ACI Africa, Jan 10, 2025 / 13:05 pm
The leadership of the Sisters’ Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Mother of Christ (IHM) is appealing for assistance and spiritual solidarity for two of its members reportedly abducted on Tuesday, Jan. 7, from the Archdiocese of Onitsha in Nigeria.
In a statement shared with ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, IHM Secretary General in Nigeria Sister Maria Sobenna Ikeotuonye announced the abduction of Sisters Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Grace Mariette Okoli.
“They were kidnapped along Ufuma road on their way back from their vocational association’s meeting at Ogboji,” Ikeotuonye said about the abduction that took place in Anambra state in the southeastern region of Nigeria.
In the Jan. 8 statement, Ikeotuonye asked for prayers and supplications to God that the two sisters “may be released as soon as possible and come back to us safe and sound.”
“Pray also that they may be released unconditionally,” Ikeotuonye said.
She went on to highlight the apostolates of the kidnapped religious sisters, explaining that Sister Vincentia Maria is the principal of Archbishop Charles Heerey Memorial Model Secondary School Ufuma and Sister Grace Mariette is a teacher at Immaculata Girls Model Secondary School Nnewi.
“We commend our [sisters] ... to the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary for their speedy release from the hands of their kidnappers,” Ikeotuonye said.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has been witnessing a series of kidnappings targeting members of the clergy and women and men religious over the years.
The West African country has been battling a surge of violence orchestrated by gangs whose members carry out indiscriminate attacks, kidnapping for ransom, and, in some cases, killing.
Boko Haram, a group that allegedly aims to turn Nigeria into an Islamic nation, has been a major challenge in the country since 2009.
This story was first published by ACI Africa, CNA's news partner in Africa, and has been adapted by CNA.
