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By Seyi Babalola
The Niger State branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) says it has not received any formal confirmation that 100 pupils taken from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri had been freed.
In a statement released on Monday, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, the state chairman of CAN, stated that the organisation and affected areas had not been properly notified of any release.
“It will 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 cheering news. However, we are not officially aware and have not been duly notified.
“We hope and pray it’s true and look forward to when the remaining will be released,” he added.
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The abduction occurred on November 21, 2025, when bandits attacked the school and kidnapped 315 people, including 303 students and 12 teachers.
However, about 50 pupils escaped 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 during a Channels Television programme on Sunday, 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.
“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.
