Niger CAN: No Official Confirmation Yet on Reported Release of 100 Abducted Agwara Pupils

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State says it has not received any official communication confirming reports that 100 abducted pupils from Agwara have been released. The association described the claim as potentially encouraging but stressed that it must be verified.

The clarification was issued on Sunday by the state CAN chairman, Bishop Bulus Yohanne, through his media aide, Daniel Atori.

Earlier reports suggested that some of the students kidnapped from St. Mary Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, had regained their freedom.

The school was attacked by bandits on November 21, 2025, with at least 303 pupils, students, and teachers taken away. Two days later, 50 pupils managed to escape and return home.

Last week, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu visited the school, assuring parents and school officials that the children were safe and would be reunited with their families soon.

Responding to the latest claims of a partial release, Bishop Yohanne said the church remained cautiously optimistic.

“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 will be looking forward to when the remaining will be released.”

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