Abducted Anambra Catholic nuns regain freedom — after six days in captivity

The two Catholic nuns, who were abducted last Tuesday in Anambra state, have regained freedom.

The Catholic nuns identified as Vincentia Nwankwo and Grace Okoli were abducted while returning from their vocational association’s meeting at Ogboji community in Anambra state.

They were kidnapped along Ufuma road in Orumba north LGA of Anambra state.

Nwankwo is the principal of Archbishop Charles Heerey Memorial Model Secondary School, Ufuma, while Okoli is a teacher at Immaculata Girls Model Secondary School, Nnewi.

In a statement released on Monday, Maria Sobenna Ikeotuonye, secretary-general of Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ, said the nuns were released “unconditionally”.

“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, 7th January 2025, have been released unconditionally and in good health,” the statement reads.

“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.”

When TheCable contacted Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson in Anambra, for confirmation, he said the command is aware of the release of nuns, but it is yet to debrief them.