The two Reverend Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ, and an Anambra High Court Judge who were kidnapped last week have been released, bringing relief and joy to the community.
The Reverend Sisters, Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Grace Mariette Okoli, were abducted while returning home after attending a meeting. The judge, whose name has been withheld, was kidnapped on Saturday, January 11, upon entering his residence in Awka.
A source close to the judge’s family told Vanguard that he was released on Sunday, January 12, just 24 hours after his abduction, leading to widespread jubilation among sympathisers who have gathered at his home since the incident.
In a heartfelt statement titled “Notification of Release and Expression of Profound Gratitude,” Sr. Maria Sobenna Ikeotuonye, IHM Secretary General, announced the release of the Reverend Sisters: “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.”
