THIS DAWN — The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the Northern Region and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rev. John Hayab, has confirmed the tragic death of a parent whose three children were among the students kidnapped at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State.
Hayab made the disclosure while speaking during an interview with ARISE News on Tuesday.
He said the victim, identified simply as Mr. Anthony, died of a heart attack after the shock and trauma of learning that all three of his children were taken by armed bandits.
“One of the parents of these girls picked in the school died yesterday of a heart attack because three of his children are victims,” Hayab stated.
He stressed that the emotional toll on families has been grossly underestimated.
He also noted that many parents are too frightened and distressed to speak publicly.
Hayab said: “The pains and trauma are still very fresh.
“We tried speaking to the parents today, but they were scared.”
Dozens of students abducted from the Catholic school remain missing, while parents across Niger, Kebbi, and Kwara states continue to express deepening desperation.
Heartbreaking atmosphere
Hayab, who visited Kontagora in Niger State to meet with church leadership, described the atmosphere as heartbreaking.
He stressed: “You can imagine a man in shock because of his three children…
“He would not know what to explain or what is happening to them.
“These children have not slept, have not bathed, and their parents cannot even explain where they are.”
He further criticized the absence of visible security presence in the affected communities.
According to him, Nigerians are tired of statements and expect decisive action.
“The onus is now on Nigerian security agencies. People want to see concrete action,” he said.
Hayab disclosed that while 50 senior students managed to escape after fleeing into the bush.
Meanwhile, more than 265 children—mostly between ages nine and fourteen—remain unaccounted for.
He, however, welcomed the release of 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State.
The presidential adviser, Bayo Onanuga, had described it as a relief after a “traumatic week”.
However, Hayab noted that the events of the past days highlight deep-rooted weaknesses in Nigeria’s security architecture.
He insisted that Nigeria has the capacity to defeat terrorism but suffers from poor resource deployment, including overreliance on police for VIP protection.
