CAN has denied official confirmation of reported release of abducted Niger Schoolchildren.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, says it has not received any official confirmation regarding reports that 100 of the students abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, have been released.
In a statement issued on Monday, CAN chairman in the state, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, said neither the association nor the affected communities had been formally briefed on any development.
“It will be a thing of joy if some of our children have been released. We have been praying and waiting for their return,” Yohanna said.
“If it is true, then it is cheering news. However, we are not officially aware and have not been duly notified. We hope and pray it’s true and look forward to when the remaining will be released.”
The mass abduction occurred on November 21, 2025, when armed bandits stormed the Papiri-based school and kidnapped 315 people, including 303 students and 12 teachers. Around 50 pupils managed to escape within the first 24 hours and were reunited with their families.
Last week, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, visited the school and assured anxious parents that the remaining abductees were safe and would soon return home.
Reacting to reports of the supposed release during a Channels Television programme on Sunday, former Director of Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters, Major General John Enenche (rtd.), praised the Federal Government and security agencies, describing the development as a “significant breakthrough.”
“My take is that the government and the security agencies have done a lot, and I believe Nigerians will be happy for this. I can tell you that it is not easy, whichever way or means were used to get these children out,” Enenche said.