Abducted Catholic Priest of Auchi Diocese, Fr. Oyode Regains Freedom 

Our Reporter

The Catholic Diocese of Auchi, yesterday, announced the release of Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode from the hands of his abductors. 

The Director of Communications of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, in a statement, said Rev. Fr. Oyode was released at about 7.00pm on Wednesday, 6th of November, 2024 at a village close to Ajaokuta, Kogi State. 

  It will be recalled that Fr. Thomas Oyode was kidnapped on the 27th October 2024 when gunmen attacked the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, while the Priest and Seminarians were observing their evening prayers and Benediction. 

"The Bishop,  Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, expresses gratitude to all for the prayers and moral support received for the eleven days Fr. Thomas Oyode was held captive, including Catholic Faithful within and outside the Diocese, well-meaning Nigerians within and outside the country, friends and welt wishers around the world, as well as Security Agencies, various Vigilante groups and Hunters who laboured day and night in search of Fr. Thomas Oyode. 

"The Bishop also uses the opportunity to call on Government at all levels to address the deteriorating security situation around the Edo North Senatorial District and Edo State in general and take pro-active steps to put in place measures that will guarantee safety of lives  and  people return to their normal peaceful lives in their homes, in their farms and while on transit", the statement said.