Retired Anglican Archbishop Godwin Okpala of Nnewi Diocese has shared disturbing details of his 27-day ordeal in captivity, painting a grim picture of deteriorating security in Anambra State. Speaking from his residence during a visit by former governor Peter Obi, the 75-year-old religious leader described experiencing inhumane treatment at the hands of his captors following his December 6, 2024 abduction.
Archbishop Okpala’s account reveals the ruthless nature of his kidnappers, who showed complete disregard for his religious status despite his clear identification as a bishop in full clerical attire. The prelate was forced to surrender his dignity, stripped of his cassock and left with only minimal clothing during his entire captivity period.
The conditions of his confinement were particularly harsh, with the Archbishop being held in a dense forest where basic human necessities were denied. He described surviving on a single daily meal, often consisting of leftover rice or garri from the kidnappers’ own meals. The situation was further compounded by the complete absence of basic hygiene facilities, leaving him unable to bathe or maintain oral hygiene throughout his captivity.
This incident highlights a broader security crisis in Anambra State, where religious leaders have become increasingly targeted. The gravity of the situation is further emphasized by the recent tragic loss of Rev. Fr. Tobias Okonkwo, a Catholic priest and pharmacist, who was murdered by gunmen in Ihiala on December 26, 2024. Fr. Okonkwo, who served as manager of several medical training schools at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, was among three priests whose funeral services were held by the Nnewi Catholic Diocese on Thursday.
The Archbishop’s rescue on January 3rd, while bringing relief to the Anglican community, has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of security measures in the state. Despite repeated assurances from Governor Chukwuma Soludo and state police authorities, kidnapping incidents continue to plague the region, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among residents.
The visit by Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, to the Archbishop’s residence marks the first such gesture since his release, highlighting both the political significance of the incident and the apparent lack of institutional response to the prelate’s ordeal. Archbishop Okpala expressed gratitude for Obi’s visit, noting it as a demonstration of humanitarian concern that had been lacking from other quarters.
The kidnappers’ operation appears well-organized, with the Archbishop describing a setup that included dedicated cooks preparing meals for the criminal gang. This level of organization suggests a sophisticated criminal enterprise rather than opportunistic crime, raising concerns about the depth of security challenges facing Anambra State.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for improved security measures and a more effective response to the kidnapping crisis in the region. The simultaneous targeting of both Anglican and Catholic clergy members indicates a concerning pattern that threatens not only religious leaders but the broader community’s sense of safety and social stability.
As Anambra State grapples with these security challenges, the Archbishop’s traumatic experience serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of kidnapping and the urgent need for more effective security solutions. His ordeal, coupled with the murder of Fr. Okonkwo, has highlighted the vulnerability of religious leaders who traditionally served as pillars of stability in their communities.
The continued occurrence of such incidents despite government assurances suggests a need for a comprehensive review of current security strategies and the implementation of more effective measures to protect citizens, regardless of their status or position in society.
