The reported rescue of 100 pupils kidnapped from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State has stirred confusion, as the school’s proprietor, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, said neither he nor the staff have received any official confirmation.

Channels Television had earlier on Sunday announced that the Federal Government successfully facilitated the release of the children, who were abducted in the early hours of November 21, 2025, after armed men stormed the school on motorbikes around 2am.

We are not official aware, says Catholic Bishop

But in a swift reaction issued through his Media Aide, Daniel Atori, Bishop Yohanna—who also serves as Chairman of the Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese—said the school remains completely in the dark regarding the alleged development.

“It will be a thing of joy if some of our children have been released,” the Bishop said, expressing cautious hope.

“We have been praying and waiting for their return, if it is true then it is a cheering news.”

He stressed, however, that “we are not officially aware and have not been duly notified.”

Despite the uncertainty, Bishop Yohanna maintains optimism, saying the community continues to hope and pray not only for confirmation of the reported release but also for the safe return of every remaining child.

“We hope and pray it’s true and we look forward to when the remaining will be released,” he added.

The conflicting reports have left parents, residents, and church authorities anxiously awaiting clarity from government agencies and security operatives on the true status of the abducted schoolchildren.