A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, has been reportedly kidnapped by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers in Edo state.
The incident happened at Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School, Ivanokpodi, in Agenegbode, Etsako East local government of Edo state.
It was gathered that the gunmen stormed the seminary on Sunday at about 7pm, kidnapped the Reverend Father and whisked him into the bush.
Sources said the attackers after storming the seminary, started shooting sporadically and in the process kidnapped two students of the school.
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A source said the sound of the gun shot prompted the the Reverend Father to come out, thinking it was from the security guards with a view to caution them.
“When the Reverend came out, he discovered that two of his students have been kidnapped by the gunmen at gunpoint,” he said.
He said the priest then pleaded with the kidnappers to free the two students and instead kidnap him who is their Rector and custodian.
The gunmen were said to have heeded the Reverend father’s plea and release the two students, while he was taken into the bush.
It was gathered that the local hunters, vigilantes and soldiers from nearby military barracks embarked on bush combing.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Auchi in a statement by its Director of Communications, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, confirmed the development.
He said the priests and seminarians were attacked during their evening prayers and benediction at 7pm on Sunday and in the process, the Rector of the institution, Oyode, was abducted and led into the bush.
“However, the Vice Rector and all the Seminarians have been accounted for and are safe and temporarily relocated to a safe area until security measures around the Seminary are tightened.
“Unfortunately, no communication has been had with the abductors yet. We called for prayers for the release of the priest unhurt,” the statement added.
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When contacted, the Edo State Command’s Spokesperson, SP Moses Yamu, said they were on their way to the scene of the crime.
He promised to provide details of what transpired.
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