Gunmen Abduct Two Catholic Nuns in Anambra

 

Two Catholic nuns, Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Grace Mariette Okoli, were abducted by gunmen along Ufuma Road in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

 

The incident occurred late Tuesday evening as the nuns were returning from a vocational association meeting held in Ogboji community, Orumba North LGA.

 

The Secretary-General of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Maria Ikeotuonye, confirmed the abduction in a statement on Wednesday, calling for prayers for their safe release.

 

“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,” the statement read.

 

Ikeotuonye further revealed that Sister Nwankwo is the Principal of Archbishop Charles Harvey Memorial Model Secondary School in Ufuma, while Sister Okoli teaches at Immaculata Girls Model Secondary School in Nnewi.

 

“We commend our Sisters to the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary for their speedy release from the hands of their kidnappers,” she added. “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 Anambra State Police Command also confirmed the incident. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, said a joint operation has been launched to rescue the victims.

 

“Police-led joint operation is already ongoing for the possible rescue of two Catholic nuns allegedly kidnapped along Ufuma Road, Orumba North Local Government,” Ikenga said.

 

He noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, alongside the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations, had visited the scene to conduct a spot assessment.

 

“The command is already working with some clues for the possible arrest of the suspects and rescue of the victims. Further details shall be communicated, please,” Ikenga added.