Originally published at National Catholic Register
Father Thomas Oyode, the rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Nigeria’s Diocese of Auchi who was abducted Oct. 27, has regained his freedom.
A statement issued Thursday by Father Peter Egielewa, director of communications for the diocese, provided details of Oyode’s release, relaying the gratitude of Bishop Gabriel Ghiakhomo Dunia of Auchi.
“The Catholic Diocese of Auchi wishes to announce the release of Rev. Father Thomas Oyode from the hands of his abductors,” Egielewa said, adding that the kidnapped priest was set free at about 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6.
Father Egielewa said the bishop wished to express “gratitude to all for the prayers and moral support received for the 11 days Father Oyode was held captive, including Catholic faithful within and outside the diocese, well-meaning Nigerians within and outside the country, friends, and well-wishers around the world.”
The statement also thanked Nigerian security agencies and vigilante groups as well as hunters who Father Egielewa said had “labored day and night” in search of the kidnapped priest.
In his statement, the bishop urged the Nigerian government at all levels to work to address the deteriorating security situation around the Edo North Senatorial District and Edo state and
