By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Bishop Yohanna Warns of Mixed Emotions After Partial Student Rescue in Niger State
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, says the release of some of the students abducted in Niger State has brought both comfort and renewed sorrow to families, as a significant number of children remain missing.
Speaking on Tuesday, the cleric confirmed that 100 of the 265 kidnapped students have regained their freedom, leaving 165 still held by their captors. He urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts until every child is rescued.
According to him, the community is struggling with mixed emotions—relief over the return of some pupils and distress over those yet to be found.
“We are glad that some children are back, but we are also weighed down by the number still missing,” he said, appealing for sustained government action. “We thank the Federal Government for what has been achieved, but we plead for continued effort until the remaining children are returned.”
Bishop Yohanna also sent words of encouragement to parents who are still waiting, urging them to hold on to hope.
“If they have waited this long, I believe their patience will not be in vain. Just as others have seen their children return, theirs too will come home,” he said, asking families to remain calm and prayerful.
The abduction occurred at St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, where gunmen seized 315 people—303 students and 12 teachers.
Fifty pupils managed to escape on the first day. The number in captivity later reduced from 265 to 165 after the government facilitated the release of 100 children on Sunday.
Bishop Yohanna expressed confidence that the situation will ultimately be resolved, urging both authorities and families to remain steadfast until every missing child is accounted for.
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