Kidnapped Anambra reverend sisters regain freedom

Two reverend sisters, Vincentia Nwankwo and Grace Okoli, who were abducted along Ufuma Road in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, have regained their freedom after six days in captivity.

The sisters, members of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ congregation, were kidnapped on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, while returning from a vocational association meeting in Ogboji.

Their release was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the Secretary General of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Maria Ikeotuonye. According to the statement, the sisters were released unconditionally and are in good health.

The statement read: “I bring to your notice in joy that our dear Sisters Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Grace Mariette Okoli, who were kidnapped in the evening of Tuesday, January 7, 2025, have been released unconditionally and in good health.

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“We thank God and thank you all for your prayers and support all through these rough and uncertain days. May God forever be blessed through Mary our Mother.”

The Anambra State Police Command Spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, also confirmed their release but noted that the command was still gathering details.

“Yes, we are hearing that the two nuns have been released, but the command is yet to take the brief from the victims to ascertain what happened. Further details shall be communicated,” Ikenga stated.

The release of the reverend sisters has brought relief to the religious community and residents of the area, who had expressed concern over their safety.

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