- CAN says it has not received official notice confirming release of 100 abducted Niger students.
- Bishop Bulus Yohanna says the news would be a relief, but no communication has reached affected communities.
- 315 people were kidnapped when bandits stormed St. Mary’s School, Papiri, in November.
- NSA Nuhu Ribadu earlier assured parents that rescue efforts were ongoing and children would return home soon.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, has distanced itself from reports circulating widely on Monday that 100 abducted students in Niger State had been released.
Bishop Bulus Yohanna, who serves as the state chairman of the association, said communities were yet to receive any verified update on the condition or location of the missing children. According to him, news of their freedom would have brought relief to hundreds of distraught parents still holding onto hope.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
READ ALSO: Nigeria Deploys Fighter Jets to Benin Republic Amid Rising Coup Tensions
“It will gladden our hearts if some of our children have returned. We have been praying and waiting,” he said.
“But we have not been officially notified. If it is true, then it is good news. We will continue to pray that all remaining students come home safely.”
Bandits invaded St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, on 21 November 2025, abducting 315 individuals; 303 students and 12 teachers. About 50 pupils managed to escape within the first 24 hours and were reunited with their families, but a large number remain missing.
Last week, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, visited Papiri and assured relatives that security agencies were making progress and that the children were alive. His remarks renewed public hope that large-scale rescue operations might be close to yielding results.
READ ALSO: I still don’t know my exact age – Obasanjo
Meanwhile, former Director of Media Operations at Defence Headquarters, Major General John Enenche (retd.), speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, praised the government and security agencies for reportedly securing the release of at least 100 students. He acknowledged that rescue missions of this scale are complex and emotionally draining.
“The government and security agencies have done a lot,” Enenche stated.
“Whichever approach was adopted, bringing out these children is no small task.”
For now, families, religious leaders and Nigerians continue to wait, hoping every rumour turns into confirmed news, and every missing child returns home alive.
