The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has paid tribute to the late Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, recalling how his personal decision to protect others in a moment of extreme danger saved 262 Christians during a violent massacre in 2018 and left an enduring mark on the nation’s conscience.
In a statement on Saturday and signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of CAN, the association mourned the Imam while reflecting on how his single, courageous act spoke to Nigeria’s deep divisions and the fragile bonds holding its social fabric together.
“The late Imam Abubakar Abdullahi will forever be remembered for his rare moral bravery and selflessness at a time of grave danger.
“By choosing to protect innocent lives at great personal risk, he saved 262 Christians during a violent massacre in 2018, standing firmly on the side of humanity when it mattered most.
“His actions transcended religious boundaries and powerfully affirmed that the sanctity of human life is sacred above all else.
“This singular act of heroism did more than save lives. It reinforced hope, strengthened interfaith harmony, and reminded our nation that peace is possible when conscience, love, and faith guide our actions.
“It was in recognition of this exceptional service to humanity that CAN honoured him with an award during its Sapphire Anniversary celebrations in 2021.
“CAN believes that such courage deserves not only remembrance but amplification.
“As we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life well lived in service to God and humanity,” the association added. (Vanguard)
The remaining students and teachers abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, have reportedly regained their freedom.
A security official familiar with the rescue operation confirmed to Premium Times that the latest release accounts for all the remaining victims taken during the 21 November attack on the school.
The exact number of the newly freed abductees could not be independently confirmed at the time of filing this report.
However, the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication and spokesperson to President Bola Tinubu, Sunday Dare, confirmed that 130 pupils have regained their freedom.
“Another 130 abducted Niger State pupils released. None left in captivity,” he wrote briefly on X on Sunday.
The victims were abducted after gunmen attacked the boarding school, an incident that triggered widespread outrage and renewed concerns about the safety of schools nationwide.
The attackers reportedly stormed the boarding school on motorcycles at about 2:00 a.m.
They moved systematically from one dormitory to another before marching their captives into nearby forests.
Days later, the Christian Association of Nigeria disclosed that 50 of the children escaped during the raid, while scores of others were taken away.
Following the abduction, the Federal Government imposed a security cordon around border communities.
President Bola Tinubu deployed ground troops and aerial surveillance across parts of Niger, Kebbi and Kwara states to track the kidnappers.
He also cancelled an official trip to oversee rescue efforts, while authorities ordered the temporary closure of schools across Niger State and some federal institutions in high-risk areas.
On December 8, security agencies secured the release of about 100 abductees, leaving an unspecified number in captivity until the latest breakthrough.
Sources told Premium Times that the freed students and teachers are currently being transported to Minna, the Niger State capital, where they are expected to undergo medical checks and reunite with their families.
However, as of the time of filing this report, neither the Federal Government nor the Niger State Government has issued an official statement on the development. (Punch)
Fifty of the more than 300 children abducted by bandits from the St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Niger State, have escaped their captors.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, adding that they escaped between Friday and Saturday.
“We have received some good news as fifty pupils escaped and have reunited with their parents,” said Daniel Atori, the media aide to CAN Chairman in Niger State, Most. Rev. Bulus Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese.
“The pupils escaped between Friday and Saturday and have reunited with their parents as they could not return to the school after they escaped. We were able to ascertain this when we decided to contact and visit some parents,” the statement read.
“Note that, in the primary section out of the total number of 430 pupils we have in the school, 377 of them are boarders and the remaining 53 others are non boarders.
“Currently, aside the 50 pupils that escaped and have returned home, we have 141 pupils who were not carried away. As it stands now, we have 236 pupils, another three children who belong to our staff, 14 Secondary students making a total 253 children including 12 members of staff with the abductors.”
He stated that Bishop Yohanna who is also the Proprietor of the school and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese gave the update.
He also called for calm, seeking prayers for the successful rescue of the remaining victims.
“As much as we receive the return of these 50 children that escaped with some sigh of relief, I urge you all to continue in your prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims.
“I want to call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful as we will continue to actively collaborate with security operatives, community leaders, government and relevant authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees.
“May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect his people from all dangers.”
In a statement by the Diocesan Secretary, Rev Fr. Jatau Joseph, on Sunday, the diocese also released the names of the children who escaped.
Over 300 students were abducted when terrorists invaded the St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri in the Agwarra local government area of Niger State.
