Religious sisters abducted in Nigeria released, ‘in good health’ after weeklong captivity

On Jan. 7, 2025, two religious sisters were kidnapped in the Archdiocese of Onitsha in Nigeria. / Credit: Diego Cervo/Shutterstock

ACI Africa, Jan 15, 2025 / 07:00 am (CNA).

The two members of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ, (IHM) who were abducted on Jan. 7 from the Archdiocese of Onitsha in Nigeria have regained their freedom, the leadership of the sisters’ congregation in the West African nation has said.

In a statement that ACI Africa obtained on Tuesday, IHM secretary-general in Nigeria Sister Maria Sobenna Ikeotuonye said the two sisters were “released unconditionally” and that they are “in good health.”

“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,” Ikeotuonye said in the statement dated Jan. 13. 

Ikeotuonye went on to acknowledge with appreciation those who accompanied IHM members in prayer during the weeklong tribulation following the abduction that took place in Anambra state in the southeastern region of Nigeria. 

“We thank God and thank you all for your prayers and support all through these rough and uncertain days,” Ikeotuonye said. “May God forever be blessed through Mary our mother.”

Sisters Vincentia Maria and Mariette were kidnapped along Ufuma road while returning from their vocational association’s meeting at Ogboji in Anambra State.

In a statement following the abduction of the two women, Ikeotuonye appealed for spiritual solidarity, saying: “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.”

“We commend our Sisters Vincentia Maria and Grace Mariette to the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary for their speedy release from the hands of their kidnappers,” she stated in her statement dated Jan. 8, a day after the abduction incident. 

Nigeria has been grappling with Muslim extremist violence since 2009, perpetrated by groups such as Boko Haram, which reportedly persecute Christians, sometimes kidnapping them for ransom and, in some cases, killing them.

A 2025 report by the pontifical charity foundation Aid to the Church in Need International brought some hopeful news showing that fewer clergy and religious were kidnapped in 2024 compared with the previous year, 2023, and that in 2024, none of the abducted clergy and religious were killed.

Sabrine Amboka contributed to this story.

This story was first published by ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, and has been adapted by CNA.