The rector of Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Agenebode, Edo State, Fr. Thomas Oyode, was released on November 7, 11 days after being abducted.
His release, reported by the Vatican’s Fides News Agency and confirmed by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Auchi, coincided with the ninth anniversary of his priestly ordination.
Fr. Oyode had been taken on October 27 after he courageously offered himself in place of two seminarians whom the kidnappers initially targeted during their assault on the seminary.
Following his release, he was promptly taken to the hospital for a medical evaluation.
Bishop Gabriel Dunia of Auchi Diocese expressed profound gratitude to the faithful for their prayers and support, emphasizing the need for improved security measures in Edo State, where local residents and clergy have faced significant threats to their safety.
“Proactive measures must be taken to ensure people can return to their normal peaceful lives,” Bishop Dunia told journalists.
Fr. Oyode’s case is part of a troubling pattern of clergy kidnappings in Nigeria, which has seen an uptick in abductions targeting Catholic priests.
Fides also reported the recent kidnappings of Fr. Christian Uchegbu of the Diocese of Orlu, who was taken on November 6 while travelling from Port Harcourt, and Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike, who was abducted on November 5 in Imo State.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Church in Nigeria has raised serious concerns about reports that the federal government is considering revisions to the nation’s Criminal Code, specifically sections addressing abortion.
In a statement released by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), the church expressed deep apprehension over potential moves toward decriminalizing abortion, citing recent comments made by a Federal Ministry of Health official at a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights summit held in Abuja.
According to Rev. Fr. Zacharia Nyantiso Samjumi, Secretary General of the CSN, the official statement that the government is exploring options to expand access to safe termination of pregnancies represents a concerning shift that could undermine Nigeria’s cultural and moral values.
