Tension grips Anambra State as uncertainty looms over the mysterious disappearance of Most Rev. Prof. Godwin Okpala, the retired Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Nnewi.
Reports indicate that the Archbishop was last seen on Friday when he embarked on a journey to Umuchu, a community within the state.
As of now, there is no confirmation whether the Archbishop and his driver have been abducted.
The unsettling silence has prompted widespread concern, with Rt. Rev. Ndubuisi Obi, the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, issuing an urgent prayer alert on the 7th of December, 2024, calling for intercessory prayers.
The alert, laden with emotion, reads:
“PRAYER ALERT from BISHOP Ndubuisi Obi of Nnewi Diocese.
Dearly Beloved people of God,
“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.
“Please, join us in prayer of intercession, trusting in the Lord, whose watchful eyes never slumber, to bring our beloved Father in God, and his driver back to us safely.
“Thank you for standing with us in this moment of distress.
Ndubuisi Nnewi.”
When reached for comments, the Police Public Relations Officer of Anambra State Command, Toochukwu Ikenga, stated that he was not aware of the incident.
This development comes amid a troubling rise in the activities of unknown gunmen across the state, raising fears of foul play as anxious residents await answers.