Father Thomas Oyode, rector of the Minor Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in the Nigerian Diocese of Auchi, who was kidnapped on October 27, has regained his freedom.
A statement issued on Thursday, November 7 by Fr. Peter Egielewa, director of communications for the diocese, provided details of Fr. Oyode’s release, conveying the gratitude of the Bishop of Auchi, Msgr. Gabriel Ghiakhomo Dunia.
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“The Catholic Diocese of Auchi wishes to announce the release of Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode from the hands of his kidnappers,” Fr. Egilewa said, adding that the kidnapped priest was released at around 7:00 pm on Wednesday, November 6. .
Fr Egielewa said the bishop wished to express his “gratitude to everyone for the prayers and moral support received during the 11 days Fr Oyode was held captive, including the Catholic faithful within and outside the diocese, well-meaning Nigerians inside and outside the country, friends and sympathizers from all over the world.”
The statement also thanked Nigerian security agencies and monitoring groups, as well as hunters who, according to Father Egielewa, had “worked day and night” in the search for the kidnapped priest.
In his statement, the bishop urged the Nigerian government at all levels to work to address the deteriorating security situation around Edo North Senatorial District and Edo State, and to take proactive steps to put in place measures that, As he said, they will ensure that people return to their normal, peaceful lives in their homes, on their farms. and while they are on the way.
Fr Oyode was kidnapped on October 27 when gunmen attacked the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode, Etsako East LGA of Edo State. The attackers attacked while priests and seminarians were celebrating evening prayers and blessing.
The shooting at the seminary reportedly caused all but two students to flee the school premises during the overnight incident at the seminary.
An anonymous source said that when the two students were captured by suspected Fulani kidnappers, Fr Oyode intervened and pleaded with the Fulani herdsmen to release the students and take him away.
“The kidnappers freed the students and took Fr. Oyode away,” the source wrote in a WhatsApp group for African Catholic theologians, adding: “After the kidnapping, Fr. Oyode was taken to the bush.”
Nigeria has been battling a wave of violence orchestrated by gangs whose members carry out indiscriminate attacks, kidnappings for ransom and, in some cases, murder.
Boko Haram, a group that supposedly aims converting Africa’s most populous nation into an Islamic nation has been a major challenge in the country since 2009.
The kidnapping and release of Fr. Oyode adds to a series of recent kidnappings against members of the clergy in Nigeria.
On November 5, Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike, parish priest of St. Teresa Obollo parish in the Diocese of Okigwe, was kidnapped when he returned home after completing an errand. He has not yet been released.
On June 9, Fr. Gabriel Ukeh was kidnapped from a parish rectory in the Diocese of Kafanchan and later released.
Father Oliver Buba, a priest of the Diocese of Yola, was kidnapped on May 21 in the diocese. After was released.
Previously, on May 15, the Archdiocese of Onitsha reported of the kidnapping of Fr. Basil Gbuzuo, who was also released later.
Translated and adapted by the ACI Prensa team. Originally published in ICA Africa.
Jude Atemanke
Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist passionate about the communication of the Catholic Church. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Jude currently works as a journalist for ACI Africa.