The authorities of the Nigerian Police have vowed to rescue the abducted Rev Fr Thomas Oyode, the Rector of Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School, Ivanokpodi, in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government of Edo State, unhurt.
It was reported that the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 5, Benin City, AIG Arungwa Nwazue, accompanied by the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Umoru Peter Ozigi, also vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, SP Moses Yamu, made available to newsmen in Benin City on Tuesday, said the police chiefs gave the assurance on Monday evening during a visit to Agenebode.
Yamu said during the visit, the AIG and the Commissioner of Police met with the Chairperson of Etsako East Local Government Area, Hon. Benedicta Attoh.
Other personalities met include the lawmaker representing Etsako East constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, Kingsley Ugabi; Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom, HRH G.O. Egabor; other traditional rulers from Weppa, Ibie, Okpekpe; as well as Bishop Gabriel Dunia, along with other Rev. Fathers at the Council Secretariat.
According to him, the AIG, on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, sympathised with the community, the seminary, and the entire Catholic body over the incident and assured them that the police will stop at nothing to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book and the abducted Rev. Father is rescued unhurt. He further called for synergy to achieve this.
The command’s image maker said during the visit, the police chiefs charted a robust course to tackle insecurity in the area.
He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Umoru Peter Ozigi, had a separate meeting with the youths of the community at the Agenebode Area Command.
He said the Commissioner of Police assured the youths of the police’s readiness to work with the community for a secured and peaceful coexistence.
“The command, therefore, seeks the support and cooperation of the general public in its quest to maintain law and order and to prevent every form of crime across the state,” he said.
