CAN await official confirmation of 100 freed Niger students

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the school proprietor say they have not yet received official confirmation, of the release of 100 students abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State.
‎
The Chairman of the Niger State chapter of CAN and proprietor of the school, Bishop Bulus Yohanne, was excited over the news, stating that the release would be a thing of joy and an answer to their prayers, but states that the church has not been duly notified by the authorities.
‎
The mass abduction took place on November 21, 2025, when bandits stormed the school, initially seizing at least 303 pupils, students, and teachers.
‎
Dawn Herald reported that two days after the attack, 50 pupils managed to escape captivity and returned home, leaving 253 children and 12 teachers in the hands of the bandits.
‎
Just last week, the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu visited the school in Papiri, assuring the families and school authorities that the abducted children were safe and would soon be released.
‎
The unconfirmed news was celebrated by political figures, including Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule and retired senior military officer Major General John Enenche, who applauded the Federal Government for the breakthrough.
‎
The statement by the Bishop came after the just concluded three-day fasting and prayer programme organized by the state chapter of CAN. The event, which ended on Sunday, was organized to pray for the release of the remaining 265 abductees.
‎
Bishop Yohanne, through his deputy, Rev. Ezekiel Ibrahim, encouraged citizens to continue praying, for divine intervention and the safe return of those still captive.
‎
‎