In a distressing incident, two Catholic reverend sisters, Sr. Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Sr. Grace Mariette Okoli, were abducted by unknown gunmen on Tuesday evening along Ufuma Road in the Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
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The nuns were returning from a vocational association meeting in Ogboji when the incident occurred. Sr. Vincentia Maria Nwankwo serves as 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.
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The abduction was confirmed through a statement released in Awka by Sister Maria Sobenna Ikeotuonye, IHM Secretary General, on behalf of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ. The statement called on all priests, religious, and lay faithful to fervently pray for the unconditional release of the sisters.
The Anambra State Police Command has launched a joint operation to secure their rescue. Commissioner of Police Nnaghe Obono Itam visited the scene and reassured the public that efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators and rescue the victims.
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SP Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, confirmed the incident, stating, “The sad incident occurred on the evening of January 7, 2025, when the nuns were returning from a vocational service meeting in Ogboji. A police-led joint operation is already underway for their possible rescue.”
Insecurity remains a critical challenge in Anambra State, with frequent cases of abduction and violence causing widespread concern among residents and authorities alike. The safety of religious leaders and citizens is increasingly under threat, prompting calls for enhanced security measures.
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All eyes remain on the unfolding situation, with prayers and hope for the safe return of Sr. Vincentia and Sr. Grace.