The Anglican Archbishop of the Niger Province, the
Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim, has cried out bitterly over the seeming
persistent insecurity in contemporary Nigerian society, urging all citizens,
irrespective of social status, class, or gender, to take ownership of their
environment always.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with newsmen in
his Awka office, Ibezim came to tears over the recent abduction of his
predecessor, Most Rev Dr. Godwin Okpala, alongside his driver while on a
missionary assignment to an Anambra village.
Okpala, on whose retirement, Ibezim was enthroned to
oversee the influential Niger Province of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican
Communion, eventually regained his freedom about seven days ago. He was said to
be recuperating.
Reacting to the experience as it affects the Church,
Archbishop Ibezim, also the Bishop of Awka Diocese, stated that the event
wasn’t funny.
“The entire church felt very bad that such
a senior cleric – the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of
Nnewi could be so abducted without a word or trace, and it shows the level of
insecurity presently in our society. This is not only in Anambra State but also
in Nigeria, in general.
When pressed for further information on how and who
negotiated or played significant roles in the cleric’s release, Ibezim declined
comments, insisting that “Much of what transpired since the sad
incident is not what I will broadcast to the whole world here.
“But the summary is that after the whole
harrowing experience, he came out safe after nearly one month in captivity. We
thank God for his life.”
The archbishop disclosed that the Church did not
celebrate Christmas or the New Year in 2024 like in the past, saying that it
was a period of intense prayers, committing to and communing with God.
Perhaps speaking based on his interaction with Dr
Okpala, Rev Ibezim urged the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu to
listen to the various prevalent agitations in many parts of the country.
He says, “It’s indeed sad that virtually every
part of the country is experiencing a disturbing wave of insecurity that needs
to be addressed. There are serious and potent issues that cannot be swept under
that carpet if we expect peace.”
He expressed worry that “our political leaders
are moving around with a retinue of heavily armed security escorts and
bulletproof vehicles while the citizens are left open to the mercy of all
manner of vices, criminal elements and very angry agitators.
“It’s a national issue that needs to be
addressed and the earlier its done, the better for all of us. I don’t think
that going around with private or personal armies is the solution. Because when
you do that, what about your family members – your parents, sisters, brothers,
wives, children, uncles, etc.”
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