By Daniel Peters
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have attacked the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi, in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
A statement by Reverend Father Peter Egielewa, Director of Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Monday says the priests and seminarians were observing their evening prayers and benediction on Sunday when they were attacked by gunmen at about 7 PM.
While the Rector of the school, Reverend Father Thomas Oyode, was abducted, the diocese said the Vice-Rector and all the seminarians have been accounted for and have been relocated for safety purposes.
The family has confirmed that the abductors of Father Oyode have established communication and demanded N200 Million ransom.
The Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi, was established by the Catholic Bishop of Auchi, most reverend Gabriel Dunia, in 2006 for the training of future Priests. It has turned out more than 500 graduates over the years.
