December 21, 2025 | News | SUNTV Global Channel
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has confirmed the release of pupils and teachers abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri community, Niger State, following weeks of anxiety and conflicting reports over the fate of those held in captivity.
The Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and Proprietor of the school, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, confirmed the development on Sunday, stating that Niger State Governor Umaru Bago personally called him to announce that the remaining abducted children and staff had regained their freedom.
According to the Bishop, the released pupils and teachers are expected to arrive in Minna on Monday, where they will be officially received by the governor at the Government House. While confirming their release, he noted that the exact number of freed victims would be disclosed during the official reception.
“The Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, said that Governor Umaru Bago called him a few minutes ago to confirm the release of the children and teachers,” a statement issued through Daniel Atori, media aide to the CAN Chairman in Niger State, said.
“However, the figure was not mentioned as they are expected in Minna tomorrow (Monday) to be received by the Governor at the Government House.”
Earlier on Sunday, officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) told ARISE News Channel that the final batch of 130 victims had been released, bringing the total number of freed pupils and staff to 230.
The confirmation puts to rest earlier concerns raised by the school’s proprietors, who had previously stated that 165 pupils and staff members were still being held by the abductors.
The mass abduction occurred on November 21, 2025, when armed gunmen stormed St. Mary’s Catholic School, a Catholic boarding school owned by the Diocese of Kontagora and managed by the OLA Sisters, carting away hundreds of pupils and staff.
Earlier this month, the Congregation Leader of the OLA Sisters, Sr. Mary T. Barron, announced the release of 100 victims, including secondary school students, staff, and children from the nursery and primary sections. At the time, she expressed deep concern over the safety of those still in captivity, many of whom were between 5 and 13 years old.
The latest development has been met with relief across Niger State and the wider Christian community, as families, church leaders, and residents await Monday’s official reception to confirm details of the release and the condition of the freed pupils and teachers.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as events unfold.
