See the Faces of Catholic Reverend Sisters Who Regained Freedom After 53 Days in Kidnappers' Den in Edo

Posted by Odinaka on Mon 08th Jan, 2018 - tori.ng

Three Catholic reverend sisters and three other females, who were kidnapped by gunmen in Edo State, have been released after spending 53 days in the kidnappers' den.

The Catholic Sisters released

Three reverend sisters of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Convent and three other female victims abducted in Edo State, have regained their freedom after 53 days in kidnappers' den.

Recall that on November 13, 2017, gunmen gained access into the formation house of the Sisters of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus (EHJ) and abducted Sr. Roseline Isiocha, Sr. Aloysius Ajayi, Sr. Frances Udi, who were visiting the religious community and three other aspirants.

The kidnappers with the aid of speedboats positioned on the Ovia River behind the sisters’ house, at Iguoriakhi, in Ovia South West Local Government Area, swooped on the victims and took them away.

The kidnappers had demanded N20 million as ransom before they could release the victims. It was learnt that that one of the victims, Veronica Ajayi, was released about 6p.m. on Saturday, while the other five were released before midnight. The Superior-General of the Catholic convent, Sister Agatha Osarekhoe, confirmed the release of the victims yesterday.

She said that the sisters returned home to their base unhurt and expressed happiness and appreciation to God for the development. According to Osarekhoe, the released reverend sisters and other victims are receiving medical treatment at a hospital in the state.

She said: “We are happy; to God be the glory! One (Ajayi) was released yesterday (Saturday) and the others were also released.

“They are fine. They are receiving some medical check-up in a hospital.

“No ransom was paid. Well, we know that they (police) did their best because they are aware. They had to do their work, so the police were aware. The most important thing is that our sisters are out.”

The state Commissioner of Police, Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, yesterday said the sisters were set free by policemen from the command. Kokumo said the kidnappers fled their den on sighting the security operatives and the victims were later taken to a secured health facility for medical attention.

He said: “Police operatives closed in on the daredevil kidnappers and they had no option than to release the reverend sisters.”