Two Reverend Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Onitsha, Anambra State, have been released after being held in captivity for several days.
The victims, identified as Sister Vincentia Nwankwo and Sister Grace Okoli, were abducted on January 7, 2025. Their release was confirmed in a statement by the churchās Secretary General, Sister Maria Ikeotuonye, on Monday.
āI 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,ā Sister Ikeotuonye said. āWe thank God and thank you all for your prayers and support through these rough and uncertain days. May God forever be blessed through Mary our Mother.ā
The Anambra State Police Command also acknowledged the development. The spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that efforts were underway to gather more details about the sistersā release.
āThere is news circulating about their release. Efforts are ongoing to reach out to the congregation to verify the information and to take a brief from the reverend sisters who were allegedly kidnapped and later released,ā Ikenga said. āAs soon as we confirm the details, we can provide authoritative information on the matter.ā
The church community has expressed gratitude for the prayers and support that led to the safe return of the sisters. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding their abduction and release are ongoing.