Offcials have disclosed, nine people, encompassing an Irish missionary and a three-year-old child, were kidnapped from an orphanage close to Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, on Sunday.
The facility’s director, Gena Heraty, was among those kidnapped from the Sainte-Hélène orphanage in Kenscoff, which is privately-run, during the early hours of the morning, according to Mayor Massillon Jean.
Seven workers of the facility alongside a child were also kidnapped from the orphanage, which takes care for over 240 children, some with disabilities.
The kidnappers broke into the facility “without opening fire,” Jean said, describing it as a “planned act”.
Jean said, the kidnappers had broken through a wall to enter the property, before moving to the building where Ms Heraty was staying.
A source told AFP News Agency, Ms Heraty, who has resided in Haiti since 1993, called the organisation that manages the orphanage – Our little brothers and sisters – early on Sunday to confirm she was among those kidnapped.
The source disclosed, no demands or ransom requests have been made by the kidnappers.
The Foreign Affairs Department of Ireland said it was aware of the case and was making available consular assistance.
Photo: People flee their homes to escape gang violence in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on March 6, 2024. Ralph Tedy Erol/Reuters