The kidnappers of Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East, Edo State, are demanding a ransom of N200 million, sources reveal.
The cleric, affiliated with the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, was abducted on Sunday evening while presiding over an evening mass.
The Diocese’s Director of Communications, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa confirmed the ransom demand, sharing in a message to reporters in Benin City that, “It is true.” According to an anonymous source, the kidnappers reached out on Monday to the Auchi Diocese with their demand, though formal negotiations had not yet begun.
“Negotiations had not yet commenced as of yesterday,” the source added. “It’s uncertain if the church would consider discussing a ransom.”
Witnesses recount that the assailants initially took two students from the seminary but released them after Rev. Fr. Oyode urged the kidnappers to take him instead, sparing the students. The gunmen then left the premises with Oyode.
In a Monday statement, Rev. Fr. Egielewa elaborated on the incident, describing how priests and seminarians were attacked during prayers and benediction around 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 27. “In the process, the Rector, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, was abducted and led into the bush,” the statement read. “However, the Vice Rector and all the seminarians are safe and have been temporarily relocated to a secure area until additional security measures are put in place.”
Egielewa also reported that an official notification has been made to law enforcement agencies. “The Catholic Diocese of Auchi asks people of goodwill to join in prayers for the safe return of Fr. Oyode,” he said.
The seminary, established in 2006 by Bishop Gabriel Dunia, has produced over 500 graduates. The abduction has raised concerns within the community, prompting increased security efforts.
Edo State Police Spokesperson Moses Yamu confirmed that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, pledged to capture those responsible for the abduction. A police statement noted that the Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 5, AIG Arungwa Nwazue, and Edo State Commissioner of Police, Umoru Ozigi, visited Agenebode on Monday to address the situation. They met with local officials and religious leaders, including Etsako East Council Chairperson Benedicta Attoh, lawmaker Kingsley Ugabi, and Bishop Dunia, to discuss security strategies for the area.
AIG Nwazue, representing the IGP, expressed sympathy to the Catholic community and assured them that efforts were underway to rescue Fr. Oyode. “We are committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice,” Nwazue said, calling for community cooperation to combat the ongoing security challenges.
In addition to police efforts, local hunters, vigilantes, and military personnel from nearby barracks have commenced combing the surrounding areas in search of the abducted priest. The Edo State Police Command has called for public support to ensure safety and prevent further crime in the region.
