Father of three abducted Niger schoolchildren dies of heart attack – CAN chairman
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the Northern region and the FCT, Rev. John Hayab, has disclosed that the father of three abducted pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State died of a heart attack after the children were taken by bandits.
Speaking on ARISE News on Tuesday, Hayab lamented the emotional torture families in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger have endured following recent mass kidnappings. He identified the deceased parent as Mr. Anthony, noting that shock and distress over the abduction of his three children proved fatal.
“People want to see concrete action. Imagine a mother or father in this situation. One of the parents of these girls died yesterday because three of his children are victims,” he said.
While PUNCH Online could not independently verify the death, Hayab described the continued trauma of parents who are still waiting for the return of their children. He said many are too afraid to speak publicly due to fear and uncertainty.
READ ALSO: Tinubu confirms release of 24 Abducted Kebbi schoolgirls
He confirmed that although 50 senior students returned after fleeing into the bush during the attack, over 265 pupils — most between ages nine and 14 — remain missing.
Earlier, CAN in Niger State announced that 50 pupils had escaped and reunited with their families, while Hayab welcomed the safe release of 24 schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi, though he stressed that insecurity continues to expose the fragility of Nigeria’s security system.
He insisted that Nigeria has the manpower to tackle terrorism, citing poor deployment of security personnel as a major drawback. According to him, many officers assigned to VIP protection and banks could be redeployed for the protection of citizens.
READ ALSO: Tinubu deploys defence minister to Kebbi as search for abducted schoolgirls intensifies
His comments follow a directive from President Bola Tinubu ordering the withdrawal of police personnel attached to VIPs nationwide, with the Special Protection Unit now directing officers to return to base.
“Everybody is worried. Everybody is angry. It has been a traumatic week,” Hayab said, urging the government to prioritise action over statements
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