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Hoda Kotb makes urgent plea for help as she shares tragic news

The Today show host was inundated with messages

hoda kotb today show sad news
Hannah Hargrave
US Deputy Editor
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Hoda Kotb has used her celebrity platform to make a desperate plea for the safe return of someone very special.

On Tuesday, the TV personality took to Instagram and reposted a heartbreaking message from her friend which detailed a horrific kidnapping situation. 

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Alongside a photo of the two women, the caption read: "Repost from @karenswensen. Please stop and PRAY or send positive thoughts for the safe rescue of Sr. Suellen Tennyson, a Marianite nun kidnapped in Burkina Faso, Africa. 

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"She has been a dear, dear friend for 25 years. (Second picture includes the 2 other nuns who were attacked. Only Sr. Suellen was kidnapped but we pray for the rescue and safety of all!)."

The post sparked a huge response from Hoda's social media followers who commented: "Terrifying to hear, prayers for them all," and, "Prayers for the rescue of Dr. Suellen and healing for all".

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There were tearful emojis and many, many more messages as they wished for the safe return of the nun. 

View post on Instagram
 

Hoda reposted her friend's message in the hopes of the safe return of the kidnapped nun 

A statement from her diocese explained more details of the 83-year-old woman's disappearance.

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It read: "Overnight Monday to Tuesday, unidentified armed men went to the community of nuns at Yalgo parish in Kaya diocese.

today hoda kotb© Photo: Getty Images

Hoda shared the terrifying story with her 2million followers

"They kidnapped Sister Suellen Tennyson from the Congregation of Marianites of the Holy Cross.

"Suellen Tennyson was taken away to an unknown destination by her kidnappers who before leaving vandalized rooms and sabotaged the community's vehicle, which they tried to drive off."

She had been stationed in a parish in Yalgo, Burkina Faso, Africa where she had been a missionary since 2014.

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