Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, a Catholic priest from the Diocese of Auchi in Edo State, has regained his freedom after being held captive for 11 days.
The priest was released late Wednesday night by his abductors, who reportedly dropped him off along a road where he was later found by members of his diocese.
While authorities, including the police and the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, have yet to confirm the details of his release, a Facebook post from a local Catholic member confirmed the news.
The post expressed gratitude for the priest’s safe return, stating, “Good NEWS, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi has been released from the kidnappers’ den. Indeed, what God cannot do does not exist. Thank you all for your unrelenting passion for God’s servant and prayers.”
Rev. Fr. Oyode was abducted on October 27 by gunmen at the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School in Ivanokpodi, Agenegbode, Etsako East Local Government Area.
The kidnappers initially took two students but, after the priest pleaded for their release, he was taken in their place, while the students were freed.
The gunmen later demanded a ransom of N200 million for the priest’s release. It remains unclear whether the ransom was paid.
The Diocese is yet to respond to requests for further details as circumstances surrounding the release are still pending.
