October 29, 2024– A ransom of N200 million has been demanded by kidnappers for the release of Reverend Father Thomas Oyode, a Catholic priest from the Diocese of Auchi. The Diocese, under the leadership of Bishop Gabriel Dunia, confirmed the ransom request through its Director of Communications, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, who stated, “It is true.”
According to a source close to the Diocese, the kidnappers contacted church officials on Monday evening, demanding the sum for Fr. Oyode’s safe return. “As of yesterday, negotiation had not yet begun, and it is unclear whether the Catholic Diocese intends to engage in ransom discussions,” the source added.
Rev. Fr. Oyode was abducted by gunmen on Sunday evening at approximately 7 p.m. while at the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School in Agenebode, Etsako East, Edo State. During the incident, the assailants initially seized two students. However, Rev. Fr. Oyode reportedly persuaded the gunmen to release the students and take him instead. The kidnappers ultimately agreed, freeing the students and holding the priest captive.
This latest incident underscores ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, with many communities, including religious institutions, increasingly impacted by kidnappings and ransom demands.
