Gunmen have abducted a Catholic priest and a seminarian in Edo State, Nigeria. The incident occurred on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in the Diocese of Auchi.
Father Thomas Oyode, the rector of the seminary, was kidnapped during evening prayers and Benediction. The seminary’s vice rector and all the seminarians were reported safe, and they have been temporarily relocated to a safe area, reports Channels TV.
In a separate incident, two Catholic priests, Reverend Fathers Uboh Philemon and Udom Peter, were also kidnapped by gunmen in Edo State ².
These incidents highlight the growing concerns about insecurity and kidnappings in Nigeria, particularly in the central southern region.
Oyode was abducted on Sunday evening.
A press release issued by the Director of Communications of the diocese, Reverend Father Peter Egielewa on Monday disclosed that priests and seminarians of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi, were observing their evening prayers and benediction on Sunday evening when they were attacked by gunmen around 7pm.
The attackers reportedly abducted Oyode and led him into the bush.
According to the diocese, the vice-rector and all the seminarians have been accounted for and have been relocated for safety purposes.
The diocese said it has, however, not had any communication with the abductors of Father Oyode.
The diocese also disclosed that the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary established by the Catholic Bishop of Auchi, Most Reverend Gabriel Dunia, in 2006 for the training of future priests, has turned out more than 500 graduates over the years.
