The kidnappers of Reverend Father Thomas Oyode have demanded a ransom of N200 million from the Catholic Diocese of Auchi for his release. Bishop Gabriel Dunia, through the Diocese’s Director of Communications, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, confirmed the ransom demand, saying, “It is true.”
According to an anonymous source, the kidnappers contacted the Diocese on Monday evening, requesting the payment to secure the priest’s release. “As of Monday, negotiations had not yet begun, and it’s uncertain if the Catholic community will engage in ransom discussions,” the source added.
Rev. Fr. Oyode was abducted by gunmen on Sunday around 7 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School in Agenebode, Etsako East, Edo State. During the incident, the gunmen initially seized two students, but Rev. Fr. Oyode persuaded them to release the students and take him instead. The gunmen agreed, releasing the students and taking him captive.