The Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Agenebode, Etsako East LGA, Edo State, was on Sunday, invaded by suspected herdsmen who kidnapped the seminary’s Rector, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode.
The incident was confirmed by the Catholic Diocese of Auchi.
The attack occurred around 7:00p.m. during a prayer session and Benediction, as priests and seminarians gathered. The assailants took Rev. Fr. Oyode into the nearby bush.
A statement titled, “Diocesan Minor Seminary Attacked, Rector, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode Abducted,” was issued by Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, Director of Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi. It reads: “The Catholic Diocese of Auchi announces that at about 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 27, 2024, the Priests and Seminarians of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East LGA of Edo State, were attacked by gunmen during their evening prayers and Benediction. In the process, the Rector of the institution, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, was abducted and led into the bush.
“The Vice Rector and all the seminarians are safe and have been temporarily relocated to a secure location until security around the seminary is reinforced. However, no communication has been received from the abductors.
“An official report has been lodged with law enforcement agencies, and we await their assistance in securing the release of our abducted priest.
“The Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary was established in 2006 by the Catholic Bishop of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, to train future priests, with over 500 graduates to date.
“The Catholic Diocese of Auchi calls upon all people of goodwill to join us in prayers for the safe release of Fr. Oyode.”
The Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 5, Benin, AIG Arungwa Nwazue, confirmed that he would immediately proceed to Agenebode to assess the situation firsthand as part of the ongoing investigation.