Metro
Edo Catholic Priest released after 11 days of kidnapping
Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, a Catholic priest from the Diocese of Auchi in Edo State, has been freed after spending 11 days in captivity.
Fr. Oyode, who is the Rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, was abducted on Sunday around 7 pm from the school premises.
The Edo State Police Command reported the arrest of two suspects in connection with the abduction.
According to sources, Fr. Oyode was released on Wednesday night when his captors, under pressure from security forces conducting aerial surveillance, abandoned him along a road. He was later picked up by members of his diocese.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 5, Benin, AIG Arungwa Nwazue, confirmed the priest’s rescue.
The kidnappers had initially demanded a N200 million ransom, though it remains unclear if any payment was made during ongoing negotiations. Security agencies had been actively tracking Fr. Oyode’s location throughout the ordeal.
Soaring rice prices threaten Christmas celebrations for Nigerian families
Panic as Stage collapses during Odumodublvck’s performance at Lagos concert
2025 Budget: FG allocates ₦6.36bn for renovation of Tinubu, Shettima’s official quarters
Black Market Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today 22nd December 2024
NNPC debunks shutdown rumors, confirms fuel loading at Port Harcourt Refinery
‘We have to find a way’ – Guardiola laments after defeat to Aston Villa
Usyk beats Fury in heavyweight rematch
Southampton name Ex-Roma boss, Ivan Juric as new manager
EPL: Jesus double leads Arsenal’s five-goal rout against Crystal Palace
27 feared dead in Stampede at Christmas rice distribution event in Anambra
Tinubu honours Abuja, Anambra stampede victims, cancels all Lagos events
