The Catholic Diocese of Auchi has filed an official report, seeking law enforcement support to secure the release of Reverend Father Thomas Oyode, the rector of Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, who was abducted on Sunday evening.
In a statement on Monday, Reverend Father Peter Egielewa, the diocese’s Director of Communications, explained that priests and seminarians at the seminary were engaged in evening prayers and benediction around 7 PM on Sunday when gunmen attacked. The assailants reportedly abducted Father Oyode, leading him into the nearby bush.
The diocese confirmed that the vice-rector and all seminarians are safe and have been relocated for security reasons.
However, there has been no contact from the abductors regarding Father Oyode’s whereabouts.
Founded by Bishop Gabriel Dunia in 2006, the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary has trained over 500 future priests.