“We’ve Received No Official Confirmation on the Release of the 100 Kidnapped Schoolchildren” — Niger Govt, CAN

Niger State authorities and the Christian Association of Nigeria said late Sunday that they have not been officially notified about the reported release of 100 schoolchildren abducted from St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Bologi Ibrahim, explained that the state is still working to verify the information circulating about the alleged development. “We are in contact with federal authorities to confirm the situation,” he said. “Once we have clear and verified details, the public will be updated.”

Leaders of the Christian community in the state expressed similar uncertainty. The state CAN Chairman, Bishop Bulus Yohanna — who also oversees the Kontagora Catholic Diocese and owns the affected schools — said no formal message has reached the church or the school authorities. “If any of the children are back, it would mean a great deal to us,” he said through his media aide. “We have been waiting and hoping. But at this moment, we have not been officially informed of any release.”

Bishop Yohanna added that the community remains focused on the safe return of every child. “We want accurate information, and we want all the children home,” he said, stressing that families are still seeking clarity from security agencies and government officials.