•An empty school hostel
The Niger State Government and the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday evening 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.
Speaking with our correspondent last night, the Chief Press Secretary to the Niger State Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, said the government is still verifying the information with the federal authorities, reports The Nation.
He added 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.”
Recall that it was widely reported late yesterday that the federal government had secured the release of 100 abducted students of the Catholic school in Niger State.
The reports did not however state whether or not ransom was paid to secure the reported release.
