GUNMEN have reportedly kidnapped a Catholic priest, identified as Thomas Oyode, in Edo State.

The priest, a reverend father, was kidnapped in the evening of Sunday, October 27, at Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School, Ivanokpodi, in Agenegbode, Etsako East Local Government Area of the state.

According to media reports, the Reverend Father gave himself up to the kidnappers after they stormed the seminary to abduct two students.

“The gunmen stormed the seminary at about 7 pm and started shooting sporadically, in the process kidnapping two students of the school.

“Thinking that the gunfire was from security personnel, the clergy came out to confront them, only to discover that two of his students were held at gunpoint.

“When the Reverend saw what had happened, he pleaded with the gunmen to free the students and take him instead, as he is the rector and custodian of the seminary.

“The gunmen heeded the Reverend Father’s plea, released the two students, kidnapped him, and took him into the bush,” a source told Punch newspaper.

Local hunters, vigilantes and soldiers from military barracks around the around immediately embarked on a search for him and the kidnappers in the bush when they got the news.

Director of communications of the diocese, Peter Egielewa, a reverend father, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday, October 28,

He said the seminarians were observing their evening prayers around 7 pm when the gunmen attacked.

“However, the vice-rector and all the seminarians have been accounted for and are safe; they have been temporarily relocated to a secure area until security around the seminary is tightened.

“Unfortunately, no communication has been established with the abductors yet. We call for prayers for the release of the priest unhurt,” Egielewa stated.

Recall that on Saturday, October 26, gunmen reportedly kidnapped an Anglican priest, identified as David Arinze Ajaefobi, in Anambra State.

The ICIR reported that Ajaefobi was the archdeacon of Oyi Central Archdeaconry and vicar of St. James’ Parish, Awkuzu, before he was kidnapped.

According to sources, Ajaefobi was abducted at around 9:00 pm at the entrance gate of St. James’ Parish, Awkuzu, in the Oyi Local Government Area.