Christian Association, Parents Seek 165 Papiri Abducted Students’ Release

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Niger state, and the Bishop of Kontagora Catholic Diocese, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, have once again renewed their appeal to the government and security agencies for the quick release of the remaining 165 school children and staff abducted from Papiri.

The Diocese is the owner of the St Mary Catholic school in Papiri Agwara, local government area of the state, where the children were abducted on November 21st this year.

The Bishop speaking through his media Aide, Dan Atori, told LEADERSHIP that” when the 100 children were released last week and were reunited with their parents last Tuesday, one could see the frustration in the eyes of those whose children are still in captivity”.

“When we went to reunite the 100 children with their parents, you could see the pain and frustration on their faces, while on the other hand, the parents whose children were released were obviously happy”, he said.

The Bishop lauded the efforts of the government and security agencies so far. Still, he urged them not to relent in their efforts to ensure that the remaining children were safely reunited with their parents.

While insisting that the children still in captivity were 165, not 115, as has been quoted in some public spaces, the Bishop said the Diocese will continue to collaborate with government and security agencies in the bid to ensure the rescue of the children.

He said the hearts of the members of the diocese were with the  victims still in captivity in prayers and therefore urged all Nigerians to join in prayers, saying that “ only by  lifting our voices in prayers that we can overcome our challenges, and he that made it possible for the rescue of the 100 children will make it possible for the release of the remaining victims”

Also speaking in an interview, Marcus Philip Abuka, whose daughter is still in captivity, said naturally he felt sad that she was not among the 100 children released and therefore called on the government to wipe their tears by ensuring the speedy rescue of the remaining children.

Abuka lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and  Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for ensuring the release of the 100 children, but insisted “we are still in pain and sadness”.

A parent whose three children are still in captivity, Dauda Chekula, told LEADERSHIP that we are praying fervently that the government will be able to secure their release before Christmas.

He said, “Christmas without the children is more dampening. We are praying, we appreciate what the government has done so far, and we are hopeful that our own children will be released soon, too”.