By John Umeh
The Northern Region Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and FCT leader, Rev. John Hayab, has disclosed that a distraught father collapsed and died after learning that three of his children were among those abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The tragic death occurred shortly after armed bandits stormed the school on Monday, seizing 303 students and pupils, along with 12 teachers in one of the largest school abductions in recent years.
According to Hayab, the deceased, identified as Mr. Anthony, suffered a fatal heart attack when he discovered that all three of his children were taken during the raid. Speaking during an interview with ARISE News on Tuesday, the CAN leader described the emotional toll on families as “unbearable” and “deeply traumatizing.”
Some Students Escape, Majority Still Missing
Hayab revealed that the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora and CAN officials in Niger State confirmed that at least 50 students managed to escape between Friday and Saturday by fleeing into the bush. However, more than 265 children remain missing, leaving their families in a state of anguish and uncertainty.
“The trauma these parents are going through is unimaginable,” Hayab said. “One of them, Mr. Anthony, died yesterday after hearing that all three of his children were taken. Many parents are too terrified to speak publicly.”
A Region Gripped by Fear
Communities in Niger, Kebbi, and Kwara states have been living under intense fear following a series of mass kidnappings targeting schools in recent weeks. Hayab noted that families are struggling to cope with the shock while awaiting updates from authorities.
He expressed frustration over what he described as the absence of a clear security response in the immediate aftermath of the attack.
“People want to see action, not just statements,” he said. “Parents have not slept. Children in captivity have not bathed. Their whereabouts are unknown, and their parents are left helpless.”
Emotional Toll on Families and Leaders
Hayab stressed that the emotional strain has been overwhelming for both families and community leaders.
“Everybody is worried, everybody is angry, and everybody wants this to stop,” he said. “This has been a traumatic week — not just for parents but also for our leaders and security personnel.”
He welcomed the recent release of 24 schoolgirls kidnapped in Kebbi State, calling it a relief but insisting that the federal government must intensify efforts to rescue the remaining children from Niger State.