Although initial report said 227 people were taken against their will on Friday, CAN put the total number of victims abducted by suspected terrorists at 315.
Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, Most. Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, gave the update after a verification exercise and a final census was carried out.
A breakdown of newly released data showed that 303 students and 12 teachers were affected.
Yohanna said, “After we left the school at Papiri, we decided to make calls, do a verification exercise, and do further enquiries on those we had thought escaped successfully, only to discover that 88 more students were also captured after they tried to escape.
“Our attention was drawn to when some parents whose children we had thought escaped from the attack also came asking about their children. We became curious, and that was when we did a census and discovered that they were abducted.” (Channnels)
The Kwara State Government, on Wednesday, directed the closure of schools across four local government areas amid escalating insecurity in the affected communities.
The government’s decision was disclosed by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Kwara State Wing, on Wednesday. In a circular issued on Wednesday and obtained by The PUNCH, the NUT Chairman, Yusuf Agboola, announced the shutdown of schools in Isin, Irepodun, Ifelodun, and Ekiti LGAs.
Agboola explained that the union was acting strictly on instructions from the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development after the government raised concerns over fresh security threats in Kwara South.
“Comrade chairmen, this is to inform you and through you, all schools in the above local governments of the instruction to close down all schools with immediate effect until further notice,” the circular read.
“This decision was occasioned by the security challenges ravaging the area and the efforts of the government to control the situation. Treat this information as important and with the urgency it deserves, as it emanated from the ministry.”
He assured school heads and teachers that further directives would be communicated as the situation evolves.
On Wednesday, Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq also announced plans to seek the establishment of a Forward Operating Base of the Nigerian Army and a Mobile Police Squadron in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, following Tuesday night’s deadly bandit attack on a church in the community, which left three worshippers dead and over 35 abducted.
The governor, who visited Eruku for an on-the-spot assessment, disclosed that he had spoken with the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on the urgent security upgrade needed in the crisis-hit area.
“We will speak with the GOC to see that we have a Forward Operating Base in Eruku to enhance security here and also talk to the Inspector General of Police about establishing a mobile squadron here,” Abdulrazaq said.
“It is indeed unfortunate what happened yesterday despite all the effort we have been making. Our main purpose here is to commiserate with the people of the community. All the security agencies are on this. The President had to cancel his trip to the G-20 because of this incident and that of Kebbi State. So the President is aware and we are on top of the situation,” he added.
For many residents, the governor’s visit came after a harrowing night of fear, bloodshed, and unanswered pleas for help.
One of the victims, Adesuyi Joshua, whose wife and granddaughter were among those abducted, recounted the horror.
“They took my wife and our granddaughter, who were in the church, along with about 30 other people. At first, we thought the gunshots were knockouts, but the sound changed. By the time we mobilised ourselves to confront the attackers, it was too late,” he said.
He accused security agents, especially the police, of worsening the situation instead of assisting the community.
“We have soldiers around this place. We also have a police station, but nothing was done throughout the attack.
“When we were pursuing the bandits, the police started shooting from their gate. We thought it was the bandits again. When we got to the station, they tear-gassed us and allowed the attackers to escape,” he alleged.
Another youth leader, Shola Peters, also accused the police of failing the community despite benefitting from local support.
“These are the same police officers the town supported. We built houses for the DPO and the men. When we needed them most, they failed us.
“Instead of joining us to pursue the bandits, they stopped us. The Inspector General needs to probe the Eruku division. All they do here is harass young boys and tag them as Yahoo boys or cultists.
“We need the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector General to come and probe the police. We don’t want them again. Let the government give us guns; we can protect ourselves.”
He added that despite having only “a Dane gun and one pump-action,” the youths confronted the armed attackers.
“Their firepower was too much. They came with AK-49 rifles and machine guns.”
Speaking earlier with The PUNCH, the President Pastor of the attacked church, Pastor Lawrence Abiodun Bamidele, said the congregation was holding a thanksgiving service for 18 kidnapped residents freed last week when the bandits struck.
“We are doing Thanksgiving service for the 18 people who were kidnapped three weeks ago, and all of them were rescued. We were thanking God for their safe return, not knowing that danger was lurking around.
“The incident happened unexpectedly and so fast. They came in and surrounded the church, shooting sporadically. Some who ran outside were shot from a tree, which one of the bandits climbed.
