The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has said it has not received official confirmation of the release of 100 students abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The Federal Government announced on Sunday, December 7, that 100 pupils had been freed following the mass abduction.
In a statement on Monday, December 8, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, Chairman of CAN’s Niger State chapter, described the news as potentially “cheering” but stressed that the association has not been formally notified.
“It would be a thing of joy if some of our children have been released. We have been praying and waiting for their return. If it is true, it is cheering news. However, we have not been officially informed,” the statement read. “We hope and pray it is true and look forward to the release of the remaining children.” The statement noted.
The abduction occurred on November 21, 2025, when bandits attacked the school in the remote Papiri community, kidnapping 315 people—303 students and 12 teachers.
On the first day following the attack, 50 pupils managed to escape and were reunited with their families.
