Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has condemned the kidnap of former Archbishop of the Niger Province, Professor Godwin Okpala, by gunmen.
OsunDailyNG reports that Archbishop Okpala, along with his driver, was kidnapped on Saturday while traveling to Umuchu in Anambra State.
A prayer alert issued by the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ndubuisi Obi on Saturday, urged intercessory prayers for the Archbishop.
“With a deeply burdened heart, we write to inform you of the distressing news that our revered Father in God, the Most Rev. Prof. Godwin Okpala (Retired Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Nnewi), has been missing since yesterday morning.
“He embarked on a journey to Umuchu accompanied by his driver but, unfortunately, never arrived at his destination. Since then, there has been no communication, and neither he, his driver, nor the vehicle have been located.
“We earnestly plead for your fervent prayers for their safety and swift return. The relevant authorities have been contacted, and we are hopeful and trusting in God’s divine intervention for a positive resolution,” Bishop Obi’s statement read.
In his reaction on Sunday, the former governor of Anambra State, Obi, reiterated the need for the government to take strong action against insecurity in the country.
The Labour Party chieftain noted that many citizens may have been victims of the ravaging insecurity across the country.
“I have just read the ugly news of the sudden disappearance of the emeritus Archbishop of the Niger Province, Most Rev. Prof. Godwin Okpala, yesterday. The report said the reversed cleric was on his way to a public function in Anambra State, alongside his driver.
“This deplorable level of insecurity in every part of the nation remains condemned. In almost every part of the nation, our people live in fear and uncertainty, not knowing when the terror will strike.
“It is even more worrisome how many of our people who are victims of insecurity go unreported. Every Nigerian citizen should be able to move freely for their productive endeavours in any part of the nation without fear of terror or harm. The government, at all levels, must ensure this by ensuring the protection of lives and property of the people.
“I remain in earnest prayers with the Okpala family and the entire Anglican Communion for the safe return of the Archbishop and that his driver while calling on the security agencies to take urgent actions to unravel the Archbishop’s disappearance and ensure their safe return,” he stated.
