The abductors of Reverend Father Thomas Oyode are demanding N200 million from the Catholic Diocese of Auchi for his safe release.
Bishop Gabriel Dunia, head of the Diocese, confirmed the ransom demand through Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, the Diocese’s Director of Communications, who simply stated, “It is true.”
A source close to the situation shared, “The kidnappers contacted the Auchi Catholic Diocese on Monday evening, requesting N200 million for the priest’s release.” The source also mentioned that as of Monday, there had been no negotiations between the church and the kidnappers, adding, “I am unsure if the Catholic Diocese will engage in ransom discussions.”
Rev. Fr. Oyode was taken by armed men on Sunday around 7 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School in Agenegbode, Etsako East, Edo State. During the incident, the gunmen initially seized two students, but Rev. Fr. Oyode intervened, pleading with the kidnappers to free the students and take him instead. The kidnappers agreed, releasing the students and keeping him captive.
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