Pastor Chris Okafor, founder of Grace Nation International, has recounted his harrowing 2012 abduction alongside his personal assistant, describing it as a life-threatening ordeal he survived through divine intervention.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Okafor explained that the incident occurred after a series of evangelistic crusades across Nigeria, following a crusade in Awka, Anambra State. “After days of intense travel and ministry engagements, we planned to leave Awka for Benin City, spend the night in prayer, and then proceed to Lagos in time for Sunday service,” he said.
He recalled that shortly after departing their hotel, their vehicle came under attack. “I had been asleep due to exhaustion when gunshots suddenly rang out, throwing the vehicle into confusion,” he said. Despite urging the driver to keep moving, the car eventually lost control and somersaulted into a ditch under heavy gunfire.
Okafor noted the chilling coincidence that he was approaching the same age at which his two older brothers had died, intensifying his fear. Armed men seized him and his personal assistant, blindfolded them, and took them to an undisclosed location, leaving behind a policeman and the driver.
During captivity, ransom was raised and paid, but their release was delayed. “We were held with several other captives under harsh conditions and were constantly restrained,” he said. He also claimed the abductors moved them in the boot of a vehicle while carrying out attacks on police stations, seizing weapons and causing casualties. Some abductors later reported strange encounters, urging them to release him.
After 58 days, Okafor was finally freed and returned to his village in Anambra State amid rumors of his death. “My mother reportedly fainted on seeing me,” he said. He was severely weakened and immediately hospitalized. His personal assistant, however, remained in captivity for several more days until additional ransom was paid.
Okafor said the ordeal disrupted church activities, scattering the congregation, and that rebuilding the ministry was difficult. He credited its recovery to faith and perseverance.
Reflecting on the experience, he said, “This ministry and the church we see today are testimonies of grace. I came face to face with de@th, but God preserved my life.” He added that surviving the ordeal marked a turning point in his life and family history, breaking a cycle of untimely death in his family.