Police have confirmed that two Catholic nuns have been abducted by gunmen along Ufuma Road in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The nuns, identified as Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Grace Mariette Okoli, were kidnapped on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, while returning from a vocational association meeting in Ogboji community.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the congregation to which the nuns belong, expressed sorrow over the incident and called for prayers for their safe release.
The statement read, “With sadness, we write to inform the general public of the kidnapping of our two sisters, Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Grace Mariette Okoli.”
Nwankwo serves as the principal of Archbishop Charles Heerey Memorial Model Secondary School, Ufuma, while Okoli is a teacher at Immaculata Girls Model Secondary School, Nnewi.
“We commit 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 that they may be released unconditionally and come back to us safe and sound,” the statement added.
It was learnt that the Anambra State Police Command has launched an operation to rescue the victims.
Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson, confirmed that a joint operation is underway to ensure their safe return.
Nnaghe Itam, Commissioner of Police, who visited the scene of the abduction, said the command is following leads to rescue the nuns and apprehend the perpetrators.
As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, and the motive remains unclear.
Residents and religious groups in the area have intensified prayers, urging for the sisters’ swift and safe return.
