The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has stated that it has not been officially informed about the reported release of 100 abducted students from Agwara, Niger State, though it described such a development as a potential answer to prayers.
Bishop Bulus Yohanne, chairman of CAN’s Niger State chapter and proprietor of St. Mary Private Catholic Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, made this known on Sunday through his media aide, Daniel Atori.
The school was attacked by bandits on November 21, 2025, resulting in the abduction of at least 303 pupils and teachers. Two days after the attack, 50 students escaped and returned home safely.
Last week, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu visited the school in Papiri to reassure school authorities and parents that the remaining abducted children were safe and would soon be returned.
Expressing cautious optimism over reports of the release of 100 students, Bishop Yohanne said, “It would be a source of joy if some of our children have been released. We have been praying and waiting for their return. If confirmed, it is truly cheering news. However, we have not received official notification, and we continue to pray for the safe release of the remaining children.”
PUNCH Online reported that Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule and retired Major General John Enenche praised the federal government and security agencies for securing the release. Channels TV had earlier reported that the Federal Government successfully secured the freedom of 100 pupils.
Governor Sule described the development as “cheering news” during a live phone-in on Channels Television’s Politics Today, commending the coordinated efforts that led to the breakthrough.
Meanwhile, Christians across Niger State held a three-day fasting and prayer program organized by the state chapter of CAN. The program began on Friday in all 25 local government areas and concluded on Sunday at the 1st ECWA Church in Minna, praying for the release of the remaining 265 children and teachers still in captivity.
Guest speaker Pastor Peter Ojo encouraged Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayer, affirming, “Prayer still works.” Representing Bishop Yohanne, Rev. Ezekiel Ibrahim urged citizens to set aside differences and join together in prayer, saying, “Let us worship passionately and pray boldly.”
The Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) also expressed solidarity with the families, children, and teachers affected. OAIC Secretary Sunday Ojimi said, “No words can fully capture the shock and pain of this incident, but we find strength in our faith. We are hopeful that the children and teachers will soon return safely to their families. In unity, we share their pain and continue to pray for their release.”
