Securing the release of the remaining 165 students and staff remains the top priority of the local church, Bishop Bulus Yohanna told ACN.
One hundred of the 265 students and staff members abducted on November 21 from St. Mary’s School, Papiri, have been released after more than two weeks in the hands of their captors.
Following their release on December 9, the hostages — 99 students and one teacher— were taken to the city of Minna, capital of the state of Niger in west-central Nigeria, and transferred from there — accompanied by the diocesan Vicar General and government forces — to Kontagora, where hundreds of parents anxiously awaited the arrival of their children.
The children were officially received by Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, of Kontagora, at St. Michael’s Cathedral. Tears, embraces and cries of relief filled the cathedral, even as the joy of the moment was tempered by ongoing concern for the 165 students and staff members who remain in captivity.
Speaking to pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Bishop Yohanna said he hopes “the next group of students can be freed soon.” He received assurances from the federal government and security agencies that they “will continue working until all of them are brought back home.” The bishop stressed that the full release of all the children remains the top priority of the local Church.
In his official speech, also sent to ACN, the prelate stated that the diocese “gives all glory to God, whose mercy sustains our hope in this difficult moment,” and expressed gratitude to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the Niger State Government, and to the security agencies whose “courage, professionalism and coordination” made this first rescue possible.
Although he welcomed the return of the 100 freed captives, Bishop Yohanna emphasized that “our joy will not be complete until all of them come back safe and sound.” He encouraged families to remain firm in their faith and renewed his call to the Christian community and all people of good will to persevere in prayer, unity and solidarity.
Finally, he expressed his gratitude to ACN, as well as to the media, civil society organizations, NGOs and citizens who have kept the situation in the public eye: “Your voices became a lifeline for the affected families and a reminder that the wellbeing of these children concerns all of us.”
–Maria Lozano
See below the full video of the reunion, along with Bishop Yohanna’s speech.
