7th November, 2024
By Jethro Ibileke
Fr. Thomas Oyode, a Catholic Priest who was abducted from Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi, Agenebode, Etsako East LGA of Edo State on October 27 has regained freedom from his abductors.
Fr. Thomas Oyode was kidnapped on the 27 October 2024, when the gunmen attacked the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary while the Priests and Seminarians were observing their evening prayers and Benediction.
His release was announced in a statement on Thursday by the Director of Communications Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa.
The statement disclosed that the cleric was released at about 7.00pm on Wednesday, 6 November, 2024, at a village close to Ajaokuta, Kogi State.
“The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, expresses “gratitude to all for the prayers and moral support received for the eleven days Fr. Thomas Oyode was held captive, including Catholic Faithful within and outside the Diocese, well-meaning Nigerians within and outside the country, friends and welt wishers around the world, as well as Security Agencies, various Vigilante groups and Hunters who laboured day and night in search of Fr. Thomas Oyode.
“The Bishop also uses this opportunity to “call on Government at all! levels to work to arrest the deteriorating security situation around the Edo North Senatorial District and Edo State and take pro-active steps to put in place measures that will guarantee that people return to their normal peaceful lives in their homes, in their farms and while on transit,” the statement said.
