In a statement on Monday, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, said it would have been welcome news to hear of the abducted pupils’ release. However, he noted that no official information had been communicated to the affected communities regarding their current whereabouts.
“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 we look forward to the release of the remaining children,” the statement read.
On 21 November 2025, bandits attacked St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in the remote community of Papiri, abducting 315 people—303 students and 12 teachers.
In the immediate aftermath, 50 pupils managed to escape within the first day and were reunited with their families.
Last week, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu visited the school in Papiri, assuring school authorities and parents that the abducted children were safe and would soon be returned.
Reacting to reports that 100 of the abducted students had been released, former Director of Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters, Major General John Enenche (retd.), commended the Federal Government for securing their freedom.
He also praised security agencies for what he described as a difficult and painstaking rescue effort.
“My take is that the government and the security agencies have done a lot, and I believe Nigerians will be happy about this.
“I can tell you that it is not easy, whichever means were used to get these children out,” Enenche said.
