The Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger State has disclosed that it has not received any official notification regarding reports that 100 students abducted from St. Mary’s School have been released from captivity.
Bishop Bulus Yohanna, Chairman of CAN’s Niger State Chapter, made this known in a statement issued on Monday, December 8, expressing cautious optimism about the unconfirmed reports while emphasizing the absence of formal communication from authorities.
Despite widespread media reports indicating that the Federal Government had secured the release of 100 schoolchildren from the mass abduction, Bishop Yohanna said neither CAN nor the affected communities have been officially briefed about the development or the current whereabouts of the allegedly freed captives.
“It will 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, then it is a cheering news. However, we are not officially aware and have not been duly notified,” the CAN chairman stated.
He expressed hope that the reports would prove accurate while maintaining prayers for the safe return of all remaining hostages.
“We hope and pray it’s true and will be looking forward to when the remaining will be released,” Bishop Yohanna added.
The statement highlights a communication gap between government security agencies and the religious communities most directly affected by the mass abduction that has traumatized Niger State for over two weeks.
Armed bandits had invaded St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in the remote Papiri community of Agwara Local Government Area on November 21, 2025, seizing 315 people comprising 303 students and 12 teachers.
Within the first 24 hours following the attack, 50 pupils managed to escape from their captors and were reunited with their families. However, the fate of 265 individuals—253 children and all 12 teachers—remained uncertain until recent reports emerged claiming that 100 had been freed.
CAN’s inability to confirm the reported releases raises questions about the transparency of rescue operations and the government’s communication strategy with stakeholders representing the victims’ communities.
The lack of official notification to religious leaders and local communities has left families anxious and uncertain about whether their children are among those allegedly released or still in captivity.
Bishop Yohanna’s statement suggests that despite government announcements, grieving families in the affected areas have not received concrete information about the status of their loved ones.
The Papiri abduction represents one of the largest mass kidnappings in recent Nigerian history and has drawn intense national and international attention to the deteriorating security situation in Niger State and surrounding regions.
As CAN awaits official confirmation and details about the reported releases, the statement underscores the urgent need for clear, transparent communication between government agencies and affected communities during such traumatic incidents.
