Tension is on the rise in Anambra State following the abduction of two Catholic Reverend Sisters, Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Grace Mariette Okoli, by unidentified gunmen.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening along Ufuma Road in Orumba South Local Government Area. The sisters were returning from a vocational association meeting in Ogboji when they were kidnapped.
The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ, confirmed the development in a statement released on Wednesday in Awka. The statement, signed by Sr. Maria Sobenna Ikeotuonye, the IHM Secretary General, urged fervent prayers for the victims’ safe return.
Sr. Vincentia Maria Nwankwo is the Principal of Archbishop Charles Heerey Memorial Model Secondary School, Ufuma, while Sr. Grace Mariette Okoli teaches at Immaculata Girls Model Secondary School, Nnewi.
Although the abductors have not yet contacted the victims’ families or religious community, the Catholic faithful have been thrown into intense prayer sessions for their immediate release.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the abduction through its Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga. He stated that a joint rescue operation has been launched. Commissioner of Police Nnaghe Obono Itam also visited the scene for a spot assessment, assuring that efforts are underway to arrest the suspects and rescue the victims.
Insecurity remains a pressing challenge in Anambra State, with frequent reports of kidnappings and killings. This has added to the growing concerns for the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo and security agencies in the state.
