Four Nuns who were kidnapped in Nigeria’s southern Imo State on Sunday, Aug. 21, have been returned to their community.
Sisters Johannes Nwodo, Christabel Echemazu, Liberata Mbamalu and Benita Agu were freed unconditionally – meaning without the payment of a ransom – according to a statement issued Aug. 23 by members of the Sisters of Jesus the Savior (the Saviourite Sisters, or SJS) to which the nuns belong.
“With hearts full of joy, the Sisters of Jesus the Savior wish to announce the unconditional and safe release of four of our sisters who were abducted around Okigwe-Umulolo on the 21 of August 2022,” reads the statement signed by the director of the order, Sister Zita Ihedoro.
“Today is a memorable day for us, therefore we wish to share this joy with all men and women of goodwill who, in one way or the other, have contributed to the quick and safe release of our dear sisters,” the statement adds.
“We sincerely appreciate and thank you for your prayers and moral support during this difficult moment,” Ihedoro said, before imploring Jesus “to bless, protect and provide for you, especially in times of difficulty.”
The four nuns were kidnapped along a local highway on Sun-day morning on their way to a thanksgiving Mass.
It’s still not known who kidnapped them or why, but it is increasingly becoming clear that Nigeria’s Christians in recent years have become targets for attacks, kidnappings and even killings.