The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, says it is yet to receive official confirmation regarding reports that 100 abducted pupils from Agwara have regained their freedom.
The clarification was issued on Sunday by the state CAN Chairman, Bishop Bulus Yohanne, through his media aide, Daniel Atori. Yohanne, who also heads St. Mary Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri—where the abduction occurred—said the organisation is hopeful but cautious.
Bandits had attacked the school on November 21, abducting at least 303 pupils, students, and teachers. Two days later, 50 of the victims escaped.
Last week, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, visited the community and reassured parents that the children were safe and efforts were ongoing to secure their release.
Reacting to unconfirmed reports of 100 pupils being freed, Bishop Yohanne said:
“It will be a thing of joy if some of our children have been released. We have been praying and waiting. If the report is true, then it is cheering news.
However, we have not received official notification. We continue to hope and pray for the safe return of the remaining children.”
The Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, and former senior military officer, Major General John Enenche (retd.), earlier applauded security agencies after Channels Television reported that the Federal Government had secured the release of 100 abducted pupils. Sule described the news as a “welcome development.”
Meanwhile, Christian communities across Niger State concluded a three-day fasting and prayer programme on Sunday, held across all 25 local government areas. The event, organised by the state CAN chapter, focused on interceding for the release of the 265 schoolchildren and teachers still in captivity.
While addressing worshippers, Pastor Peter Ojo encouraged Nigerians not to relent in prayer, adding that “prayer still works.”
Representing the CAN Chairman at the concluding service in Minna, Rev. Ezekiel Ibrahim urged unity during the difficult period, saying:
“Let us put aside our differences and pray boldly for divine intervention.”
The Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) also expressed solidarity with families of the victims and the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora. OAIC Secretary, Sunday Ojimi, said the incident had caused deep pain but expressed optimism that all abducted children and teachers would return safely.
“No words can capture the trauma this has caused. Yet we hold on to hope and pray for the day these children will reunite with their families,” he stated.
Authorities and families continue to await official confirmation from the Federal Government
