By Goodluck Ikiebe
The Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Edo State, has appealed to abductors of Father Thomas Oyode, Rector of Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, to release him unhurt.
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers attacked the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi, in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, on Sunday night.
A statement by Reverend Father Peter Egielewa, Director of Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, on Monday, says the priests and seminarians were observing their evening prayers and benediction on Sunday evening when they were attacked by gunmen at about 7 PM.
While the Rector of the school, Reverend Father Thomas Oyode, was abducted, the diocese said the vice-rector and all the seminarians have been accounted for and have been relocated for safety purposes.
The family has confirmed that the abductors of Father Oyode have established communication and demanded N200 Million ransom.
The Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi, was established by the Catholic Bishop of Auchi, most reverend Gabriel Dunia, in 2006 for the training of future Priests. It has turned out more than 500 graduates over the years.
