Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted two Catholic Reverend Sisters, Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Grace Mariette Okoli, in the Ufuma community of Anambra State.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, along Ufuma Road as the victims were returning from a vocational association meeting in Ogboji.
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, identified the kidnapped sisters. Vincentia Maria Nwankwo is the Principal of Archbishop Charles Heerey Memorial Model Secondary School Ufuma, while Grace Mariette Okoli is a teacher at Immaculata Girls Model Secondary School Nnewi. The community has called for prayers for the safe release of the sisters.
In response, the Anambra State Police Command has launched a joint operation to rescue the kidnapped sisters. SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, visited the scene for an assessment. The police assured the public that they are working on leads to arrest the suspects and free the victims.