Nearly two weeks after being kidnapped by gunmen in Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East LGA, Edo State, Rev. Father Thomas Oyode, the rector of Immaculate Conception Seminary, Agenebode, has been released.

After security personnel, comprising police and other agencies, performed air surveillance over the woodland where he was held, pressuring the kidnappers as operatives closed in, he was reportedly left in the woods in Kogi State, according to sources.

According to reports, the kidnappers wanted N200 million in ransom to free Fr. Oyode. However, security services kept a close eye on his whereabouts and activities during the course of the negotiations. Whether any ransom was paid is still unknown.

When Vanguard phoned AIG Arungwa Nwazue, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 5, Benin, he confirmed the priest’s rescue.

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The Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Agenebode, was attacked by gunmen during a prayer session on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at approximately 7 p.m., according to earlier information released by the Catholic Diocese of Auchi. Fr. Oyode was kidnapped by the gunmen and taken into the jungle.

Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, the Diocese’s Director of Communications, confirmed the event in a statement headed “Diocesan Minor Seminary Attacked, Rector, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode Abducted.” He added that all other priests and seminarians were safe and had been temporarily moved as a precaution.

Additionally, the diocese disclosed that the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary was founded in 2006 by the Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, the Catholic Bishop of Auchi, and has graduated more than 500 students to date.

The Diocese made a sincere plea for the faithful and good-willed to pray for Fr. Oyode’s safe release.

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