The prolonged nightmare for the Anglican Church in Nigeria ended on Thursday as Most Rev. Prof. Godwin Okpala, the retired Archbishop of the Niger Province, and his driver regained their freedom after enduring 30 grueling days in captivity.
The revered cleric and his driver were abducted in early December while traveling to Umuchu in Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State, for a burial. Their disappearance plunged the Anglican Communion and the nation into deep anxiety.
The announcement of their release was met with jubilation across various social media platforms, particularly on the Facebook page of St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Nnewi. Although the exact circumstances surrounding their release remain unclear, the joyous news has sparked celebrations within the church and beyond.
A Nation Held in Fear
The abduction highlighted the worsening insecurity plaguing Nigeria. Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi expressed grave concern about the growing threat of kidnappings.
“The deplorable level of insecurity in every part of the nation remains condemned,” Obi said in a statement shortly after the abduction. “Every Nigerian citizen should be able to move freely for their productive endeavors without fear of terror or harm.”
The Archbishop’s ordeal began on December 8, 2024, when he and his driver left for a burial. According to reports, they never reached their destination, and all efforts to contact them proved futile. The Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ndubuisi Obi, publicly called for prayers, urging the faithful to seek divine intervention.
“With a heavy heart, we wish to inform you that our dear father, Most Rev. Prof. Godwin Okpala, has been missing since Friday morning,” the statement read. “We earnestly plead for your fervent prayers for their safety and swift return.”
Outcry Over Insecurity
The incident ignited widespread criticism of the government’s handling of security. Obi decried the silence that often shrouds victims of abductions, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic reforms. “It is even more worrisome how many of our people who are victims of insecurity go unreported,” he noted.
Community leaders and clergy alike called on security agencies to act swiftly. The Anglican Communion organized prayer vigils across the state, seeking both divine intervention and a tangible response from law enforcement.
The pressure eventually yielded results, though details remain sketchy. It is unclear whether a ransom was paid or whether the release resulted from security interventions.
A Crisis of Confidence
The Archbishop’s abduction is part of a broader trend of kidnappings targeting prominent figures in Nigeria. Analysts argue that the phenomenon underscores a crisis of confidence in the country’s ability to protect its citizens.
In recent years, clerics, politicians, and business figures have been increasingly targeted, with kidnappers exploiting the country’s porous security network. The Anglican Church, a major spiritual and social institution in Nigeria, has not been spared.
“The Archbishop’s abduction and eventual release are a reminder of the dangerous environment we live in today,” remarked security expert Emeka Onuora. “No one, not even respected religious leaders, is safe from these criminal elements.”
Hope Restored
As news of the Archbishop’s release spread, messages of gratitude and relief poured in from all quarters. Parishioners expressed their thanks to God, while community leaders praised the resilience of the church in the face of adversity.
“We thank God Almighty for His mercies,” said a parishioner on the Anglican Church’s social media page. “This ordeal has tested our faith, but we remain steadfast in our belief that good will always triumph over evil.”
For the Okpala family, the Archbishop’s return is a moment of personal relief after weeks of uncertainty. The cleric’s abduction served as a stark reminder of the need for heightened vigilance, even among the most revered in society.
What Lies Ahead
As the dust settles, questions linger about the circumstances of the release and the state of security in Anambra State. Authorities have yet to provide a detailed account of the rescue operation, fueling speculation about the role of ransom or negotiations in securing the Archbishop’s freedom.
For now, the focus remains on celebrating the cleric’s safe return. “We hope this marks a turning point in addressing the security challenges in Nigeria,” said Rt. Rev. Ndubuisi Obi.
The Archbishop’s experience, while harrowing, has brought renewed attention to the plight of thousands of Nigerians who remain victims of kidnapping. It also underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts between communities, law enforcement, and the government to tackle the security crisis head-on.
