The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, has said it has not received any official confirmation regarding reports that 100 students abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri have been released.
In a statement issued on Monday, the state chairman of CAN, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, said neither the association nor the affected communities have been formally notified of any release.
“It would 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 certainly cheering news. However, we are not officially aware and have not been duly notified. We hope and pray it is true and look forward to when the remaining children will be released,” he added.
Politic Nigeria reported that the abduction occurred on November 21, 2025, when bandits attacked the school and kidnapped 315 people, including 303 students and 12 teachers. About 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 parents that the remaining abductees were safe and would soon return home.
Reacting to reports of the release, former Director of Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters, Major General John Enenche (retd.), commended the Federal Government and security agencies for what he described as a significant breakthrough.