The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the Northern Region and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. John Hayab, has disclosed that a parent of three abducted schoolchildren in Niger State has died of a heart attack stemming from the trauma of the incident.
The victim, identified as Mr. Anthony, was among the parents of students kidnapped when terrorists invaded St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, on November 22, 2025, abducting 303 pupils and 12 teachers.
According to available reports, 50 of the abducted students managed to escape and have since reunited with their families.
Rev. Hayab said Mr. Anthony’s death was directly linked to the emotional shock of having three children in captivity. He described the psychological state of families as “devastating,” noting that many parents were too frightened or overwhelmed to speak when a church delegation visited them.
“The pain and trauma are still very fresh. Even while meeting with church leadership, the heartbreak was evident,” Hayab stated.
He added that the terrorists, in a recently released video, claimed that security forces were unable to rescue the schoolgirls and alleged that negotiations were conducted instead through community members.
Hayab emphasised that the suffering of both the abducted children and their parents is indescribable.
“The man went through unimaginable shock, not knowing the whereabouts or condition of his three children,” he said.
“These are children used to regular meals and basic comfort. They have now gone days without proper sleep, food, or even a bath. No parent can endure such uncertainty without deep emotional distress.”
He further noted widespread confusion surrounding the incident, adding that families remain unaware of the exact location or condition of their children.
