We’ve not been notified of release of 100 schoolchildren — CAN

By Ayox Ojo

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN has said it has not been officially informed of rescue of 100 schoolchildren out of the nearly 300 abducted by bandits on 21 November 2025 from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, Niger State

The bandits abducted 315 people—303 students and 12 teachers during the attack.

However, 50 of the schoolchildren escaped within the first day returned to their families.

However, reports on Sunday indicated that 100 of the abducted Niger schoolchildren have been released by their abductors.

But in a statement on Monday, the Niger State chapter of CAN said stated that it has not been informed of release of the 100 students.

Niger State Chairman of CAN, Bishop Bulus Yohanna signed the statement.

He said though it would have been cheery news to learn of the schoolchildren’s freedom; but no news of their current whereabouts has been delivered to the grieving communities.

He, however, said CAN is praying that the story of the release of the schoolchildren is true.

“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 a cheering news. However, we are not officially aware and have not been duly notified.

‘We hope and pray it’s true and will looking forward to when the remaining will be released”, the statement read.