Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode has been kidnapped in Edo State while trying to protect students from armed gunmen.

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the community, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, a Catholic priest, was kidnapped by armed men suspected to be kidnappers in Edo State.

The distressing event took place on Sunday evening at the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School in Ivanokpodi, located within the Agenegbode area of Etsako East Local Government.

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Witnesses report that around 7 pm, gunmen stormed the seminary premises, firing indiscriminately in an apparent attempt to abduct two students.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the chaotic situation prompted Rev. Fr. Oyode to confront the attackers, mistakenly believing the gunfire originated from security personnel.

Upon realising the gravity of the situation, the Reverend Father heroically intervened, pleading with the assailants to spare the students and take him in their place.

The gunmen complied, releasing the students and forcibly taking the priest into the nearby bush.

Local sources detailed the harrowing scene, stating, “The gunmen stormed the seminary and started shooting sporadically, in the process kidnapping two students.

When the Reverend saw what had happened, he pleaded with the gunmen to free the students and take him instead, as he is the rector and custodian of the seminary.”

This act of selflessness has underscored the risks faced by religious leaders in the region, where violent crime has escalated.

In response to the abduction, local hunters, vigilantes, and military personnel from nearby barracks quickly mobilised to initiate a search operation in the bush area where the priest was taken.

Their efforts underscore the community’s determination to locate and rescue Rev. Fr. Oyode.

The Catholic Diocese of Auchi confirmed the kidnapping in a statement released on Monday by the Director of Communications, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa.

He provided additional context, explaining that the attack occurred during evening prayers and benediction at the seminary.

“The vice-rector and all the seminarians have been accounted for and are safe; they have been temporarily relocated to a secure area until security around the seminary is tightened,” he stated.

Despite the ongoing search, Rev. Fr. Oyode’s captors have yet to make contact with the diocese. The church is urging the faithful to pray for the safe and prompt return of their priest, expressing deep concern for his wellbeing.

Edo State Command’s spokesperson, SP Moses Yamu, indicated that law enforcement officials were en route to the scene to gather further details regarding the incident.

The community remains on high alert, hoping for a swift resolution to this alarming situation.