Nigeria: Kidnapped seminary rector freed

Father Thomas Oyode Image Fides

Source: Fides

Father Thomas Oyode, rector of the minor seminary in Agenegabode in the Etsako East district of Edo State in southern Nigeria, who was kidnapped on Sunday 27 October, has been released after eleven days of captivity. Father Thomas had offered himself as a hostage in exchange for two seminarians who had been captured by the kidnappers who had attacked the seminary

The diocese of Auchi said in a statement: "Currently, Father Thomas is in hospital for examinations under observation."

By a happy coincidence, Father Thomas Oyode celebrates his ninth anniversary as a priest, on 7 November.

There are reports that two other priests have been kidnapped in Nigeria. Father Christian Uchegbu of the diocese of Orlu, who was abducted on 6 November on his way back from Port Harcourt in the Niger Delta area. Father Emmanuel Azubuike was the kidnapped on 5 November in Imo State.

See earlier report - Nigeria: Gunmen attack seminary and abduct rector