Rector of Minor Seminary in Nigeria Released after 10-Day Captivity, Diocese Grateful for Prayers

The Bishop further thanked Nigerian security sagencies, vigilante groups, as well as hunters who he said had “labored day and night” in search of the kidnapped Priest.

In the stamen, Bishop Dunia has urged the Nigerian government at all levels to work to arrest the deteriorating security situation around the Edo North Senatorial District and Edo State and take pro-active steps to put in place measures that he says will guarantee that people return to their normal peaceful lives in their homes, in their farms and while on transit.

Fr. Oyode was kidnapped on October 27 when gunmen attacked the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode, Etsako East LGA of Edo State. Attackers struck while the Priests and Seminarians were observing their evening prayers and Benediction.

Gunshots at the Seminary are said to have prompted all, but two students to flee the school premises during the 7 p.m. incident at the Minor Seminary.

An unnamed source said that when the two students were captured by suspected Fulani kidnappers, Fr. Oyode intervened, pleading with the Fulani herdsmen to release the students and to take him instead.

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“The kidnappers released the students and took Father Oyode away,” the source wrote in a WhatsApp Group for African Catholic Theologians, adding, “Following the abduction, Fr. Oyode was led into the bush.”

Nigeria has been battling with a surge of violence orchestrated by gangs, whose members carry out indiscriminate attacks, kidnapping for ransom, and in some cases, killing.

Boko Haram insurgency has been a major challenge in the country since 2009, a group that allegedly aims to turn Africa's most populous nation into an Islamic nation.

The latest abduction and release of Fr. Oyode follows a series of other kidnappings that have targeted members of the Clergy in Africa’s most populous nation.

On November 5, Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike Parish Priest of St. Theresa Obollo Parish of the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe was taken away “along Alaiyi Community in Obollo, Isiala Mbano, Imo State while on his way back home from an assignment.” He is yet to be released.

On June 9, Fr. Gabriel Ukeh was abducted from a parish rectory in the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan.

Fr. Oliver Buba, a Catholic Priest of the Diocese of Yola was abducted on May 21 in the Catholic Diocese; he was later released.

Earlier, on May 15, the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha announced the abduction of Fr. Basil Gbuzuo, who was also later set free.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.