Confusion and Chaos as Tinubu Hails Release—Parents Weep: Bring Our Children First!
By Paul Ebi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has broken his silence on the alleged release of 100 out of the 315 abducted pupils of St. Mary’s Private Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State — rejoicing with Governor Umar Bago and commending security agencies for what he described as “steadfast work.”
In a statement Monday, the President declared:
> “I have been briefed on the safe return of 100 students from the Catholic School in Niger State. I rejoice with Governor Umar Bago and commend our security agencies for their steadfast work in ensuring the safe return of the students to their families since the unfortunate incident on November 21.”
President Tinubu emphasized that the Federal Government will not rest until every abducted Nigerian, including the remaining schoolchildren, is accounted for.
> “My directive to our security forces remains that all the students and other abducted Nigerians across the country must be rescued and brought back home safely. We must account for all the victims.”
He vowed tighter nationwide security measures, declaring:
> “From now on, our security agencies, working with the governors, must prevent future kidnappings. Our children should no longer be sitting ducks for heartless terrorists.”“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria — Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
BUT ON THE GROUND: ANGUISH, UNCERTAINTY, NO CONFIRMATION
Despite the President’s celebratory tone, confusion and heartbreak continue to grip Papiri and neighbouring communities.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State has publicly countered reports of the alleged release, saying neither the church, nor the parents, nor the communities have seen a single child.
Bishop Bulus Yohanna, Chairman of CAN in Niger State, said there has been no official communication on the supposed return.
> “It will be a thing of joy if some of our children have been released. We hope and pray it’s true. However, we are not officially aware and have not been duly notified.”
The Bishop said families remain in “anxious agony” waiting for real proof of the children’s arrival.
THE HORROR THAT STARTED IT ALL
On November 21, 2025, heavily armed bandits stormed St. Mary’s School, abducting 315 people — 303 students and 12 teachers.
Within 24 hours, 50 students managed to escape, racing through bush paths back to their villages.
But 265 captives — including minors — remain missing and believed to be held deep inside forested territory.
NATION ON EDGE: ‘WE WILL BELIEVE WHEN WE SEE THEM’
Last week, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu visited the devastated community, assuring parents that the students were alive and that progress was being made.
But when news reports on Sunday claimed the release of 100 students, local leaders say none arrived at the Catholic mission, none arrived at the hospitals, and none arrived home.
In Papiri, exhausted fathers stare down dusty village roads. Mothers pray clutching rosaries and children’s clothing. Clergymen pace between hope and despair.
A villager summed up the frustration:“Let us see our children first before we celebrate.”
BETWEEN HOPE AND HEARTBREAK
The nation today stands on the thin line between relief and confusion.
The Federal Government insists 100 pupils have been safely recovered.
The church and parents say no one has returned.
The truth remains clouded, wrapped in uncertainty.
One thing is certain — Nigeria is watching.Breath held. Eyes fixed. Hearts pounding.
Until every child returns, this nation will know no rest.
