Anambra reverend sisters freed following six-day abduction

The two reverend sisters, Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Grace Mariette Okoli, who were abducted last week, have been safely freed after spending six days in captivity.

The nuns, members of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ, were taken on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, along the Ufuma Road in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, while returning from a meeting of a vocational association in Ogboji.

Although the precise date of their release remains unclear, the announcement came on Monday through a statement issued by the Secretary General of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Sister Maria Sobenna Ikeotuonye.

Sister Ikeotuonye confirmed that both reverend sisters were freed without any conditions attached and are reported to be in good health.

The statement shared, “We are pleased to announce with joy that our beloved Sisters Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Grace Mariette Okoli, who were abducted on the evening of Tuesday, January 7, 2025, have been released unharmed and in good health.”

She continued, “We are deeply grateful to God and to all who kept us in their thoughts and prayers during these uncertain and challenging days. May God’s name be praised through Mary, our Mother.”

When contacted for additional details, the Anambra State Police Command spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the sisters’ release but mentioned that the police had not yet received a briefing from the victims regarding the incident.

“Yes, we have heard reports of the nuns’ release, but we have not yet received an official statement from them to understand what transpired. More details will be shared as they become available,” Ikenga said.

In a separate incident, sources reported that a judge from the Anambra High Court, who had been abducted on Saturday, has also been freed by his captors.

The judge, whose identity is still unverified, was kidnapped outside his residence in the Awka South Local Government Area. However, it was reported that he was released the following day, on Sunday, January 11, 2025. The swift return of the judge has led to celebrations among his supporters, who had gathered at his home in the aftermath of his abduction.

Although police spokesman Ikenga could not confirm the judge’s release, sources close to the family have affirmed that he has been safely returned to his loved ones.