By Ayomide Otitoju
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State says it has not been officially notified about the reported release of 100 students abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri community.
In a statement issued on Monday, the state chairman of CAN, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, said the association would welcome such news but stressed that no information had been communicated to affected communities.
“It will be a thing of joy if some of our children have been released. We have been praying and waiting for their return,” Bishop 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 is true and look forward to when the remaining will be released.”
On 21 November 2025, armed attackers invaded the Papiri school, abducting 315 people—303 students and 12 teachers. Fifty pupils escaped within the first day and were reunited with their families.
Last week, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu visited the school, assuring parents and school officials that the abducted students were safe and would soon regain their freedom.
Reacting to media reports of the release of 100 students during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, retired Major General John Enenche, a former Director of Defence Media Operations, 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 Nigerians will be happy for this,” he said. “I can tell you that it is not easy, whichever means were used to get these children out.”
