The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, has decried the mysterious disappearance of the Archbishop of the Niger Province, Most Rev. Prof. Godwin Okpala.
Okpala reportedly got missing along with his driver on Friday morning.
The Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ndubuisi Obi, who announced Okpala’s disappearance, said the Archbishop was on his way to the burial of another Bishop’s relation in Umuchu Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, but did not arrive at his destination.
In a statement on Monday, the former Anambra governor condemned the current state of insecurity in the country.
He urged security agencies to ensure their safe return of the cleric.
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He said: “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.”
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