Rector Kidnapped During Evening Prayers at Nigerian Minor Seminary

Fr. Egielewa however expresses regret that the Diocese is yet to receive any communication concerning the whereabouts of Fr. Oyode.

He notes that an official report of the incident has been lodged with the Nigerian authorities, and adds, “We look forward to their assistance in securing the release of our abducted priest.”

In his appeal for solidarity with the abducted Priest, Fr. Egielewa says, “The Catholic Diocese of Auchi requests all people of goodwill to join the faithful of the Diocese in prayers so that the abductors release Fr. Oyode unharmed.”

Established in 2006 by Bishop Gabriel Ghiakhomo Dunia of the Auchi Diocese, Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary aims to form candidates for the Major Seminaries, where they pursue Priestly studies and formation. 

Over 500 candidates have so far successfully graduated from the Minor Seminary that is located in one of the regions in Nigeria that is witnessing increasing incidents of banditry and attacks that are part of Christian persecution in Africa’s most populous nation.

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Agnes Aineah is a Kenyan journalist with a background in digital and newspaper reporting. She holds a Master of Arts in Digital Journalism from the Aga Khan University, Graduate School of Media and Communications and a Bachelor's Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communications from Kenya's Moi University. Agnes currently serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.