Abducted Edo Catholic Priest regains freedom

Abducted Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode of the Diocese, Auchi in Edo State, has been released after spending 11 days in captivity.

The Catholic Priest, who is the Rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, was abducted on Sunday at about 7pm at the school premises.

The Edo State Police Command revealed that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the abduction of Fr. Oyode.

It was gathered that Rev. Fr. Oyode was released on Wednesday night by his abductors who were said to have abandoned him along the road after security forces, conducted air surveillance over the forest where he was held, pressuring the kidnappers.

He was eventually picked by members of the diocese.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 5, Benin, AIG Arungwa Nwazue, confirmed the priest’s rescue.

The abductors had reportedly demanded a ransom of N200 million for Fr. Oyode’s release.

However, while negotiations were ongoing, security agencies actively tracked his location and movements.

It remains unclear if any ransom was paid.