31st October, 2024
By Jethro Ibileke
Edo State Police Command has announced the arrest of two persons in connection with the kidnap of Rev Fr. Thomas Oyode.
The State Commissioner of Police, Umoru Ozigi, disclosed this on Wednesday, while parading seven suspects arrested for various crimes in the state.
It would be recall that Father Oyode who is the Rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, in Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, was kidnapped last Saturday evening.
Ozigi said: “The Command has responded to the unfortunate incident of the kidnap of Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode from Diocesan Minor Seminary in Agenebode by rejigging the security architecture in the area in synergy with the Community through the deployment of a Unit of Police Mobile Force (PMF).
“Two suspects have been arrested in this regard, while efforts are Ongoing to rescue the Reverend Father and apprehend others.”
Ozigi also disclosed that the Command has reviewed the security situation of the cult-related killings that have claimed innocent lives in Upper Sakponba area of Benin City.
“We have made robust security arrangements through the deployment of intelligence operatives to gather information, Tactical teams have been charged to commence aggressive stop and search, as well as vehicular and foot patrols to curb cult activities and ensure a crime-free “ember” months.
“These efforts have led to the arrest of a cultist named Suleman Abba, aged 22, and the recovery of their operational vehicle, a Toyota Yaris car. Other members of the gang escaped arrest with their firearms, and investigations are ongoing,” he added.
