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.”
