Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Church confirms release of two kidnapped Catholic nuns in Anambra

They were kidnapped on January 7, 2025.

• January 13, 2025
Gunmen
Gunmen used to illustrate the story

Two reverend sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Onitsha in Anambra have regained their freedom after spending six days in kidnappers’ dens.

The victims are Sister Vincentia Nwankwo and Sister Grace Okoli.

The release is contained in a statement signed by the secretary general of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Sister Maria Ikeotuonye, which was made available to journalists on Monday in Onitsha.

According to the statement, Ms Nwankwo and Ms Okoli, who were kidnapped on the evening of January 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,” it said.

When contacted for confirmation, the Anambra police command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said that he saw a press statement from the organisation.

“I don’t know whether it is from them or not, but there is news flying concerning their release.

“Efforts are ongoing to reach out to the congregation to ascertain the information and also take a brief from the reverend sisters that were allegedly kidnapped and later released.

“So, as soon as we do that, I can be able to talk authoritatively about what happened,” he said.

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

U.S. and Saudi Arabia logos.

World

U.S., Saudi Arabia to seal nuclear programme deal

Ms Kelanic described the decision as reckless and not in the U.S. interest.

Former Governor Osun State, Adegboyega-Oyetola (Photo Credit: @GboyegaOyetola)

NationWide

Tinubu govt changed trajectory of maritime sector via robust reforms: Minister

Mr Oyetola added that agencies under the ministry generated more than N1.8 trillion in revenue in 2025.

Lagos hajj terminal

NationWide

FG upgrades Lagos hajj terminal

Mr Keyamo attributed the project to President Bola Tinubu’s vision to revitalise aviation infrastructure nationwide.

Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC)

Hot news Home top

Revoked Licences: NDIC begins payment to 46 MfBs’ depositors

The Central Bank of Nigeria revoked the banks’ licences for failing to meet regulatory requirements for continued operations.

Scale of justice.

Abuja

Court advises Emeka Ike, Wike’s aide to consider reconciliation in N10 billion suit

The judge consequently adjourned the matter until October 12 for hearing by agreement of all the counsel.

Central Bank of Nigeria Logo

Economy

MPC rate to keep capital market stable, says stockbroker

The committee retained the monetary policy rate (MPR) at 26.5 per cent at the end of its 306th meeting on Tuesday.