The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, says it has not received any official notification on the reported release of 100 students abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary & Secondary School, Papiri.
Chairman of CAN in the state, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, said on Monday that while the news would be a welcome development, the association and affected communities have not been formally informed of any students’ return.
“It will be a thing of joy if some of our children have been released… However, we are not officially aware and have not been duly notified,” he said.
“We hope and pray it’s true and look forward to the release of the remaining students.”
On 21 November, bandits attacked the Papiri school, abducting 315 people—303 students and 12 teachers.
About 50 students escaped within the first 24 hours.
Last week, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu visited the community, assuring parents that the abductees were alive and would soon return home.
Reacting on Channels TV’s Sunday Politics, retired Major General John Enenche commended the Federal Government and security agencies for reportedly securing the freedom of 100 students, noting that such operations are never easy.
Authorities have yet to provide detailed updates on the whereabouts of the remaining abductees.
