It is with profound relief and deep gratitude to God that we welcome the joyful news of the release of all those abducted during the attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, according to official information communicated by the Nigerian authorities.

This confirmation, publicly relayed in a statement by the Nigerian Presidential spokesperson, Mr. Sunday Dare, published on X (formerly Twitter) — “Another 130 abducted Niger State pupils released, none left in captivity” — marks the end of a long and painful experience that deeply wounded families, the Sisters of Our Lady of the Apostles, the Diocese of Kontagora, and the entire community of Papiri.

What began as a moment of terror and uncertainty has, by God’s grace, been transformed into a time of thanksgiving. The cries of anguish that rose from homes, classrooms, convents, and chapels have been heard. The great chain of prayer offered by communities near and far has borne fruit.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to all confreres, communities, and faithful who generously responded to the invitation of the Superior General, Fr. François du Penhoat, to pray and to offer Mass for the abducted persons and their families.

We rejoice especially with the Sisters of Our Lady of the Apostles, whose courage, faith, and steadfast trust sustained the school community throughout this trial. We rejoice with the families who can now embrace their children once again, with the teachers and staff restored to their mission, and with the local Church that never ceased to hope.

In the spirit of gratitude that unites us all, Sr Mary T. Barron, Congregational leader of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Apostles, expressed her joy on her Facebook page, thanking those who contributed in composing a hymn of thanksgiving for this occasion: “It seems fitting tonight, as we give thanks for the liberation of all the Papiri captives, that we do so in Hausa. Thanks to Mr Jude Nnam for composing this beautiful hymn of thanksgiving and Obiblo Music for singing.”

This initiative highlights the creativity and spiritual depth with which the Ola sisters celebrates the end of this torment, turning the liberation into an act of praise and cultural communion.

At the same time, this joyful outcome does not erase the trauma endured. The experience of abduction leaves deep wounds in the hearts of children and of all who care for them.

We remain close in prayer and solidarity, asking the Lord to grant healing, inner peace, and long-term support to every child, educator, and family affected by this violence.

This moment of thanksgiving is also a call to renewed vigilance and commitment. The release of all captives does not bring to an end the broader suffering caused by insecurity and recurrent violence in Nigeria, accross the Sahel and all over the world.
We continue to pray for the protection of children, schools, religious communities, and all vulnerable people, and for leaders and peacebuilders who work tirelessly to restore dignity, security, and justice.

The children of Papiri are home.
To God be the glory !

Brice Ulrich AFFERI