Church confirms release of two Catholic nuns kidnapped in Anambra
By Jeffrey Agbo
The two Catholic nuns of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Onitsha, Anambra State, have been freed after six days in captivity.
The victims, Sister Vincentia Nwankwo and Sister Grace Okoli, were abducted on the evening of January 7, 2025, but were released unharmed.
In a statement released on Monday by Sister Maria Ikeotuonye, Secretary General of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the church expressed gratitude for the safe return of the nuns.
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“I bring to your notice in joy that our dear Sisters Vincentia Nwankwo and Grace Okoli, who were kidnapped in the evening of Jan. 7, 2025, have been released unconditionally and in good health. “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 statement read.
Anambra Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, also acknowledged the development, stating that efforts were ongoing to confirm details from the congregation and the released nuns.
“Efforts are ongoing to reach out to the congregation to ascertain the information and also take brief from the reverend sisters that were allegedly kidnapped and later released,” he told journalists.
