Niger govt, CAN claim ignorance of release of 100 kidnapped school children

The Niger State government and the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said they have not received any official communication confirming the reported release of 100 children abducted from St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area.

The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Niger State Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, said the government is still verifying the information with the federal authorities.

Information broke Sunday evening stating 100 out of the abducted students have been released through the efforts of the federal government.

The reports did not state whether or not ransom was paid to secure the reported release. It did not also state how and when they were released.

However, CPS said that an update would be provided once confirmed details are received.

Similarly, the Niger State CAN Chairman, Bishop Bulus Yohanna — who is also the Bishop of the Kontagora Catholic Diocese and Proprietor of St Mary’s Catholic Schools — said they have not been formally notified of any release.

In a statement issued through his media aide, Bishop Yohanna said, “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.

“However, we are not officially aware and have not been duly notified. We hope and pray it is true and look forward to the release of the remaining children.”