After a woman lured in Haiti, the family was “devastated”

The family of Irish women who were lured from a Haiti orphanage say they are “absolutely devastated” and describe the situation as “deeply worried.”

The facility's director, Gena Heraty, was among several people filmed on Sunday morning at Kenscoff near the Haiti capital.

Her location is unknown as she cares for more than 250 children as a group that includes a 3-year-old child was taken from the orphanage.

Irish broadcaster RTé reports that contacts have been made with gangs involved in the invitation.

According to RTéNews, the call was made between gangs and intermediaries in the Caribbean country.

Ms. Herati, originally from Westport, Mayo County, oversees an orphanage run by the humanitarian organization Nos Petitz Frerez Eurus (our brother and sister).

It is located in the Kenskov commune in Port-au-Prince, about 10 km (6.2 miles) southeast of the capital.

The attackers broke into the orphanage “without opening the fire” at 3:30pm local time (07:30pm GMT), Mayor Masilon Jean described it as “a planned act.”

The attacker said before heading through the wall and entering the property, Ms. Herati was staying at the building.

Gang members are believed to be responsible for the attack, Haitian newspaper Le Nouvelliste reported.

Gang violence and inducements are common in other parts of Port-au-Prince, where the United Nations states that it controls about 85% of the city.

In the first half of 2025, UN figures show that almost 350 people were lured in Haiti. The UN Human Rights Office said at least 3,141 people were killed around the same time.

Heraty's family says they are “absolutely devastated” and describes the situation as “evolving and deeply concerned.”

“We are working closely with Haiti and the Ireland, the Irish government, and with our international partner NPF (Nos Petits Freres et s'ur), who is doing everything possible to ensure the safe and immediate release of Jenna and her colleagues,” they said in a statement.

“We are not in a position to share details at this time, respecting the ongoing efforts and the safety of Gena.”

Norma Lopez, a friend and colleague of Ms Heraty, said she could continue “her good work in Haiti” as she is seeking a safe return.

“Specifically, those with special needs are big needs in Haiti, so this is her focus,” she said.

“She works with her and always thinks, what else can we do?”

Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland) and Foreign Minister Simon Harris spoke to EU officials about Ms. Herati.

He raised an invitation with senior EU officials for diplomatic and security policy Kaja Karas on Tuesday.

He said the crows agreed that the EU would specify a specific point of contact in Haiti.

A diplomat based in the EU representative team in Haiti will be in charge of contact in the case.

Harris also spoke to Haiti's Foreign Minister Harbeljean Baptist on the phone and asked that everything be done to ensure the release of Ms. Herati and the other hostages.

Tommy Mullen, presenter for Mayo County Midwest Radio and knows Ms. Herati describes her as “passionate, selfless and resilient,” said she is considered a “living saint” in Mayo County.

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

“Last evening, in the small parish church in Kushrau where she grew up, the parish priest said that everyone can now.

“Jenna's family is absolutely distraught and devastated.”

Harold Isaac, a journalist at Port-au-Prince, told BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster program on Tuesday that “negotiations are underway through various people trying to try and release them.”

“Around 80-90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince is under some form of gang control,” he said.

“It has been an ongoing situation across the metropolitan area for the past few years, but it has gotten worse in the past few months as authorities struggle to regain control of the situation.

“The neighborhood where the orphanage is located has been under gang attacks for the past six months. This attack is actually a reminder of how vulnerable the situation is.”