Catholic Sisters Kidnapped on Ufuma Road in Anambra
Two reverend sisters have been abducted by unidentified gunmen along Ufuma Road in the Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State. The incident occurred late Tuesday evening as the sisters were returning from a vocational association meeting in the Ogboji community.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the Secretary-General of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Onitsha, Anambra State, Maria Ikeotuonye, the abducted sisters were identified as Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Grace Mariette Okoli. The statement, titled “Notification of Kidnap and Call for Prayers,” expressed sorrow over the incident and appealed for public prayers.
“With sadness, we write to inform the general public of the kidnap of our two sisters, Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Grace Mariette Okoli, yesterday evening, Tuesday, 7 January 2025. Sr. Nwankwo is the principal of Archbishop Charles Harvey Memorial Model Secondary School Ufuma, while Sr. Okoli is a teacher at Immaculata Girls Model Secondary School Nnewi.”
The statement added that the abduction took place along Ufuma Road while the sisters were on their way back from their Vocational Association’s meeting. “We commend our Sisters to the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary for their speedy release from the hands of their kidnappers. We solicit your fervent prayers and supplications to God that they may be released as soon as possible and come back to us safe and sound.”
The church community has rallied together, organising prayer sessions for the safe return of the sisters. Members of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the broader Catholic community have called for intensified efforts to secure their release.
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The Anambra State Police Command has also confirmed the incident. Speaking on Wednesday, the command’s spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, said that a police-led joint operation is underway to rescue the victims.
“The sad incident occurred on the evening of 7/1/2025, when the nuns were returning from a vocational service meeting in Ogboji. A joint operation involving police and other security agencies is already ongoing to ensure their safe rescue,” Ikenga stated.
Commissioner of Police Nnaghe Itam, along with the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations, has visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment. Ikenga added, “The command is working with some clues for the possible arrest of the suspects and the rescue of the victims. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.”
The incident has drawn widespread concern from the community, with calls for heightened security measures along major roads in the region to prevent future occurrences. The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary have requested continued prayers for the safe and swift return of the abducted sisters.
Content Credit| Igbakuma Rita Doom
Picture Credit | https://www.aa.com.tr/
