The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ in Nigeria have confirmed the abduction of two of their members, Sr. Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Sr. Grace Mariette Okoli, in Anambra State.
The incident occurred on the evening of Tuesday, January 7, 2025, along Ufuma road, as the two sisters were returning from a meeting of their Vocational Association in Ogboji.
Sr. Vincentia Maria Nwankwo, who serves as the Principal of Archbishop Charles Heerey Memorial Model Secondary School in Ufuma, and Sr. Grace Mariette Okoli, a teacher at Immaculata Girls Model Secondary School in Nnewi, were abducted by unknown assailants while making their way home.
In a statement issued on January 8, Sr. Maria Sobenna Ikeotuonye, Secretary General of the congregation, stated, “They were kidnapped along Ufuma road on their way back from their Vocational Association’s meeting at Ogboji. We commend our Sisters Vincentia Maria and Grace Mariette to the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary for their swift and safe release from the hands of their captors.”
The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary have called for prayers and support from all priests, religious, and lay faithful, urging them to pray for the safe return of the abducted sisters.
The congregation emphasized the critical situation and the need for prayers as the sisters remain in captivity.
