Abductors of the Rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi in Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, have reportedly demanded a ransom of N200 million for the release of the priest, News About Nigeria reports.
The Director of Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, confirmed the ransom demand on Tuesday.
Recall that the priest was kidnapped on Sunday by gunmen when they went to the evening mass in the area.
A source who spoke on the condition of anonymity stated that the kidnappers had contacted the Auchi Catholic Diocese on Monday evening and asked them to pay ₦200 million if they want them to release the kidnapped priest unharmed.
The source, however, stated that negotiation was yet to commence with the kidnappers as of Monday evening.
The source stated, “The kidnappers on Monday evening contacted the Auch Catholic Diocese and asked them to pay ₦200 million if they want them to release the kidnapped priest.
“As of yesterday, negotiation was yet to commence with the kidnappers, and I don’t know whether the Catholic family will discuss ransom negotiation.”
During the attack, it was gathered that the gunmen took two students after sporadic shootings but that Rev. Fr. Oyode pleaded with the kidnappers to free the students and instead kidnap him, who is the rector and custodian of the students.
The gunmen were said to have released the two students and taken Oyode into custody.
