The Christian Association of Nigeria says it is not officially aware of the alleged release of 100 abducted students from Agwara, Niger State, but believes it would be God’s response to prayer.

Bishop Bulus Yohanne, chairman of the Niger State chapter of CAN and owner of St. Mary Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, announced this on Sunday in a statement through his media aide, Daniel Atori.

On November 21, 2025, bandits invaded the school, abducting at least 303 pupils, students, and teachers.

Two days later, fifty students escaped and returned home.

Bishop Yohanne expressed optimism at the news of 100 students’ release, saying,

“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’s true and will be looking forward to when the remaining will be released.”

The Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, and a former senior military commander, Major General John Enenche (retd.), have praised the Federal Government and security services for securing the release of 100 abducted pupils following the report by Channels TV.

Sule, who spoke during a live phone-in interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, described the development as “cheering news” and praised the coordinated efforts that led to the breakthrough.

Meanwhile, Christians in Niger State fasted and prayed for the release of the remaining abductees.

The State Chapter of CAN organised the event, which began on Friday across all 25 local government areas and ended on Sunday at the 1st ECWA Church in Minna.

Christians from every background came to pray for the release of the 265 children and teachers remaining in captivity, expressing worry that they had been detained for far too long.

Pastor Peter Ojo, the guest speaker, encouraged Nigerians to continue praying, stating, “Prayer still works.”

Bishop Yohanne’s deputy, Rev. Ezekiel Ibrahim, encouraged citizens to put aside their differences and pray together for divine intervention, saying, “Let us worship passionately and pray boldly.”

The Organisation of African Instituted Churches also expressed solidarity with the Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, families, children, and teachers affected by the abduction.

OAIC Secretary, Sunday Ojimi, said,

“No words can express the shock and pain the incident has caused, but we find strength and hope in our faith. Our hearts are full of hope, and we are optimistic that the children and teachers will return safely to be reunited with their families soon.

“In unity, we share in the pain caused by this incident, and our prayers are with you at this time of trial. We await the good news of their safe return.”