By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (Precise Post) – Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka has reacted the the release of the 75 years old retired Anglican Archbishop of the Niger Province and former Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Prof. Godwin Okpala, and his driver after 25 days in the hands of his abductors, warning that Igbo civilisation is under attack, and it is time we rise beyond politics and confront it.
Reacting barely twenty-four hours after the news filtered that the Septuagenarian has been released with his driver on his X handle account, Chidoka expressed worry that nothing is sacred anymore. Adding that the Igbo trinity of Uche na Uchu is now utilised without Egwuchukwu.
Going down memory lane, Chidoka reminded that we suffered kidnapping during the slave trade era, and it sowed the seed of distrust in an otherwise peaceful and trusting society.
Highlighting that it is a matter of time for us to realise that no one is safe anymore, he said it is our priests, Bishops, men and women today, following will be our children and aged.
“Celebrating that it is not us today is momentary celebration like the man told he will die on Monday, he woke up on Tuesday jubilant that he did not die. Sadly, there is another Monday next week”, he added.
“It is time to speak up. It is time for collective repudiation of alụ in our society”, Chidoka said.
Precise Post recalls that Okpala and his driver were abducted on Friday, December 7, 2024, on their way to Umuchu community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Punch reported that a day after the abduction, that a prayer request issued by the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ndubuisi Obi called for intercessory prayers for the Archbishop’s safe return.
About 10 days later, their continued abduction generated tension, anxiety, and concerns among residents and critical stakeholders in the state.
Since then, their whereabouts remained unknown, and the development continued to generate tension and anxiety among critical stakeholders and politicians across the state until the news of their release filtered in early on Thursday.
The information about their release was reliably gathered from the Diocese, which was confirmed by a high-ranking officer and source in the Church, as well as a short statement obtained from the source.
The Archbishop, who also confirmed his freedom in a post on his Facebook page on Thursday, simply wrote, “Praise the Lord!”, with many reactions following immediately and followers thanking God for his freedom.
Although, the details of their release could not be officially obtained, as the source declined to confirm if any ransom was paid or not.
The source said, “We rejoice at the wonderful news that His Grace, Most Rev. Prof. Godwin Okpala, retired Anglican Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, has been safely released from captivity along with his driver.
