Jubilation as abducted Edo Catholic priest regains freedom

Joy erupted at the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Edo State, on Thursday, when it was announced the abducted Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode had been from the hands of his abductors.
The Director of Communications of the diocese, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, in a statement, said Rev. Fr. Oyode was released at about 7.00 pm on Wednesday, at a village close to Ajaokuta, Kogi State.
PUNCH Metro reports that Oyode was kidnapped on October 27, 2024, when gunmen attacked the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, while the priests and seminarians were observing their evening prayers and benediction.
The statement added, “The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, expresses gratitude to all for the prayers and moral support received for the 11 days Fr. Thomas 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, as well as security agencies, various vigilante groups and hunters who laboured day and night in search of Fr. Thomas Oyode.
“The Bishop also uses this opportunity to call on government at all levels to work to arrest the deteriorating security situation around the Edo North senatorial district and Edo State and take proactive steps to put in place measures that will guarantee that people return to their normal peaceful lives in their homes, in their farms and while on transit”, the statement said.