Two Catholic nuns, Sisters Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Grace Mariette Okoli, were kidnapped by seven armed men in Nigeria on 7 January. The sisters, belonging to the congregation of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, were intercepted while returning from a meeting of their Vocational Association in Ogboji. Sr. Vincentia serves as the principal of a secondary school, while Sr. Grace is a teacher at a girls’ secondary school.
The kidnappers are believed to be members of criminal gangs operating in the region, who often demand ransoms for their victims. The pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) reports that kidnappings in Nigeria have become increasingly common due to the lucrative ransom trade. In 2023, 25 priests, seminarians, and religious were kidnapped in Nigeria, with four fatalities.
The congregation of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary has appealed for global prayers for the safe release of the two nuns. In a statement, Sister Maria Sobenna Ikeotuonye, the general secretary of the congregation, wrote, “We ask for your fervent prayers and supplications to God for their release as soon as possible and safe return. Please also pray for their unconditional release.”
Local police have launched a joint security operation to rescue the two nuns, and authorities are investigating the case to ensure their prompt release. The global Catholic community is urged to join in prayer for the safe return of Sisters Vincentia and Grace.