Auchi, 07 November, 2024 / 10:03 pm (ACI Africa).
Fr. Thomas Oyode, the Rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary of Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Auchi who was abducted on October 27 has regained his freedom.
In a statement issued Thursday, November 7, the Director of Communications of the Nigerian Diocese, Fr. Peter Egielewa provided details of Fr. Oyode’s release, relaying the gratitude of Bishop Gabriel Ghiakhomo Dunia of Auchi.
“The Catholic Diocese of Auchi wishes to announce the release of Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode from the hands of his abductors,” Fr. Egielewa said, adding that the kidnapped Priest was set free at around 7.00pm on Wednesday, November 6.
He extended the gratitude of the Local Ordinary of Auchi the people of God for the safe release of Fr. Oyode.
Fr. Egielewa said Bishop Dunia had expressed “gratitude to all for the prayers and moral support received for the eleven days Fr. Oyode was held captive, including Catholic Faithful within and outside the Diocese, well-meaning Nigerians within and outside the country, friends and well-wishers around the world.”