Two abducted reverend sisters, Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Grace Mariette Okoli, of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ, have been freed after spending nearly six days in captivity.
The nuns were kidnapped on January 7, 2025, along Ufuma Road in Orumba North Local Government Area while returning from a vocational meeting in Ogboji. Their release was confirmed on Monday through a statement by the congregation’s Secretary General, Sister Maria Sobenna Ikeotuonye.
In the statement, Sister Ikeotuonye expressed gratitude for the sisters’ safe return.
“I bring to your notice in joy that our dear Sisters Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Grace Mariette Okoli… have been released unconditionally and in good health. We thank God and everyone for their prayers and support during this challenging time,” she said.
The Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, also confirmed the release but noted that further details would be shared after a debriefing with the victims.
In a separate incident, a kidnapped Anambra High Court judge, abducted on Saturday at his residence in Awka South Local Government Area, was released on Sunday. The judge’s release prompted jubilation among sympathizers who had gathered at his home.
While police authorities have yet to confirm details of the judge’s release, sources revealed he has been reunited with his family.
