The Niger State Government and the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have said they have not received any official confirmation regarding reports that 100 of the children abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area, have been released.
The denial came on Sunday evening, following widespread reports suggesting that a significant number of the abducted pupils had regained freedom.
Speaking with The Nation on Sunday night, the Chief Press Secretary to the Niger State Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, said the state government was still awaiting verified information from the Federal Government.
Similarly, the Chairman of CAN in Niger State, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, who also serves as Bishop of the Kontagora Catholic Diocese and Proprietor of St. Mary’s Catholic Schools, said the association had not been officially informed.
In a statement issued through his media aide, Bishop Yohanna described the report as hopeful but unconfirmed.
He said, “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 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 the release of the remaining children.”
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