…the state CAN chairman, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, said neither the association nor the affected communities had been formally informed of any such development.
NIGER, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) says it has not received any official confirmation that the 100 pupils kidnapped from St. Maryâs Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, have been released.
In a statement on Monday, the state CAN chairman, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, said neither the association nor the affected communities had been formally informed of any such development.
âIt will bring us great joy if some of our children have indeed been released. We have been praying and hoping for their safe return,â Yohanna said.
âIf the reports are true, it is encouraging news. However, we have not been officially notified.â
He added that they remained hopeful and prayerful for the safe return of those still in captivity.
The abduction took place on November 21, 2025, when bandits stormed the school and kidnapped 315 people, 303 students and 12 teachers.
About 50 students managed to escape 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 alive and would soon be rescued.
Commenting on 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.), praised the Federal Government and security agencies, describing the development as a major achievement.
âMy view is that the government and security agencies have done a great deal, and I believe Nigerians will be happy about this.
âI can tell you that it is never easy, regardless of the method used to secure the childrenâs freedom,â Enenche said.