“In the pandemonium, three people died on the spot, and about 35 church members were kidnapped. We need government assistance. This attack is the first of its kind in Kwara State in a church.”
The Ekiti LGA Christian Association of Nigeria Coordinator, Pastor Kenneth Adigoke, expressed deep concern, warning that the attack could be interpreted as an assault on the Christian community.
“This attack is just like a direct assault on the Christian community and the body of Christ.
“Look at the situation that happened yesterday, they entered the church and killed three people on the spot, and kidnapped about 35. If they said there is genocide against the church or the Christian community, it can be justified.
“People are not happy. We want the government to handle this insecurity issue dispassionately, and we believe that with prayers, the issue will be tackled.” (Punch)
President Bola Tinubu, the Christian Association of Nigeria, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria have joined the Christian body to mourn the death of the founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association and co-founder of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Dr Uma Ukpai, who died on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80.
In a personal tribute issued on Monday, Tinubu described the late evangelist as “an anointed crusader of the faith and a firebrand,” whose life and ministry shaped generations across Nigeria and beyond.
“With a heavy heart, I mourn the passing of one of God’s generals, Dr Uma Ukpai,” the President said. “Reverend Ukpai was not just another preacher; he was an anointed crusader of the faith, filled with fire and ice for the gospel, restoring humanity to discipline, love, and good neighbourliness.”
Tinubu recalled that the renowned evangelist, born in Asaga, Ohafia, Abia State, overcame humble beginnings and many challenges to answer God’s call, leading powerful revival movements in Nigeria and parts of Africa.
“He was one of the leaders in the Lord’s army who brought the fervour of revival sweeping across Nigeria in the 1980s. I recall his Greater Ibadan for Christ Crusade in 1982 and Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade in 1985, two phenomenal events in proportion and impact,” he said.
The President praised Ukpai’s lifelong efforts to unite the Christian fold, promote peace, and uplift the underprivileged through schools, hospitals, and charitable foundations.
“Dr Ukpai’s mission was clearly to unite the Christian fold and spread harmony. He was a builder—of men, bridges, and faith,” Tinubu added. “He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.”
Tinubu extended condolences to Ukpai’s widow, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, their children, and the entire ministry, praying that God grants them strength and solace.
The Christian Association of Nigeria described Rev Ukpai as “a towering figure in the Church in Nigeria,” whose evangelistic ministry spanned over six decades.
In a statement signed by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association said Ukpai’s life was dedicated to preaching the gospel, nurturing faith, and advancing the cause of Christ across denominations and regions.
“His unwavering commitment to the work of God and his passion for the salvation of souls left an enduring mark on the Christian community in Nigeria and beyond,” Okoh stated. “Generations of believers have been inspired by his message of faith, healing, and hope in Christ Jesus.”
CAN extended its condolences to his wife, family, the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, and the global Christian community, praying that “the Almighty God will comfort them and grant the strength to bear this great loss.”
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, described the late evangelist as “a soldier of Christ who has gone to be with the Lord,” noting that his death created a massive vacuum in Christendom, the state, and the nation.
In a statement by his media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Otti said Ukpai was “a revered man of God and one of Abia’s most celebrated religious ambassadors,” recalling their long-standing father-son relationship.
“Our father in the Lord, Rev Dr Uma Ukpai, has, to the joy of the heavens and celebration of angels, gone to be with the Lord,” Otti said. “He was a generational teacher who yielded himself to Christ and became a potent instrument for healing the sick and salvation of souls.”
The governor described his passing not as death but as “a journey to higher glory,” praying that God would strengthen his family and uphold the enduring fire of faith he ignited in the vineyard of the Lord.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria also paid tribute to the late cleric, describing him as “a father of faith, a trailblazing evangelist, and one of the founding voices of the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria.”
In a statement signed by its National President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, the Fellowship said Ukpai’s passing came at a sensitive time, as preparations were underway for the PFN’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
“Pa Uma Ukpai was not only one of the founding voices of the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria but also a unifying force in the Body of Christ,” Bishop Oke said. “His tireless labour in soul-winning, revival crusades, and interdenominational harmony remains an eternal legacy.”
He added that the forthcoming PFN @ 40 Thanksgiving and Celebration would be officially dedicated to Ukpai’s memory “as a national thanksgiving unto God for the gift he was to our generation.”
Bishop Oke extended condolences to Ukpai’s family and ministry, praying that “the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, strengthen us all at this time.” (Punch)
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