In a statement on Monday, the Chairman of the Association in Niger State, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, noted that while it would have been welcome news to learn of the children’s return, no confirmed information had yet reached the affected communities.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has said that it has not received any official notification regarding reports that 100 abducted students in Niger State have been released.
In a statement on Monday, the Chairman of the Association in Niger State, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, noted that while it would have been welcome news to learn of the children’s return, no confirmed information had yet reached the affected communities.
“It will be a thing of joy if some of our children have been released. We have been praying and waiting for their return. If it is true, then it is a cheering news. However, we are not officially aware and have not been duly notified.
‘We hope and pray it’s true and will be looking forward to when the remaining will be released,” the statement read.
Bandits attacked St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri on November 21, 2025, abducting 315 people, comprising 303 students and 12 teachers.
Fifty pupils managed to escape within the first day and were reunited with their families.
Last week, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, visited the school and assured parents and school authorities that the abducted children were safe and would soon return.
Reports emerged on Sunday that 100 pupils abducted from a Catholic school had been released, with Channels Television confirming that the Federal Government played a key role in securing their freedom.