In a tragic turn of events, Rev. Fr. Thomas Awhome Oyode, a Catholic priest and rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School in Ivanokpodi, Agenebode, Edo State, was abducted on Sunday evening after bravely offering himself in exchange for two students seized by suspected kidnappers.
The gunmen reportedly invaded the seminary around 7 p.m., firing shots that prompted Fr. Oyode to come outside, believing the noise came from security personnel. However, upon realizing two of his students had been captured, he intervened, urging the kidnappers to release the students and take him instead.
“When the Reverend Father saw what was happening, he begged the gunmen to let the students go, saying, ‘I am their rector; take me instead,’” a source from the school recounted.
Moved by his appeal, the attackers freed the students and led the priest into the nearby forest. Local hunters, vigilantes, and soldiers initiated a search, but it was later paused, reportedly on the request of the Catholic Bishop of Auchi, who sought to avoid antagonizing the captors.
Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Moses Yamu, confirmed that officers were en route to the scene to investigate further. “Our team is on the way to ascertain the full details of the incident and provide necessary support,” he stated.
The community continues to hold its breath, hoping for the priest’s safe return.
