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Some gunmen have abducted two Catholic reverend sisters along Ufuma Road in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
It was gathered that the victims were on their way back from their vocational association’s meeting at Ogboji community in Orumba North LGA, when they were kidnapped late on Tuesday.
According to a statement signed by the Secretary-General, Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Onitsha, Anambra State, Maria Ikeotuonye, on Wednesday, the victims were identified as Vincentia Nwankwo and Grace Okoli.
The statement with the caption, “Notification of kidnap and call for prayers” read, ‘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.
“Sr. Okonkwo is the Principal of Archbishop Charles Harvey Memorial Model Secondary School Ufuma and Sr. Okoli is a teacher at Immaculata Girls Model Secondary School Nnewi.
“They were kidnapped along Ufuma road on their way back from their Vocational Association’s meeting at Ogboji.
“We commend 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 and supplications to God that they may be released as soon as possible and come back to us safe and sound.”
The church, however, prayed that the victims be released soon and unconditionally.
When contacted on the development on Wednesday, the Anambra State Police Command, spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development, adding that police-led joint operation is already ongoing for the possible rescue of the abducted victims.
Ikenga said, “Police-led joint operation is already ongoing for the possible rescue of two Catholic nuns allegedly kidnapped along Ufuma Road, Orumba North Local Government.
“The sad incident occurred in the evening of yesterday 7/1/2025 when the nuns were returning from a vocational service meeting in Ogboji.”
According to him, the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, alongside the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations had visited the scene for 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,” he added.
