The sudden disappearance of the retired Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Nnewi, Most Rev. Godwin Okpala, has continued to generate tension and anxiety among the Anglican faithful in Nnewi and the entire Anambra State.
Okpala and his driver were said to have gone missing since Friday morning after they went on a trip to the Umuchu community in Aguata Local Government Area, but failed to arrive at their destination.
Reports said despite efforts by the Church to establish contact with them, no communication has been received and the whereabouts of the cleric, his driver and their vehicle have remained unknown.
A prayer request issued by the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ndubuisi Obi, on Saturday, called for intercessory supplication for the archbishop’s safe return.
Rt. Rev. Obi reportedly said: “Yes, the report is true. However, you will have to contact our information board for further details.”
A member of the board, who craved anonymity, simply said: “Yes, it is true, the bishop and his driver went on a trip to somewhere in Umuchu community on Friday morning and till now their whereabouts have remained unknown.
“We have contacted the relevant authorities and the police are aware of the development, we hope for the safe return of the bishop and his driver.”
But the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said such a report has not been brought before the command. “There is no such report before me,” he said.