Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for the release of Most Rev. Godwin Okpala, the retired Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Nnewi, who was abducted along with his driver.
Obi made his appeal in a post on X on December 18.
The retired archbishop and his driver went missing on December 6 during a trip to the Umuchu community in Aguata Local Government Area, failing to reach their destination. The Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ndubuisi Obi, confirmed their disappearance and urged the faithful to offer intercessory prayers.
In his post, Peter Obi urged the kidnappers to release the cleric, emphasizing the moral imperative of their actions.
“After learning of the distressing abduction of Archbishop Emeritus Godwin Okpala, I immediately made a heartfelt appeal to his captors for his freedom,” he wrote. “It is profoundly troubling that, ten days later, this esteemed 75-year-old leader—who is old enough to be a father or grandfather to his captors—remains in captivity.”
Obi reiterated his appeal to the kidnappers’ conscience, urging them to release His Grace on compassionate grounds and to cease actions that pose a threat to lives and humanity.
