Ex-Archbishop Godwin Okpala Describes 27-Day Kidnapping Ordeal as ‘Hellish’ After Release

The retired Archbishop of the Anglican Communion in Anambra State, Most Rev. Godwin Okpala, has shared a vivid account of his 27-day captivity, describing the experience as akin to “seeing hell.”

Okpala, who was abducted along with his driver on December 6, 2024, regained his freedom on January 3, 2025. Speaking at his residence in Nnewi during a visit by former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, the 75-year-old cleric recalled the brutal conditions he endured during his captivity.

A Harrowing Ordeal in the Kidnappers’ Den

The Archbishop revealed that throughout his time in captivity, he was subjected to severe neglect and abuse. He shared that he was denied basic hygiene and given only scraps of leftover food.

“Throughout my stay, I never took a bath, brushed my teeth, or wore anything other than my pants,” he recalled. “Those 27 days were hellish because the people were not behaving like human beings. They kicked us about like trash.”

He described the physical and psychological toll of being kept in a remote forest, where the kidnappers cared little for his dignity. Despite wearing his cassock, the kidnappers stripped him of his religious attire, leaving him in shorts and a shirt.

“I was in my cassock, and they knew that I was a bishop, but they didn’t care. They pulled down my cassock and asked me to undress,” Okpala said.

The kidnappers provided him with one meal a day, consisting of either rice or garri, often leftovers from their workers’ meals. He was also given water of uncertain origin.

Gratitude for Support and Visits

Despite the grueling ordeal, Okpala expressed deep gratitude for his release and thanked those who supported his rescue efforts. He particularly acknowledged Peter Obi for his personal visit after his return from captivity.

“Obi has again shown the humanity in him. I’m not the first person he’s coming to see in this manner,” Okpala remarked, appreciating Obi’s gesture. “Since my return from the kidnappers’ den, no one has visited me until now.”

The Archbishop’s emotional words underscored the loneliness he felt during his captivity and the significance of Obi’s visit.

A Tragic Loss in Nnewi Diocese

Meanwhile, the Nnewi Catholic Diocese conducted the burial of three priests on Thursday, including Rev. Fr. Tobias Okonkwo, a pharmacist and native of Ekwulumili in Nnewi South Local Government Area. Fr. Okonkwo was tragically murdered on Boxing Day in Ihiala by gunmen.

Before his death, Fr. Okonkwo was the manager of the Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Ihiala.