Rector of minor seminary is free
The rector was set free after 11 days of captivity and is currently under medical care in a hospital. However, days before his release, another two priests were kidnapped in Nigeria.
On October 27, Father Thomas Oyode, rector of a minor seminary in Agenegabode in the Etsako East district of Edo State in southern Nigeria, was kidnapped by armed men who intruded the seminary. The kidnappers initially took two seminary students as hostages, but Father Oyode caught up to the group as they were leaving and offered himself as hostage in exchange for the freedom of the students. The abductors accepted his offer, released the students, and kidnapped him.
He was held hostage for 11 days but was eventually set free. The diocese of Auchi confirmed his release in a statement and said that Father Oyode is in hospital care under observation. On November 7, he celebrated the 9th anniversary as a priest.
Father’s Oyode’s release was celebrated by his diocese and many Christians; however, in Nigeria, in the days before his release, another two priests were abducted. Father Christian Uchegbu of the diocese of Orlu was kidnapped on November 6 on his way back from Port Harcourt, and Father Emmanuel Azubuike was abducted on November 5 in Imo State.
Source: Agenzia Fides
