By Charles Igwe
Two members of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ (IHM) congregation, who were abducted on January 7 in the Archdiocese of Onitsha, have been released unharmed. The leadership of the sisters’ congregation in Nigeria confirmed the development, expressing gratitude for the prayers and support offered during their ordeal.
Sisters Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Grace Mariette Okoli were kidnapped along Ufuma Road in Anambra State while returning from a vocational association meeting in Ogboji. In a statement issued on January 13, Sister Maria Sobenna Ikeotuonye, IHM’s secretary-general in Nigeria, shared the joyful news of their release.
“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, January 7, 2025, have been released unconditionally and in good health,” Sister Ikeotuonye announced.
The congregation had earlier sought spiritual solidarity from the faithful, urging fervent prayers for the sisters’ safety. “We solicit your fervent prayers and supplications to God that they may be released as soon as possible and come back to us safe and sound,” Sister Ikeotuonye stated in a message dated January 8, a day after the abduction.
Following their release, Sister Ikeotuonye expressed profound gratitude to all who prayed for the sisters during the weeklong captivity. “We thank God and thank you all for your prayers and support all through these rough and uncertain days,” she said, adding, “May God forever be blessed through Mary our Mother.”
