By Wesley Omondi
EDO, OCTOBER 29, 2024 (CISA)— In a disturbing event on Sunday, October 27, 2024, gunmen stormed the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State, abducting the institution’s Rector, Fr Thomas Oyode.
According to the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, the attack took place at approximately 7 pm, interrupting the priests and seminarians during their evening prayers and Benediction.
“The Catholic Diocese of Auchi announces that at about 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 27, 2024, the Priests and Seminarians of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East LGA of Edo State, were attacked by gunmen during their evening prayers and Benediction,” stated Fr Peter Egielewa, Director of Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi.
The assailants led Fr Oyode into the surrounding bush, while the seminarians and the Vice Rector managed to evade capture. All have been accounted for and temporarily relocated to a safer area. The diocese has assured the faithful that measures are being taken to ensure the seminary’s security before their eventual return.
“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,” said Fr Egielewa.
At the time of this report, there had been no contact with the abductors, leaving the diocese, local authorities, and concerned families anxious for Fr Oyode’s safe return. The diocese has reported the incident to law enforcement agencies and is cooperating with them to secure the priest’s release. However, the situation remains delicate, with the diocese hoping that no harm comes to the abducted Rector.
“An official report of the incident has been lodged with the Law Enforcement Agencies, and we look forward to their assistance in securing the release of our abducted priest,” Fr Egielewa noted in his statement.
The Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary was established in 2006 under the direction of the local ordinary of Auchi, Bishop Gabriel Dunia, with a mission to train future priests. Since its founding, the institution has seen over 500 students graduate, marking a significant contribution to the spiritual and educational development within the diocese. This incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing sadness and fear for the safety of their clergy.
As the Diocese and law enforcement officials work to bring Fr Oyode home safely, the Catholic Diocese of Auchi has urged its followers, as well as people of goodwill, to keep Fr Oyode in their prayers. They have emphasized the power of communal support and faith during this challenging time, hoping that the united efforts of prayer and law enforcement will lead to his safe release.
