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Religious Order in Nigeria “full of joy” after Four Kidnapped Nuns Regain Freedom Unharmed

Sr. Johannes Nwodo (right), Sr. Christabel Echemazu (left), Sr. Liberata Mbamalu (center), and Sr. Benita Agu, freed from captivity in Nigeria's Imo State on 23 August 2022. Credit: Courtesy Photo

By Jude Atemanke

Jos, 23 August, 2022 / 11:35 pm (ACI Africa).

Member of the Sisters of Jesus the Saviour (Saviourite Sisters - SJS) in Nigeria have expressed their joy following the “unconditional and safe release” of four of their members who were abducted on their way to a Thanksgiving Eucharistic Celebration of one of their members on Sunday, August 21.

In a Tuesday, August 23 statement, the Secretary General of the Saviourite Sisters announces the regaining of freedom of Sr. Johannes Nwodo, Sr. Christabel Echemazu, Sr. Liberata Mbamalu, and Sr. Benita Agu, and expresses appreciation to the “men and women of Goodwill” who offered prayers for the safe release of the four Sisters.

“With hearts full of joy, the Sisters of Jesus the Saviour wish to announce the unconditional and safe release of four of our sisters who were abducted around Okigwe-Umulolo axis on the 21 of August 2022,” Sr. Zita Ihedoro says about the kidnapping in Nigeria’s Imo State.

Sr. Ihedoro adds, “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.”

“We sincerely appreciate and thank you for your prayers and moral support during this difficult moment,” the SJS Secretary General further says in the statement shared with ACI Africa.

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She implores, “May Jesus the Saviour whom we have come to serve bless, protect and provide for you, especially in times of difficulty.”

The August 21 abduction of the four Catholic Nuns is part of the recent kidnappings targeting church personnel in Africa’s most populous country.

The West African nation has been battling with a surge of violence orchestrated by gangs. The gang members have been carrying out indiscriminate attacks, kidnapping for ransom, and in some cases, killing.

The country has also been experiencing the Boko Haram insurgency since 2019. The group reportedly aims at turning Nigeria into an Islamic nation.

Jude Atemanke

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.

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Sr. Johannes Nwodo (right), Sr. Christabel Echemazu (left), Sr. Liberata Mbamalu (center), and Sr. Benita Agu, abducted on their way to Holy Mass 21 August 2022. Credit: Courtesy Photo

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