Nigeria: An unknown abductor kidnapped four Catholic nuns in Nigeria’s southeastern state of Imo on Sunday, August 20, 2022. The nuns were identified as Sisters Johannes Nwodo, Christabel Echemazu, Liberata Mbamalu and Benita Agu.
As per the reports, the four nuns were heading on their way to Mass and had been seized by the kidnapper.
The kidnapped sisters belong to the Congregation of the Sisters of Jesus the Savior, which announced the sad incident in a statement signed by Sr. Zita Ihedoro, the Secretary-General.
A part of the statement read: “Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, it is with great pain that we bring to your notice the kidnapping of four of our sisters mentioned above.”
“The sad event of their abduction occurred around the Okigwe-Umulolo area this morning shortly after the sisters were on their way to the thanksgiving Mass of our sister.
The congregation implored “an intense prayer for their quick and safe release” and prayed to Our Lord and the Blessed Virgin Mary “for the unconditional release of our dear sisters.”
Nigeria has witnessed a significant hike in the incidents of kidnappings in recent months as several reports of the abduction of citizens have been recorded in the country.
The incidents were often for ransom by bandits and armed persons across Africa’s most populous country.
The kidnapping incidents have also targeted priests and religious leaders of different denominations.
Just last week, a Catholic priest and a seminarian were kidnapped on the road between Okigwe and Umunneochi. Two days later, they were released.
Nigeria has always remained at the stake of the violence as in the recent incident, the army personnel caused huge destruction in Durumi 3 community, where about 100 structures have been demolished, rendering some residents homeless and several without livelihoods. Forced eviction is a gross violation of human rights which in particular deprives people of the right to adequate housing.
