On 27 October, Fr. Thomas Oyode, a priest at the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Nigeria’s Edo State, was kidnapped by gunmen after he bravely offered himself as a prisoner to prevent the abduction of two young seminarians. The incident occurred when armed bandits stormed the seminary, firing shots and causing panic among students and staff.
According to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Fr. Oyode intervened, proposing that the kidnappers take him instead of the two students. The kidnappers agreed and took Fr. Oyode into the forest. The Diocese of Auchi confirmed the incident, stating that no students or staff members were injured and that the kidnappers had not initially contacted Church authorities.
However, on 29 October, Nigerian media reported that the kidnappers were demanding 200 million Nigerian naira (over USD 120,000) for Fr. Oyode’s release. The Diocese of Auchi urged the kidnappers to release Fr. Oyode unharmed and appealed for prayers for his safe return.
This incident is the latest in a series of kidnappings targeting priests and religious personnel in Nigeria. In 2023, at least 25 people, including priests, seminarians, and spiritual, were kidnapped, with one fatality. Three priests were also killed in the country last year. Pope Francis has called for prayers in November for parents who mourn the loss of a child, highlighting the plight of families affected by violence and kidnapping.
The incident highlights the bravery and selflessness of Fr. Oyode, who risked his own life to protect his students. The Catholic community continues to pray for his safe release and an end to the scourge of kidnapping in Nigeria.