Anxiety on Saturday enveloped the Anglican Church in Anambra State following uncertainties surrounding the whereabouts of the retired Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Revd. Prof. Godwin Okpala.
The Guardian gathered that the retired Archbishop left home on Friday for Umuchu, a community in Aguata Local Government Area of the state, and has not returned.
It was further gathered that since he embarked on the journey with his driver, nothing had been heard about them, fueling suspicion that they may have been kidnapped.
The Nnewi Diocese, where he last served, has, however, issued a prayer alert for their safe return.
The prayer alert issued by the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ndubuisi Obi, on Saturday morning, urged intercessory prayers for the Archbishop.
It read: “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 has 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.”
