JUST IN: Abductors of Edo Catholic Priest Demand N200 Million Ransom

The abductors of Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, Rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Edo State’s Etsako East Local Government Area, are demanding a N200 million ransom for his release. Fr. Oyode was taken by gunmen on Sunday night following evening mass at the seminary, located in Ivhianokpodi, part of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi.

According to reports, the priest’s abduction occurred after he bravely offered himself in place of two seminarians initially targeted by the gunmen. Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, Director of Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, confirmed the ransom demand via a text message to journalists in Benin City, stating, “It is true.”

The abductors reportedly reached out to the diocese on Monday evening to announce their demands. Sources close to the situation disclosed that negotiations with the kidnappers had not yet commenced as of Monday night. It remains uncertain if the Diocese will consider entering a ransom negotiation.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the gunmen initially abducted two students after opening fire at the seminary. However, Fr. Oyode, as the Rector, intervened, urging the kidnappers to release the students and take him instead.