Two Religious Sisters Abducted in Nigeria, Congregation Calls for Prayers

Nigeria, January 11, 2025: Two religious sisters, Vincentia Nwankwo and Grace Okoli, were abducted in Anambra State, southeast Nigeria, after attending a meeting in Ogboji, Aguata Local Government Area, on Tuesday, January 7. The Sisters, belonging to the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ, were reportedly seized on the Ufuma road by suspected local armed criminals.

Sister Vincentia María, the principal of Archbishop Charles Heerey Memorial Model Secondary School, Ufuma, and Sister Grace Mariette, a teacher at Immaculata Girls Model Secondary School, Nnewi, were traveling back from the meeting when the incident occurred. The congregation's secretary-general, Sister Maria Sobenna Ikeotuonye, shared the details and urged for widespread prayers for their safe and unconditional release.

The kidnapping is believed to be the work of local gangs, notorious in the region for targeting individuals for ransom. Their activities have significantly increased in recent years, adding to the insecurity in southeast Nigeria.

Sister Ikeotuonye appealed for divine intervention, invoking "the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary" and encouraging "fervent prayers and supplications to God." She expressed hope for the sisters' swift and safe return to their community.

The congregation has called on Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) to amplify their plea for prayers worldwide, uniting the faithful in seeking a peaceful resolution to this distressing situation.

By Catholic Connect Reporter