The Christian Association of Nigeria has said it has not yet received formal confirmation of the reported release of 100 abducted students from Agwara, Niger State, though it would be a welcome answer to prayer if true.
The Chairman of CAN in Niger State, Bishop Bulus Yohanne—who also oversees St. Mary Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara LGA—made this known on Sunday through his media aide, Daniel Atori.
The school came under attack by armed bandits on November 21, 2025, during which at least 303 pupils, students, and teachers were kidnapped. Two days after the incident, 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 abducted children were alive and would soon regain their freedom.
Reacting to Sunday’s reports that 100 children had been released, Bishop Yohanne expressed cautious optimism, saying, “It will be a thing of joy if some of our children have been released… If it is true, then it is cheering news. However, we are not officially aware and have not been duly notified.”
Earlier, Channels Television had reported that the Federal Government had secured the release of 100 pupils, a development praised by Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule and retired military officer Major General John Enenche. Governor Sule, during a live interview, described the report as “cheering news” and commended the coordinated security efforts behind the development.
Meanwhile, Christians across Niger State concluded a three-day statewide fasting and prayer programme on Sunday, seeking divine intervention for the safe return of the remaining abductees. Coordinated by the state’s CAN chapter, the programme was observed across all 25 local government areas and ended with a service at 1st ECWA Church in Minna.
Worshippers from different denominations gathered to pray for the 265 students and teachers still in captivity. Guest speaker, Pastor Peter Ojo, encouraged persistent prayer, affirming that “prayer still works.”
Representing Bishop Yohanne at the service, his deputy, Rev. Ezekiel Ibrahim, urged Nigerians to put aside their differences and pray collectively for deliverance, saying, “Let us worship passionately and pray boldly.”
The Organisation of African Instituted Churches also expressed solidarity with the affected families and the Bishop of Kontagora Diocese. Its Secretary, Sunday Ojimi, noted that while the pain caused by the abduction is immeasurable, faith remains a source of strength, adding that the organisation is hopeful the children and teachers will soon return safely.
