Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has made a heartfelt appeal to the kidnappers responsible for the abduction of Archbishop Emeritus, Godwin Okpala, urging them to release him immediately ¹. The Archbishop, who is 75 years old, was abducted on December 6, along with his driver, while on a trip to the Umuchu community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Obi's appeal comes as a desperate cry for compassion, emphasizing that the Archbishop is old enough to be the kidnappers' grandfather ¹. He reiterated his concern, saying, "It is deeply troubling and unfortunate that, after 10 days, the 75-year-old revered prelate – old enough to be a father or grandfather to the abductors – remains in captivity."
Obi's appeal is not only a plea for the Archbishop's release but also a call to action against the rising wave of kidnapping in the region, particularly in Anambra State ². The situation has led to forced migrations from the Southeast, with many well-meaning citizens and businesses fleeing the region due to insecurity ².
The Archbishop's abduction has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for an end to the senseless violence. Dr. Chike Obidigbo, an elder statesman, lamented the recent abduction, saying, "The rising wave of kidnapping in the region, especially Anambra State, has continued to stoke forced migrations from Southeast" ².
As the situation unfolds, Obi's appeal serves as a beacon of hope for the Archbishop's safe release. The former presidential candidate's efforts to bring attention to the plight of the Archbishop and the broader issue of kidnapping in the region are crucial in sparking collective action against violent crimes.
*The Urgent Need for Action*
The kidnapping of Archbishop Okpala is a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to address the security challenges in the region. The situation demands a concerted effort from the government, traditional institutions, and citizens to ensure the Archbishop's safe release and to prevent such incidents in the future.
*A Call to the Government*
The government must take immediate action to address the security concerns in the region. This includes:
- _Enhancing Security Measures_: Deploying more security personnel to hotspots and increasing surveillance to prevent abductions.
- _Collaboration with Stakeholders_: Working closely with traditional institutions, community leaders, and citizens to gather intelligence and prevent kidnapping.
- _Punishing Offenders_: Ensuring that those responsible for kidnapping face justice to deter future incidents.
*A Call to Citizens*
Citizens must also play a role in preventing kidnapping and promoting safety in their communities. This includes:
- _Reporting Suspicious Activity_: Informing authorities of any suspicious activity or potential threats.
- _Supporting Security Efforts_: Collaborating with security personnel and providing information to aid their efforts.
- _Promoting Community Cohesion_: Fostering a sense of community and cooperation to prevent division and mistrust.
As the situation unfolds, Peter Obi's appeal serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, collective action, and urgent attention to the security challenges in the region. The safe release of Archbishop Okpala is a pressing concern, and the efforts of all stakeholders are crucial in achieving this goal.
