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Catholic Nuns’ Leadership Appeals for “fervent prayers” for Members Kidnapped from Nigeria’s Onitsha Archdiocese

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Jude Atemanke

By Jude Atemanke

Onitsha, 08 January, 2025 / 6:48 pm (ACI Africa).

The leadership of the Sisters’ Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Mother of Christ (IHM) is appealing for spiritual solidarity in favour of two of its members, who were reportedly abducted on Tuesday, January 7 from the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha in Nigeria.

In a statement shared with ACI Africa, IHM Secretary General in Nigeria announces with “sadness” the abduction of Sr. Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Sr. Grace Mariette Okoli.

“They were kidnapped along Ufuma road on their way back from their Vocational Association's meeting at Ogboji,” Sr. Maria Sobenna Ikeotuonye says about the abduction that took place in Anambra State in the Southeastern region of Nigeria.

 In the Wednesday, January 8 statement, Sr. Ikeotuonye adds, “We solicit your fervent prayers and supplications to God that they may be released as soon as possible and come back to us safe and sound.”

“Pray also that they may be released unconditionally,” the IHM official further says.

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She goes on to highlight the apostolates of the kidnapped Religious Sisters, saying, “Sr. Vincentia Maria is the Principal of Archbishop Charles Heerey Memorial Model Secondary School Ufuma and Sr. Grace Mariette is a Teacher at Immaculata Girls Model Secondary School Nnewi.”

“We commend our Sisters Vincentia Maria and Grace Mariette to the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary for their speedy release from the hands of their kidnappers,” the IHM Secretary General in Nigeria says.

The West African country that is Africa’s most populous nation has been witnessing a series of kidnappings that have targeted members of the Clergy and women and men Religious over the years.

The country has been battling with a surge of violence orchestrated by gangs, whose members carry out indiscriminate attacks, kidnapping for ransom, and in some cases, killing.

Boko Haram, a group that allegedly aims to turn Nigeria into an Islamic nation, has been a major challenge in the country since 2009.

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Catholic Nuns’ Leadership Appeals for “fervent prayers” for Members Kidnapped from Nigeria’s Onitsha Archdiocese

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Jude Atemanke

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.

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