The Niger State Government and the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said on Sunday that they have not received any official communication confirming the reported release of 100 children abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
Speaking with The Nation on Sunday night, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, said the state government is still verifying the information with relevant federal authorities and will provide an update once confirmed.
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Similarly, the Chairman of CAN in Niger State, Bishop Bulus Yohanna—who also serves as Bishop of the Kontagora Catholic Diocese and Proprietor of St. Mary’s Catholic Schools—said there has been no formal notice regarding any release.
In a statement issued through his media aide, Bishop Yohanna said:
“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 cheering news. However, we are not officially aware and have not been duly notified. We hope and pray it is true and look forward to the release of the remaining children.”
Earlier reports had indicated that the Federal Government secured the release of 100 pupils abducted from the school—an attack carried out in the early hours of November 21, when gunmen on motorbikes stormed the community and operated unchecked for nearly three hours.
During the invasion, the attackers abducted 315 people, including 303 students and 12 teachers, marking one of the most significant school abductions in recent years.
Within 24 hours, about 50 pupils escaped and were reunited with their families, leaving 265 people in captivity until the latest unverified reports of a partial release.
