The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State says it is yet to receive official confirmation on reports claiming that 100 of the abducted pupils from Agwara Local Government Area have been released.
The state CAN chairman, Bishop Bulus Yohanne, made this known in a statement issued on Sunday through his media aide, Daniel Atori. He described the circulating reports as potentially encouraging but stressed that the church had not been formally notified.
Unconfirmed reports had suggested that some students kidnapped from St. Mary Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, had regained freedom. The school was attacked by bandits on November 21, 2025, during which at least 303 pupils, students, and teachers were abducted. Fifty pupils managed to escape two days later.
Last week, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, visited the school and assured parents and officials that the abducted children were alive and would be rescued.
Reacting to the latest claims, Bishop Yohanne urged caution while maintaining hope.
“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,” he said.
“However, we are not officially aware and have not been duly notified. We hope and pray it’s true and look forward to the release of the remaining children.”
