After a harrowing 27-day ordeal, retired Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Rev. (Prof.) Godwin Okpala, has been released by his abductors.
His driver, who was also abducted, was freed alongside the Archbishop.
Persecondnews recalls that the kidnapping occurred on December 6, 2024 when the Archbishop’s vehicle was intercepted while en route to Umuchu, where he was scheduled to attend a burial ceremony.
Umuchu a community in Aguata Local Government Area is situated approximately 30 miles southeast of Nnewi.
Both towns are located in Anambra State.
This area has been marred by violence, with a recent incident in May 2023 resulting in the deaths of four soldiers during an attack on a convoy.
Okpala took to his Facebook page on Thursday morning to personally confirm his release and express gratitude to God.
The clergyman simply wrote: “Praise the Lord!”
The post was greeted with an outpouring of joy, as hundreds of well-wishers reacted with gratitude and praise to God his safe release.
The circumstances of his release are still unclear.
As of the time of this report, the Anambra State Police Command had yet to comment about the circumstances surrounding his release.
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