Niger: ‘Happy, yet still sad,’ Bishop Yohanna expresses mixed feelings over partial release of students

The Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has described the partial release of abducted students in Niger State as leaving families in a “mixed state of joy and deep pain,” with 165 children still unaccounted for.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, the Bishop confirmed that while 100 of the 265 abducted students have been released, 165 remain in captivity, urging the government to “step up more effort” until all children are safely returned.

He noted that although the rescue has brought relief, the community’s mood remains heavy.

“On one hand, we are happy, but on the other hand, we are still very sad because we have a very large number we cannot account for,” the cleric said.

“We thank God that the Federal Government has done their best to have the 100 released, and we want to beg them to please step up more effort so the 165 that are still at large will also be released, and the joy will be complete.”

Bishop Yohanna emphasized continued hope and prayers for those still missing.

“We are appealing to the Federal Government to continue as they have started. We are very happy that something concrete is happening, and I want to believe that what they have started, they will bring to completion,” he said.

Addressing parents still waiting for their children, the Bishop called for patience and reassurance.

“For the parents, I will appeal for some of them who may not see their children today. If they’ve been able to wait for the past two weeks, I’m sure it’s a matter of time. Just as they’ve seen other children back, their children will also be back because the Federal Government is hopeful to do whatever it takes to bring the rest back.”

He encouraged families to “calm down and continue to pray,” expressing faith that the situation will end in full restoration.

“The Lord who has allowed it to happen will always bring everything to a perfect conclusion. That’s my appeal and request,” he said.

The students and teachers were abducted during an attack at St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, where gunmen kidnapped 303 students and 12 teachers. Fifty pupils escaped on the first day, while 265 remained in captivity until Sunday, when the Federal Government secured the release of 100 students, reducing the number still held to 165.