The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, said it has not received any official confirmation regarding reports that 100 of the students abducted from St Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri have been released.

In a statement issued on Monday, the state chairman of CAN, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, said the association and affected communities have not been formally notified of any release.

“It will be a thing of joy if some of our children have been released. We have been praying and waiting for their return,” Yohanna said.

“If it is true, then it is cheering news. However, we are not officially aware and have not been duly notified. We hope and pray it’s true and look forward to when the remaining will be released,” he added.

The abduction occurred on November 21, 2025, when bandits attacked the school and kidnapped 315 people, including 303 students and 12 teachers.

However, about 50 pupils escaped within the first 24 hours and were reunited with their families.

Reacting to reports of the release during a TV programme on Sunday, former Director of Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters, Major General John Enenche (retd.), commended the Federal Government and security agencies for what he described as a significant breakthrough.

Source: Daily News NG.