Kidnappers Demand N200 Million Ransom for Abducted Catholic Priest in Edo

The kidnappers of Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, a Catholic priest and Rector of Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivanokpodi, in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, have demanded a ransom of N200 million.

InfoStride News reports that the priest was abducted around 7 p.m. on Sunday after gunmen invaded the seminary.

Sources revealed that Fr. Oyode offered himself to the kidnappers in exchange for two students of the seminary who were initially abducted.

The gunmen accepted his plea, releasing the students and taking the priest instead.

On Monday evening, the kidnappers contacted the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, led by Bishop Gabriel Dunia, with their ransom demand.

A source disclosed, “The kidnappers reached out to the Auchi Catholic Diocese and demanded N200 million for the release of the priest.

After making the demand, they ended the call, awaiting the church’s response to begin negotiations.”

As of the time of filing this report, discussions between the diocese and the kidnappers had yet to begin.

When contacted, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, Director of Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, confirmed the ransom demand.

In response to a text message inquiry, Egielewa stated simply, “It is true.”

InfoStride News recalls that the gunmen stormed the seminary on Sunday, firing sporadically before kidnapping two students.

Fr. Oyode, as the rector and custodian of the students, intervened by asking the kidnappers to take him in place of the students, a request they accepted.

The Catholic Diocese of Auchi, in an official statement, confirmed the abduction of the priest and urged members of the public to pray for his safe and unharmed release.

The police and relevant security agencies are yet to issue official statements regarding the incident as efforts to secure the priest’s release are ongoing.