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| Kidnapped…. Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode |
Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Edo State, was kidnapped during evening mass on October 27.
The assailants have demanded a ransom of N200 million for his release, according to the Auchi Catholic Diocese. Unconfirmed reports indicate that Oyode offered himself in exchange for two students initially taken by the gunmen, who later released the students.
No negotiations have yet begun with the kidnappers, and law enforcement agencies are involved in efforts to secure his release
“As at yesterday, negotiation was yet to commence with the kidnappers and I don’t know whether the Catholic family will discuss ransom negotiation,” the source said.
Spokesman of the diocese, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, confirmed the ransom demand in a text message to journalists in Benin City saying, “It is true”.
On Tuesday, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, assured that the gunmen who abducted the cleric will be apprehended.
Spokesperson of Edo State Police Command, Moses Yamu, made this known in a statement.
The statement read, “Following reports of the unfortunate abduction of a Rev. Father at the Diocesan Minor Seminary in Agenebode Sunday evening, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 5 (Delta and Edo State Commands), AIG Arungwa Nwazue, accompanied by the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Umoru Ozigi, on Monday visited Agenebode.
“During the visit, they met with the Chairperson of Etsako East Local Government Area, Hon Benedicta Attoh; lawmaker representing the council, Hon. Kingsley Ugabi; Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom, HRH G.O Egabor and other traditional rulers from Weppa, Ibie, Okpekpe as well as Bishop Gabriel Dunia, along with other Rev Fathers at the Council Secretariat, charting a robust course to tackle insecurity in the area.
“The AIG, on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, sympathised with the community, the Seminary and the entire Catholic body over the incident, and assured them that the Police will stop at nothing to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book and the abducted Rev Father is rescued unhurt. He further, called for synergy so as to achieve this.
“The CP in a separate meeting held with the youths of the community at the Agenebode Area Command, assured them of the police readiness to work with the community for a secured and peaceful coexistence.
“The command, therefore, seeks the support and cooperation of the general public in its quest to maintain law and order, and to prevent every form of crimes across the state.”
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