Family “destruction” after kidnapped by abducted women in Haiti

A family of Irish women kidnapped from an orphanage in Haiti said they were “absolutely damaged” and described the situation as “very worried.”

The facility’s director Gena Heraty is Several people taken away from the privately run Sainte-Hélène Orphanage in Kenscoff near the Haitian capital on Sunday morningAccording to Mayor Massillon Jean.

Her whereabouts are unknown, as she, along with seven employees and one child, were occupied from an orphanage, which cared for more than 250 children.

The Irish government said a lot of efforts are underway to ensure its release.

Ms. Heraty was originally from Westport, Mayo County, overseeing the orphanage, a group composed of humanitarian organization Nos Petits Frères and others (our little brother and sister – NPFS) in the commune of Kenscoff, about 10 kilometers away, about the prince of the capital.

The attacker broke into the orphanage around 15:30 local time (07:30 GMT) “no fire,” Mayor Massillon Jean said, describing it as “planned behavior.”

Jean said the attackers had broken into the wall and entered the property before heading to the building where Ms. Herati stayed.

Haitian newspaper Lenovolister reported that members of the gang were believed to be the cause of the attack.

Ms. Herati’s family said in a statement that they had “absolutely suffered destruction”, describing the situation as “evolving and worrying.”

“We are working closely with the NPF (NOS Petits Frères et al) of Haiti and Ireland, the Irish government and international partners, who are doing everything possible to ensure safety and release Gena and his colleagues immediately.

“We are currently unable to share more details for ongoing efforts and Gena’s security,” the family statement said.

Tanast (Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister) and Foreign Minister Simon Harris held talks with his Haiti on the other side of the kidnapping.

Mr Harris said he asked Haiti’s Foreign Minister Harvel Jean-Baptiste: “It’s all about ensuring Gena and the other hostages are released.”

Gang violence and kidnapping are also common in and around Port-au-Prince, where armed UN groups control about 85% of cities.

In the first half of 2025, UN figures showed that nearly 350 people were kidnapped in Haiti. The UN Human Rights Office said at least 3,141 people were killed during the same period.

NPH International, a charity that works with orphans, abandoned and vulnerable children from Latin America and the Caribbean, also calls for the release of hostages and says it is doing everything it can to help them take home safely.

Tommy Marren, host of Mayo County Midwest Radio, knows Gena Heraty described her as “passionate, selfless and resilient” and said she was considered a “living saint” in Mayo County.

“She is a dedicated and loyal person who is caring for the most vulnerable people in society,” he said.

“Last night, in a small parish church in Cushlough where she grew up, the parish pastor said that all people can do now is pray and hope that this will have a positive result.

“Gena’s family was absolutely upset and suffered damage.”

Harold Isaac BBC Radio Ulster Good Morning Ulster Plan On Tuesday, “negotiations are being attempted to release through individuals involved.”

“About 80% to 90% of capital ports are under some form of gang control,” he said.

“This has been a continuing situation throughout the metropolitan area over the past few years, but in the past few months, it has been a result of efforts by authorities to regain control.

“The community where the orphanage is located has been attacked by gangs over the past six months, and this attack is just a reminder of the vulnerability of this situation.”