyode, the rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State, and is seeking the assistance of law enforcement agencies for his safe release.
According to a press statement from the diocese’s Director of Communications, Reverend Father Peter Egielewa, the incident occurred on Sunday evening as priests and seminarians were gathered for evening prayers and benediction around 7 PM.
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Armed attackers disrupted the gathering, seizing Father Oyode and taking him into the nearby bush.
The diocese confirmed that all seminarians and the vice-rector are safe and have been relocated as a precaution. However, they have yet to establish any communication with Father Oyode’s abductors.
Founded in 2006 by the Catholic Bishop of Auchi, Most Reverend Gabriel Dunia, the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary has been dedicated to training future priests, with over 500 graduates to date.
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