Herdsmen Attack Seminary, Abduct Rector In Edo State

The Catholic Diocese of Auchi has confirmed a Sunday night attack on the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State.

Armed men, suspected to be herdsmen, disrupted an evening prayer service and kidnapped the seminary’s Rector, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode.

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According to a statement by Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, Director of Communications for the diocese, the attack happened around 7 p.m. as priests and seminarians gathered for evening prayers and Benediction.

The assailants stormed the premises, taking Fr. Oyode into a nearby forest.

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Fr. Egielewa reported that while the Vice Rector and seminarians are safe and have been relocated for their protection, there has been no contact with the abductors. The diocese has filed an official report with local law enforcement.

The Catholic Diocese of Auchi has urged the public to pray for Fr. Oyode’s safe release. Established in 2006 to train future priests, the seminary has graduated over 500 students.

Upon learning of the incident, Assistant Inspector General of Police Arungwa Nwazue, from Zone 5, Benin, confirmed he would lead an investigation in Agenebode.