By 9jaeye 
On Sunday, gunmen abducted a Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode from the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivianokpodi, Agenebode, located in Edo State’s Etsako East Local Government Area. According to witnesses, the attackers arrived early in the day, initially targeting two students. However, Fr. Oyode courageously intervened, offering himself in place of the students, who were allowed to escape. Subsequently, the gunmen took the priest into a nearby forest, where local vigilantes, hunters, and security officials have launched an intensive search to secure his safe return.
Coordinated Search and Community Concerns
In response to the abduction, local authorities and community members have quickly mobilized alongside law enforcement. They are scouring the surrounding forests in a coordinated effort to locate Fr. Oyode. Meanwhile, the incident has put the local community on high alert, as leaders voice deep concerns over the increasing dangers faced by religious figures. Consequently, security forces have intensified their search operations, determined to find the abducted priest and bring him back safely. As news of the incident spread, both residents and religious leaders urged the government to provide additional protection to vulnerable communities, especially in remote areas.
Heightened Calls for Security in Religious Institutions
Fr. Oyode’s abduction has become a part of a disturbing pattern of kidnappings targeting religious leaders in Nigeria. Consequently, many local residents worry that, without improved security interventions, the safety of religious figures in rural areas will continue to be at risk. This recent incident has reignited calls from community leaders and citizens alike for enhanced security protocols across religious institutions in Edo State and beyond. They fear that, if left unaddressed, these security threats will not only endanger clerics but also disrupt religious practices and community life.
Amid this heightened state of vigilance, the community remains united, hopeful for Fr. Oyode’s swift and safe return. Ultimately, the abduction underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts between the government, local security, and religious organizations to tackle these security challenges facing clerics and local communities across Nigeria.
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