
On January 13, 2025, Reverend Sisters Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Grace Mariette Okoli, members of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ (IHM) order, were freed from their kidnappers’ captivity after spending nearly a week in detention. The Sisters were abducted on January 7, 2025, in Ufuma, Anambra State, Nigeria, while returning from a vocational association meeting.
Also released is an Anambra High Court Judge whose name has been withheld.
The judge, who was released on Sunday, was said to have been kidnapped on Saturday while entering his house in Awka South Local Government Area of the state.
His release has sparked widespread jubilation among sympathisers who have been thronging his residence since the incident happened.
Announcing the release of the Reverend Sisters in a statement titled “Notification of Release and Expression of Profound Gratitude,” signed by the Secretary General, Sr. Maria Sobenna Ikeotuonye, IHM said: “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.
“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.”