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Religious Order in Nigeria Seeking “intense prayers” for Release of Kidnapped Nuns

Sr. Johannes Nwodo (right), Sr. Christabel Echemazu (left), Sr. Liberata Mbamalu (center), and Sr. Benita Agu, abducted on their way to Holy Mass 21 August 2022. Credit: Courtesy Photo

By Magdalene Kahiu

Jos, 22 August, 2022 / 9:50 pm (ACI Africa).

The leadership of the Sisters of Jesus the Saviour (Saviourite Sisters - SJS) in Nigeria is seeking “intense prayer” for the “quick and safe release” of four members who were abducted on their way to Holy Mass in the West African nation on Sunday, August 21.  

In a statement following the kidnapping, the Secretary General of the Saviourite Sisters announced “with great pain” the abduction of Sr. Johannes Nwodo, Sr. Christabel Echemazu, Sr. Liberata Mbamalu, and Sr. Benita Agu.

In the statement that ACI Africa obtained, Sr. Zita Ihedoro says the Catholic Nuns were kidnapped around Okigwe-Umulolo axis in Nigareia’s Imo State as they were heading for the Thanksgiving Eucharistic Celebration of one of SJS members.

“We implore for an intense prayer for their quick and safe release,” Sr. Ihedoro says in her statement, and adds, “May Jesus the Saviour listen to our prayers and May our Mother Mary intercede for the unconditional release of our dear Sisters.”

Nigeria has been battling with a surge of violence orchestrated by gangs. The gang members have been carrying out indiscriminate attacks, leading to the loss of lives, and kidnappings for ransom. 

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The West African nation has also been experiencing the Boko Haram insurgency since 2019. The group reportedly aims at turning Nigeria into an Islamic nation.

The August 21 abduction of the Catholic Nuns is part of the recent kidnappings targeting church personnel in Africa’s most populous country.

On August 4, Catholic social activists across Africa under their umbrella association, CitizenGo Africa, expressed concern about the continued massacres in Nigeria, and said that the West African country is the most inhospitable place for Christians.

“Nigeria is now the worst place for Christians to live in. Every day comes with the threat of bandits either kidnapping, torturing, or killing Christians,” CitizenGo Africa officials said. 

They regretted the fact that Christian persecution seems to be on the rise yet the Muhammadu Buhari-led government seems to be doing nothing.

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CitizenGo Africa officials expressed bewilderment that the situation in Nigeria is yet to attract the wrath of global leaders and the world. 

They called the world’s attention to the suffering of Christians in Nigeria, saying, “We now ask the globe to wake up! We need to stop the massacres now or never.”

Magdalene Kahiu

Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.

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