The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has stated that it has not received any official notification regarding the reported release of 100 students abducted in Niger State.
In a statement on Monday, the Chairman of CAN, Niger State Chapter, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, said that while it would be cheering news to learn of the children’s freedom, the association had yet to receive confirmation or details of their whereabouts.
“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,” the statement read.
The students were kidnapped on 21 November 2025, when bandits attacked St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in the remote community of Papiri, abducting 315 people—303 students and 12 teachers.
In the immediate aftermath, 50 pupils escaped and were reunited with their families. Last week, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, visited the school, assuring parents and authorities that the abducted children were safe and would be returned soon.
Reacting to the report of the release on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Major General John Enenche (retd.), former director of media operations at the Defence Headquarters, commended the Federal Government and security agencies for their efforts.
“My take is that the government and the security agencies have done a lot, and I believe that 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.
CAN concluded by expressing hope and prayers that the report is true and that the remaining abducted children will soon be released, urging for official confirmation to ease the concerns of the grieving communities.
