Gunmen Abduct Two Catholic Nuns In Anambra, Police Begin Rescue Operation

Gunmen has reportedly abducted Two Catholic Nuns identified as Vincentia Nwankwo and Grace Okoli in Anambra State.

According to CHANNELS TELEVISION report, the victims were on their way back from their vocational association’s meeting at Ogboji community in Orumba North LGA, when they were abducted late on Tuesday.

The Secretary-General of Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Maria Ikeotuonye, confirmed their disappearance in a statement issued on Wednesday, stating that they were kidnapped along Ufuma road in the State.

“With sadness, we write to inform the general public of the kidnap of our two sisters Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Grace Mariette Okoli yesterday evening, Tuesday, 7 January, 2025,” the statement read.

“Sr. Okonkwo is the Principal of Archbishop Charles Harvey Memorial Model Secondary School Ufuma and Sr. Okoli is a teacher at Immaculata Girls Model Secondary School Nnewi.

“They were kidnapped along Ufuma road on their way back from their Vocational Association’s meeting at Ogboji.

“We commend our Sisters to the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary for their speedy release from the hands of their kidnappers.

“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.”

Ikeotuonye also prayed that the victims be released soon and unconditionally.

The Anambra State Police Command also confirmed the abduction in a statement on Wednesday.

Spokesman for the Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the police have commenced a joint operation for the possible rescue of the abducted victims.

“Police-led joint operation is already ongoing for the possible rescue of two Catholic nuns allegedly kidnapped along Ufuma Road, Orumba North Local Government,” Ikenga said.

“The sad incident occurred in the evening of yesterday 7/1/2025 when the nuns were returning from a vocational service meeting in Ogboji.”

Ikenga stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, alongside the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations had visited the scene for a spot assessment.

“The command is already working with some clues for the possible arrest of the suspects and rescue of the victims. Further details shall be communicated, please,” he added.