KIDNAPPERS FED ME WITH REMNANTS FOR 27 DAYS – RTD ARCHBISHOP OKPALA

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Retired Archbishop of Nnewi Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Most Rev Godwin Okpala, who was kidnapped on December 6 has recounted his ordeal in the hands of his abductors for 27 days.

Archbishop Okpala was taken alongside his driver but was only able to regain freedom on January 3rd.

Okpala who spoke with reporters in Nnewi when the former governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi visited him, said the experience was not what anyone would wish for a fellow human being.

Narrating his ordeal, Archbishop Okpala said: “Those 27 days were hellish because the people were not behaving like human beings. They kicked us about like thrash.

“They kept us in a very thick forest and none of them cared. 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 and I had only shorts, a shirt and my collar on.

“For the 27 days that I was with them, I didn’t take my bath, I didn’t brush my teeth. They were giving me water which I don’t know the source.

“They were giving me one meal a day and it was either rice or garri. The food was usually remnants from those they gave to boys who worked with them. They have cooks who prepare food there.”

The 75-year-old Archbishop, who retired a few years ago, praised Mr Peter Obi for coming to visit him, saying that since his return from the kidnappers’ den, no one had visited him until Obi came.

“He (Peter Obi) has again shown the humility in him. I’m not the first person he is coming to see in this manner. I want to say thank you to Peter Obi who came to visit me after my travails,” the cleric said.

Also in Nnewi on Thursday, the Nnewi Catholic Diocese buried Rev. Fr. Tobias Okonkwo a pharmacist, who was killed by gunmen on Boxing day at Ihiala.

Until his death, the priest was the manager of the Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala.

Fr. Okonkwo hailed from Ekwulumili in Nnewi South local government area of the state and was one of the vibrant priests in Nnewi Diocese.

The priest was murdered on Boxing Day in Ihiala where he was working by gunmen operating in the area.

Buried along with him were two other Reverend Monsignors Donatus Ike and Monsignor Christopher, who died recently.

The Bishop of Aguleri Diocese, Most Rev Dennis Isizor presided at the burial ceremony.