Two Catholic reverend sisters, namely, Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Grace Mariette Okoli, have been reportedly abducted by unknown gunmen in Anambra State.
The sisters were abducted on Tuesday evening according to the Catholic authorities while they were returning from a vocational association meeting in Ogboji. The kidnappers picked them along Ufuma Road in Orumba South local government area.
Sr. Vincentia Maria Nwankwo is the Principal of Archbishop Charles Heerey Memorial Model Secondary School Ufuma, while Sr. Grace Mariette Okoli is a teacher at Immaculata Girls Model Secondary School Nnewi.
There abduction was announced on Wednesday in Awka, in a statement signed by Sister Maria Sobenna Ikeotuonye, IHM Secretary General, on behalf of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ.
The Catholic community is in a state of prayer, seeking the speedy release of the abducted sisters.
Although the statement did not say whether abductors had established any contact with any of the victims’ families or groups, it enjoined all priests, religious, and lay faithful to offer fervent prayers and supplications to God for the unconditional release of the sisters.
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the incident and launched a joint operation to rescue the kidnapped sisters.
Commissioner of Police Nnaghe Obono Itam visited the scene and assured that the command is working with clues to arrest the suspects and rescue the victims.
Unfortunately, insecurity has become a significant concern in Anambra State, with at least five persons kidnapped or killed daily. This has put pressure on Governor Prof Chukwuma Soludo and security operatives to take decisive action.
