Gunmen attack Catholic seminary in Edo, kidnap priest
Suspected group, believed to be kidnappers have launched an attack on a Catholic seminary in the Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, resulting in the abduction of Father Thomas Oyode, the rector of the seminary.
The att@ck took place at the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Edo State, during the evening prayers of Sunday, October 27, 2024. Father Oyode, who leads the seminary, became a victim of the abduction.
Following the incident, the Catholic Diocese of Auchi issued a statement on Monday, confirming the details of the attack and indicating that it had formally reported the incident to law enforcement agencies. The statement further revealed that the attack occurred during evening prayers and benedictions at the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi, on Sunday evening, around 7 PM, when the gunmen made their move.
The att@ckers reportedly abducted Oyode and led him into the bush.
According to the diocese, the vice-rector and all the seminarians have been accounted for and have been relocated for safety purposes.
The diocese, however, has not had any communication with the abductors of Father Oyode.
The diocese also disclosed that the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, established by the Catholic Bishop of Auchi, Most Reverend Gabriel Dunia in 2006, has produced over 500 graduates over the years.
