Four Catholic nuns have been abducted at gunpoint, the church announced in a statement on Sunday.

The Catholic Reverend Sisters were kidnapped Sunday morning along the Okigwe-Enugu road on their way to mass.

Sister Zita Ihedoro, Secretary-General of the Sisters Of Jesus The Saviour, confirming the incident called for  “intense prayer for their quick and safe release.”

The kidnapped sisters were identified as Johannes Nwodo, Christabel Echemazu, Liberata Mbamalu and Benita Age.

A part of her 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 Okigwe-Umulolo area this morning shortly after the sisters were on their way to the thanksgiving mass of our sister.

“We implore for intense prayer for their quick and safe release. May Jesus the saviour listen to our prayers and may our mother Mary intercede for the unconditional release of our dear sisters.”

The route has become notorious for high profile abduction. Earlier this year, the Primate of the Methodist Church, Samuel Kanu, alongside other travellers, were abducted on the same route. 

Catholic priest Chinedu Nwadike was also kidnapped and was in captivity for two days. 

Police spokesman in Imo, Michael Abattam, did not return requests seeking comments on the development Sunday evening.