The Edo State Police Command has successfully apprehended two individuals suspected to be involved in the recent kidnapping of Rev. Fr. Thomas Ayode, a Catholic priest based in Edo State.
Announcing the arrests on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Umoru Ozigi, revealed that the suspects were among seven individuals paraded for their alleged involvement in various criminal activities, including armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and vehicle theft, in different parts of the state.
“The command has responded to the unfortunate incident of the kidnap of Rev. Fr. Thomas Ayode by rejigging the security architecture in the area in synergy with the Community through the deployment of a Unit of Police Mobile Force,” Ozigi stated. “Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping of the Reverend Father.”
Ozigi emphasized that active efforts are underway not only to secure the safe release of Rev. Fr. Ayode but also to track down and capture the remaining perpetrators of the crime.
He reassured the public that all those arrested would face prosecution once investigations are completed.
Rev. Fr. Ayode, who serves as the Rector of Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School in Ivanokpodi, Agenegbode, within Etsako East Local Government Area, was abducted by gunmen last Sunday.
The kidnappers, suspected to be part of a larger gang, have since contacted the Diocese of Auchi, demanding a ransom of N200 million to secure the priest’s release.
The Edo State Police, in close coordination with the local community, continues to intensify its operations and deploy additional resources in a bid to dismantle the gang responsible for this abduction and ensure the safety of residents in the area.
