The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ, have confirmed the abduction of two of their members, Sister Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Sister Grace Mariette Okoli, in Anambra State.
The incident occurred in the evening of Tuesday, January 7, 2025, along the Ufuma Road when the sisters were returning from a vocational association meeting held in Ogbunike.
Sister Vincentia Maria is the Principal of Archbishop Charles Heerey Memorial Model Secondary School, Ufuma, while Sister Grace Mariette serves as a teacher at Immaculate Girls Model Secondary School, Nnewi.
Both women are well-regarded for their dedication to education and the Church.
The Catholic congregation expressed deep concern over their safety and called on all faithful to join in prayer for their swift and unconditional release.
In a statement signed by Sister Maria Sobenna Ikeotuonye, Secretary General of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ, the Church urged believers to seek divine intervention for the sisters’ safe return.
“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,” the statement read.
The Church further encouraged fervent prayers and supplications, asking God to protect the sisters and bring them back unharmed.
The congregation appealed to the kidnappers to release the sisters without harm, emphasising the critical roles they play in the community.
This abduction adds to the growing security concerns in Anambra State and other parts of Nigeria, where kidnappings have become alarmingly frequent.
Religious figures, educators, and community leaders have often been targeted, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty.
