Two Nigerian Sisters kidnapped in Anambra State

The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ in Nigeria have confirmed the kidnapping of two of their members, Sr. Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Sr. Grace Mariette Okoli.

The abduction occurred on the evening of Tuesday, January 7, 2025, along Ufuma road in Anambra State, as the two sisters were returning from a meeting of their Vocational Association at Ogboji.

Sr. Vincentia Maria Nwankwo, the Principal of Archbishop Charles Heerey Memorial Model Secondary School in Ufuma, and Sr. Grace Mariette Okoli, a teacher at Immaculata Girls Model Secondary School in Nnewi, were taken by unknown assailants while travelling home.

“They were kidnapped along Ufuma road on their way back from their Vocational Association’s meeting at Ogboji. We commend our Sisters Vincentia Maria and Grace Mariette to the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary for their speedy release from the hands of their kidnappers,” said Sr. Maria Sobenna Ikeotuonye, Secretary General of the congregation, in a statement issued on January 8.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary have appealed for support from all priests, religious, and lay faithful to pray for the sisters’ swift and safe return. The congregation emphasised the urgency of their prayers, noting the grave situation the sisters face while in captivity.

The kidnap of religious figures in Nigeria, particularly in the southeastern region, has become a growing concern. Religious groups and local communities continue to call for greater action from authorities to combat the rising wave of abductions and ensure the safety of both clergy and laypersons.