Niger: Parent of Abducted Schoolchildren Dies of Heart Attack – CAN Chairman

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the Northern Region and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. John Hayab, has revealed that a grieving parent of one of the abducted schoolchildren in Niger State has passed away after suffering a heart attack.

According to Rev. Hayab, the deceased parent, identified as Mr. Anthony, could not withstand the emotional trauma and overwhelming anxiety that followed the abduction of the schoolchildren. He made this heartbreaking disclosure during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme aired on Arise Television and monitored by LMSINR MEDIA.

This tragic development comes after the disturbing incident in which over 200 pupils were forcefully taken from a Catholic private school by armed bandits. The mass abduction sent shockwaves across the region, heightening fear among families and communities who have long battled rising insecurity.

Authorities confirmed that at least 50 of the abducted children managed to escape from their captors and have since been reunited with their families. Despite this partial relief, many other families remain in distress as security operatives continue efforts to rescue the remaining children.

Rev. Hayab emphasized the emotional and psychological toll such traumatic situations impose on families, stating that parents live in constant fear, not knowing the fate of their children. He further called on the government to intensify rescue efforts, protect schools, and prioritize the safety of learners across the country.

The incident highlights once again the urgent need for reinforced security strategies, community protection systems, and stronger national response measures to curb the continuous threat of school abductions in Nigeria.