A Catholic seminary located in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State has been raided by gunmen.

During the operation, a priest, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, was kidnapped.

The gunmen invaded the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi, during prayers on Sunday evening, October 27, 2024 and abducted Oyode, who is the rector.

The Catholic Diocese of Auchi confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday, saying it has lodged an official report, seeking the assistance of law enforcement agencies in securing the release of the priest.

The statement issued by the Director of Communications of the diocese, Reverend Father Peter Egielewa disclosed that priests and seminarians of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi, were observing their evening prayers and benediction on Sunday evening when they were attacked by gunmen around 7 PM.

The attackers reportedly abducted Oyode and led him into the bush.

According to the diocese, the vice-rector and all the seminarians have been accounted for and have been relocated for safety purposes.

The diocese said it has, however, not had any communication with the abductors of Father Oyode.

The diocese also disclosed that the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary established by the catholic bishop of Auchi, most reverend Gabriel Dunia in 2006 for the training of future priests, has turned out more than 500 graduates over the years.