At approximately 7 PM on Saturday, gunshots rang out at Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School, located in Ivianokpodi-Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The alarming sounds sent students fleeing the school premises in panic.
Reports indicate that two students were captured by suspected Hausa/Fulani kidnappers during the chaos.
In a brave act of intervention, the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School Rector, Rev. Fr. Thomas Awhome Oyode, pleaded with the kidnappers to release the students in exchange for himself.
Following his request, the kidnappers agreed to release the students but took Rev. Fr. Oyode with them.
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Fortunately, all other students have been accounted for, and there were no fatalities reported in the incident.
Local hunters and vigilante groups quickly mobilized to respond to the situation, while soldiers from a nearby barracks arrived about an hour later.
However, search efforts were paused after the Catholic Bishop of Auchi advised against any actions that could provoke the kidnappers further.
In light of these events, we call on all Christians, especially members of the Roman Catholic Church, to join in prayer for the safe return of Rev. Fr. Thomas Awhome Oyode.