Anambra State is gripped with tension and anxiety following the mysterious disappearance of Most Reverend Professor Godwin Okpala, the retired Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Nnewi.
According to sources, Archbishop Okpala was last seen on Friday when he embarked on a journey to Umuchu, Aguata Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.
However, he never arrived at his destination, and all attempts to reach him have been unsuccessful.
A prayer alert issued by the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ndubuisi Obi, on Saturday, urged intercessory prayers for the Archbishop’s safe return.
The alert revealed that Archbishop Okpala was accompanied by his driver, who is also missing.
“We earnestly plead for your fervent prayers for their safety and swift return,” Bishop Obi appealed, adding “The relevant authorities have been contacted, and we are hopeful and trusting in God’s divine intervention for a positive resolution.”
The disappearance of Archbishop Okpala has sent shockwaves throughout the state, coming at a time when Anambra has been witnessing an upsurge in the activities of unknown gunmen and kidnappings.
As the search for Archbishop Okpala and his driver continues, the people of Anambra State remain in a state of anxiety, praying for their safe return.
Unfortunately, Umuchu has been the epicentre of insecurity as gunmen have been on the rampage, burning two vigilante vehicles on Thursday morning.
The Umuchu Improvement Union Representative Assembly (UIURA) confirmed the attack, saying” The gunmen attack on our Security Men at two different locations has left two vehicles, a Pickup truck and a Sienna bus, burnt down while one of security men sustained bullet wound.
“The two attacks, one at a security checkpoint near Amesi borders and the other at a burial ceremony, both in Ozara-Akukwa village, Umuchu, came in quick succession. Following this incident and that of penultimate week, we have lost three operational vehicles to hoodlums. However, no life was lost in the incidents and we give God Almighty the glory.”
In January 2023, unknown gunmen burnt down the Umuchu Divisional Police station located along the Umuchu-Achina road, just about two weeks after unknown gunmen abducted Zaria, Kaduna State based businessman and Managing Director of Peoples Bookshop, Ogbuehi Pius Egwuekwe, in front of his palatial home as he arrived for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Umuchu is becoming a beehive of insecurity, mainly because of its location. It shares boundary with three communities in Imo State including Arondizuogu, Akokwa and Umualaoma. It also shares boundary with Umunze, in Orumba North Local Government Area (LGA).
And the situation is made worse because there has been no concerted efforts by the State government, police or military authorities to deploy operatives at the key and vulnerable points around the community.
The Anambra State Police Command Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the development in a statement on Friday, said the injured security personnel were rushed to the hospital, where they are receiving treatment.
Ikenga said: “In the late hours of Thursday, December 5, 2024, the Anambra State Joint Security Team intercepted armed men sighted on Umuchu-Amesi-Uga Road and recovered one branded blue Hilux vehicle with plate number GDD 440 TJ, a car suspected to have been snatched from an unsuspecting member of the public.
“During a search conducted in the vehicle, coolers for food preservation were found.
“The armed men were trailed after police operatives resisted an attack on a police checkpoint at Ajali, Orumba North Local Government Area.
“During the gun duel, one police personnel and one AVG operative sustained gunshot injuries and are currently responding to treatment in a hospital.
“Unfortunately, the two operational vehicles belonging to the AVG were caught up in fire and razed down completely.”