Niger CAN awaits confirmation of 100 freed abducted students

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The Christian Association of Nigeria says it is not officially aware of the reported release of 100 abducted students from Agwara, Niger State noting, however, that it would be God’s answer to prayers.

Chairman of the Niger State chapter of CAN and proprietor of St. Mary Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Bishop Bulus Yohanne, disclosed this on Sunday in a statement through his media aide, Daniel Atori.

The school was attacked by bandits on November 21, 2025, with at least 303 pupils, students, and teachers abducted.

Two days later, 50 pupils escaped and returned home.

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, visited the school last week in Papiri, reassuring the school authorities and parents that the abducted children would soon return and were safe.

Expressing cautious optimism over the news of 100 students being released, Bishop Yohanne 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’s true and will be looking forward to when the remaining will be released.”

PUNCH Online reported that the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, and a retired senior military officer, Major General John Enenche (retd.), have applauded the Federal Government and security agencies for securing the release of 100 abducted pupils following the announcement by Channels TV, which stated that, “The Federal Government has secured the release of 100 pupils abducted.”

Sule, who spoke during a live phone-in interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, described the development as “cheering news” and praised the coordinated efforts that led to the breakthrough.

Meanwhile, Christians across Niger State observed a three-day fasting and prayer programme, calling on God to secure the release of the remaining abductees.

The State chapter of CAN organised the event, which began on Friday across all 25 local government areas and concluded on Sunday at the 1st ECWA Church in Minna.

Christians from various denominations gathered to pray for the release of the 265 children and teachers still in captivity, expressing concern that they had been held for too long.

Guest speaker, Pastor Peter Ojo, urged Nigerians to persist in prayer, saying, “Prayer still works.”

Representing Bishop Yohanne, his deputy, Rev. Ezekiel Ibrahim, encouraged citizens to set aside differences and pray together for divine intervention, urging, “Let us worship passionately and pray boldly.”

The Organisation of African Instituted Churches also expressed solidarity with the Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, families, children, and teachers affected by the abduction.

OAIC Secretary, Sunday Ojimi, said, “No words can express the shock and pain the incident has caused, but we find strength and hope in our faith. Our hearts are full of hope, and we are optimistic that the children and teachers will return safely to be reunited with their families soon.

“In unity, we share in the pain caused by this incident, and our prayers are with you at this time of trial. We await the good news of their safe return.”

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