The abducted retired Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Nnewi (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Godwin Okpala has regained his freedom.
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The Most Rev. Godwin Okpala, a professor, the former Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Nnewi, had been missing since December 6th when he embarked on a journey to Umuchu with his driver. The two men failed to return, leading to speculation they had been abducted.
On Thursday morning, Archbishop Okpala gave the first indication of his return in a brief post on his Facebook page, simply stating “Praise The Lord!” Several hours later, the Anglican Church confirmed that the archbishop and his driver had been “safely released.”
“The church and the wider community are rejoicing over the safe return of Archbishop Godwin Okpala and his driver, a testament to the power of faith, prayer, and community solidarity,” the church said in a Facebook post.
Details surrounding the 69-year-old cleric’s disappearance and return remain unclear. Authorities have not disclosed whether the incident involved a kidnapping for ransom, which has become increasingly common in the region.
The church said the archbishop’s case highlights the urgent need for police reforms and the implementation of state and community-based security to combat the growing threat of abductions and violence in Nigeria’s southeast.
“Strengthening security measures remains critical to safeguarding lives and restoring peace in the region,” the statement said. “As the community celebrates this moment of relief and thanksgiving, the Church urges continued prayers for lasting peace and security across the region.”
Archbishop Okpala, a respected scholar and theologian, served as Bishop of Nnewi from 1996 to 2019 before his elevation as Archbishop of the Niger Province. He retired from active ministry in 2021.
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