The Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger State has said it is yet to receive official confirmation of reports claiming that 100 students abducted from a school in Agwara Local Government Area have been released.
The Chairman of the Niger State chapter of CAN, Bishop Bulus Yohanne, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday issued through his media aide, Daniel Atori, describing the reports as hopeful but unverified.
The pupils and teachers were abducted on November 21, 2025, when gunmen attacked St. Mary Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri community, Agwara LGA, carting away no fewer than 303 persons.
Two days after the attack, about 50 pupils reportedly escaped from captivity and returned to their community.
Reacting to circulating reports that 100 of the abducted students had been freed, Bishop Yohanne said the church would celebrate the development if confirmed.
“It will be a thing of great joy if some of our children have truly been released. We have been praying and waiting for their safe return,” he said.
He, however, stressed that the association had not been formally informed by relevant authorities.
“At the moment, we are not officially aware and have not been duly notified. We sincerely hope and pray that the report is true and that the remaining children will also soon regain their freedom,” Yohanne added.
Last week, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, visited the school in Papiri, where he assured parents and school authorities that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The reported release has drawn reactions from public officials. Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, and a retired senior military officer, Major General John Enenche (retd.), have commended the Federal Government and security agencies for what they described as a breakthrough, following reports aired by Channels Television.
Speaking on Politics Today, Sule described the development as “cheering news,” praising what he called coordinated security efforts.
Meanwhile, Christians across Niger State held a three-day fasting and prayer programme seeking divine intervention for the release of those still in captivity.
The prayer sessions, organised by the state CAN, began on Friday across all 25 local government areas and ended on Sunday at the First ECWA Church in Minna.
Addressing worshippers, guest speaker Pastor Peter Ojo urged continued prayers.
“Prayer still works, and we must not relent,” he said.
Representing Bishop Yohanne, his deputy, Rev. Ezekiel Ibrahim, called for unity among Nigerians.
“Let us set aside our differences, worship passionately and pray boldly for the safe return of our children,” he urged.
The Organisation of African Instituted Churches also expressed solidarity with the affected families and the Kontagora Diocese.
OAIC Secretary, Sunday Ojimi, said the church remained hopeful despite the trauma.
“No words can fully describe the pain this incident has caused, but we draw strength from our faith. We are optimistic that the children and teachers will soon return safely to their families,” he said.
