The rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary of Nigeria’s Diocese of Auchi was abducted on Sunday, October 27, when gunmen attacked the seminary located in Edo state in the country’s embattled central southern region.

A statement given by the diocese’s director of communications, Father Peter Egielewa, reported that Father Thomas Oyode was kidnapped around 7:00pm during evening prayers and Benediction at the seminary.

Egielewa said that following the abduction, Oyode was “led into the bush.”

In the October 28 statement, Egielewa clarified that the seminary’s vice rector and all the seminarians were safe following the attack.

He added that the seminarians, along with all staff of the minor seminary, had been temporarily relocated to a safe area as uncertainty lingered around the institution.

Egielewa, however, expressed regret that the diocese is yet to receive any communication concerning the whereabouts of Oyode.

He noted that an official report of the incident has been lodged with the Nigerian authorities and added: “We look forward to their assistance in securing the release of our abducted priest.”

In his appeal for solidarity with Oyode, Egielewa said: “The Catholic Diocese of Auchi requests all people of goodwill to join the faithful of the diocese in prayers so that the abductors release Father Oyode unharmed.”

Established in 2006 by Bishop Gabriel Ghiakhomo Dunia of the Auchi Diocese, Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary aims to form candidates for the major seminaries, where they pursue priestly studies and formation.

Over 500 candidates have so far successfully graduated from the seminary, which is located in one of the regions in Nigeria that is witnessing increased incidents of banditry and attacks.