Gunmen who kidnapped Rector of Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary of Catholic Diocese of Auchi in Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode have demanded an N200 million ransom for the cleric’s freedom.
Gatekeepers News reports that Rev. Fr. Oyode was kidnapped on Sunday night during evening mass after he offered to be taken in exchange for two students earlier abducted.
Director of Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa confirmed the ransom demand in a text message to journalists in Benin City saying, “It is true.”
An anonymous source said the kidnappers on Monday evening contacted Auchi Catholic Diocese and asked them to pay N200 million if they wanted them to release the priest.
The source said, “As at yesterday (Monday), negotiation was yet to commence with the kidnappers, and I don’t know whether the Catholic family will discuss ransom negotiation.”
According to reports; the gunmen took two students after sporadic shootings but Rev. fr. Oyode pleaded with the kidnappers to free the students and kidnap him instead which they did.
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun in a statement released by Spokesperson of Edo State Police Command, Moses Yamu on Tuesday, assured that the gunmen who abducted the cleric will be arrested.
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.”
