Wyckoff Students Reported Missing Have Been Found, Police Say

WYCKOFF, NJ — The two Eastern Christian Middle School students who were reported missing Wednesday have been found, police said.

"We have located them and they are being turned over to the care of their parents," the Wyckoff Police Department posted on its Facebook page at 5:30 a.m. Thursday morning. "Chief Murphy would like to thank all of the Wyckoff police officers as well as detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office for their tireless efforts in pursuing all leads which led to a successful outcome."

Daniella Fernino and Lia Callahan were last seen walking off the school's campus at 3:15 p.m., the school said.

The girls planned to leave school at that time, the school and police said.

The school posted a statement on its Facebook page Thursday morning:

"We are happy to announce that our two formerly missing students have been found. They are safe and with family. We would like to remind everyone that both girls are minors. As such, we ask for privacy for the girls and their families.

We are thankful to the Wyckoff Police Department for their professional and thorough handling of this challenging situation.

We are thankful to the entire EC family and the thousands of friends, family, and concerned citizens who prayed for the safety and well being of the girls and who helped us spread the news alert. We are grateful for your concern and prayers.

Most of all, we are thankful to Almighty God for a safe outcome. We know that prayers were answered today and we thank our all-powerful God for his protection in this challenging time."

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Photos: Lia Callahan and Daniella Fernino (Wyckoff Police Department/background image via Shutterstock)