Abducted Anambra reverend sisters released after six days in captivity

The two abducted reverend sisters, identified as Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Grace Mariette Okoli, have regained freedom after spending about six days with their captors.

The reverend sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ, were reportedly kidnapped on Tuesday along the Ufuma Road in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state, on their way back from a vocational association’s meeting in Ogboji.

Although the actual date of their release could not be ascertained, their release was confirmed in a press statement issued on Monday and signed by the Secretary General of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Sister Maria Sobenna Ikeotuonye.

According to her, the two reverend sisters were released unconditionally and are healthy.

The statement read in part, “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.

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

When also contacted, the Anambra State Police Command spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed their release but said the command had yet to take a brief of what happened.

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

In another development, it was gathered that a kidnapped Anambra High Court Judge had also been released by his captors.

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The judge, whose name has yet to be confirmed, was said to have been kidnapped on Saturday while entering his house in Awka South Local Government Area of the state.

A source close to the family confirmed that the judge was released on Sunday, barely 24 hours after his abduction, sparking widespread jubilation among sympathisers who had been thronging his residence since the incident.

Although the police spokesman, Ikenga, could not confirm the release of the judge, when contacted, sources confirmed to our correspondent that the judge had been released and reunited with his family.