The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, has expressed cautious optimism regarding reports that the Federal Government secured the release of 100 students abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
In a statement released on Monday, December 8, the Chairman of the Association and proprietor of the school, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, confirmed that the religious body has not been officially notified of the students’ freedom or their current whereabouts, leaving the grieving community uninformed.
Bandits had originally attacked the school on November 21, 2025, abducting 315 people (303 students and 12 teachers).
Bishop Yohanna’s statement read:
“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 a 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 lack of official communication comes despite widespread media reports on Sunday, December 7, 2025, claiming the release of 100 pupils, who were reportedly taken for medical evaluation before being reunited with their families.
In other news…. Rita Daniels, mother of Nollywood star Regina Daniels, has been unsuccessful in her attempt to become the head of the Actors Guild of Nigeria.
According to Naija News, she was among the leading candidates in the election held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, to select a replacement for outgoing president Emeka Rollas.
Her primary rival, the current National Secretary Abubakar Yakubu, emerged as the winner of the race.
The election result sparked widespread reactions online, with many people expressing that the outcome was not unexpected.
Read comments below:
@sylviasylvia853: “She was never going to win when her ex-son-in-law is financing the board.”
@blackonye2: “She’s not supposed to be there sef. She’s not qualified.”
@manarisa_1: “After breaking EPA’s heart? No, na, we already saw this coming. We knew they would never allow her win.”
@Emiliaakpabot: “There was no way she was going to win. The freebies are over.”
@cute_dalu: “With everything that happened, I didn’t think she was going to win though.”
@Officialprowess: “I first know say Chinedu no go allow her win.”
@sheddyoflagos: “How do I feel Chinedu had a shadow in this?”
