The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the Northern Region and FCT, Rev. John Hayab, has revealed that a parent died of a heart attack following the abduction of his three children at St Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State.
Speaking to ARISE News on Tuesday, Hayab described the deep trauma experienced by families whose children were kidnapped in Niger, Kebbi, and Kwara states over the past week.
The man, identified only as Mr. Anthony, reportedly suffered the fatal heart attack due to the shock of losing his children.
“People want to see concrete action. Imagine a father whose three children were taken from school. One of the parents, Mr. Anthony, died yesterday of a heart attack because of this tragedy,” Hayab said.
While DAILY GAZETTE has not independently verified the report, Hayab stressed that the pain and trauma remain fresh, with parents reluctant to speak publicly.
“These children have not slept or bathed, and their parents cannot explain where they are. People don’t understand that stating the problem is not speaking against anybody, it’s just the reality,” he added.
According to Hayab, 50 senior students have returned on their own after fleeing into the bush during the bandit attack, but more than 265 students, mostly aged between nine and 14, remain unaccounted for.
He commended the recent release of 24 schoolgirls from Government Girls Secondary School in Kebbi State, confirmed by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, but emphasized the lasting trauma on families and the exposure of systemic security failures.
“Everyone is worried and angry. It has been a traumatic week for parents, leaders, and security personnel,” he said.
Hayab further highlighted that Nigeria possesses the manpower to combat terrorists effectively but criticized poor deployment of resources.
“A large chunk of those meant to secure Nigerians are guarding VIPs. Many police officers are posted to banks, which should handle their own security. Proper deployment could allow us to address these threats,” he said.
Following the abductions, the Special Protection Unit of the Nigeria Police Force has ordered all officers previously assigned to VIP protection and beat duties nationwide to return to their bases, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive issued on November 23.
