The Immaculate Heart Generalate of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ, has issued a press statement announcing the kidnapping of two of their sisters, Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Grace Mariette Okoli. The incident occurred on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, while the sisters were traveling along Ufuma road after attending a Vocational Association meeting at Ogboji.

Sister Vincentia Maria serves as the Principal of Archbishop Charles Heerey Memorial Model Secondary School in Ufuma, while Sister Grace Mariette is a teacher at Immaculata Girls Model Secondary School in Nnewi. The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary are calling on the general public, priests, religious, and lay faithful to join them in prayer for the safe and unconditional release of their kidnapped sisters.

The congregation has commended Sisters Vincentia Maria and Grace Mariette to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Mother Mary, seeking her intervention for their speedy release from captivity. The Sisters are urging everyone to offer fervent prayers and supplications to God, asking that their sisters be freed as soon as possible and returned to them safe and sound.

The Secretary General of the Immaculate Heart Generalate, Sister Maria Sobenna Ikeotuonye, IHM, has signed the press statement, which concludes with an appeal for prayers and support during this challenging time. The congregation remains hopeful that their sisters will be released unconditionally and reunited with them soon.