In a heartbreaking turn of events, the family of Gena Heraty, an Irish missionary kidnapped from an orphanage in Haiti, has expressed their profound devastation over her disappearance. Gena, who oversees the Sainte-Hélène orphanage in Kenscoff, was taken along with seven staff members and a child during a late-night attack on Sunday. The attack, described as a "planned act" by local officials, involved intruders breaking into the facility without opening fire.

The Irish government is coordinating efforts to secure the safe release of all involved, while Gena's family has been in communication with humanitarian organizations and international partners. They have referred to the situation as "deeply worrying" and have requested privacy during these tense times.

With gang violence rampant in Port-au-Prince, control of the area has deteriorated significantly, making such kidnappings increasingly common. Local journalist Harold Isaac confirmed that negotiations are ongoing to find a resolution, as the orphanage's neighborhood has faced escalating assaults from gangs over recent months. Amid the crisis, community leaders and locals are coming together to pray for Gena and the others’ safe return, recalling her deep commitment to vulnerable children in Haiti.