Three Catholic reverend sisters and three other females who were kidnapped by gunmen in Edo State have been released.
The sisters of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus were abducted at their residence in Iguoriakhi, Ovia South-West Local Government Area of the state on November 13 and taken away in a waiting speedboat.
They regained their freedom after spending 53 days in the kidnappers’ den.
One of the victims, Veronica Ajayi, was reportedly released by the kidnappers at about 6pm on Saturday, while the other five women released before 12am on Sunday.
Confirming the release Superior-General of the congregation founded in 1943, Sister Mary Agatha Osarenkhoe, said that the sisters returned unhurt.
“We are happy; to God be the glory! One (Ajayi) was released yesterday (Saturday) and the others were also released.
“They are fine are fine. They are receiving some medical check-up in a hospital,” Osarenkhoe said.
The kidnappers had reportedly demanded a ransom of N20 million but the superior-general said no money was paid to secure the release.
She commended the police for doing their work well.
“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,” she said.
Describing how the freedom was obtained, Edo State Commissioner of Police, Johnson Kokumo, said: “Police operatives closed in on the dare-devil kidnappers and they had no other option than to release the reverend sisters.”
Osarenkhoe added that the women would be reunited with their families later.
“Certainly, they are supposed to be reunited with their families after some period of time. But with this experience, we will just get them settled down and then know what to.
“Their families have been anxious. So, we will get the sisters to speak with them (families).”
