Kehinde Fajobi
Rev. Fr. Thomas Awhome Oyode, a Catholic priest, was reportedly abducted by suspected kidnappers on Sunday evening in Edo State at the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School in Ivanokpodi, Agenegbode, Etsako East Local Government Area.
The gunmen reportedly stormed the seminary around 7 p.m., shooting sporadically, which caused the priest to emerge from his quarters, initially assuming the shots came from security guards.
A source close to the incident said, “When the Reverend came out, he discovered that two of his students had been kidnapped at gunpoint by the attackers.”
Rev. Oyode then reportedly pleaded with the gunmen, asking them to release the students and take him instead, offering himself as their rector and custodian. The attackers ultimately agreed, freeing the students and taking the priest into the surrounding forest.
In response to the kidnapping, local hunters, vigilantes, and soldiers from a nearby military barracks mobilised to comb the area in search of the priest. However, according to reports, the effort was later paused on the advice of the Catholic Bishop of Auchi, who sought to avoid provoking the kidnappers and potentially endangering the priest.
Edo State Command’s spokesperson, SP Moses Yamu, confirmed that officers were on their way to the scene. He assured the public, saying he would provide full details of the incident as soon as they were available.