Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the Northern Region and the FCT, Rev. John Hayab, has revealed that a father died after suffering a heart attack triggered by the kidnapping of his three children from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State.
In an interview on ARISE News on Tuesday, Hayab described the devastating emotional pressure on families whose children were abducted in recent attacks across Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger states.
He said the deceased, known as Mr. Anthony, couldn’t survive the shock of his three children being taken by armed men.
According to him, “People want to see real and concrete action. Imagine a mother or father whose daughter… one of the parents (Mr. Anthony) of the girls taken from the school died yesterday of a heart attack because three of his children are victims.”
Hayab added, “People don’t understand that when you speak the truth, you’re not attacking anyone; you are simply highlighting the problem.
“The pain and trauma are still raw. We tried speaking to the parents today, but they were too afraid to talk.”
He reflected on conversations with church leaders in Kontagora and explained how the experience has deeply affected parents. “It was heartbreaking. A man in shock because three children… he would not even know what to say or how they are coping,” he noted.
“These children have not slept, have not bathed, and their parents have no idea where they are.”
Hayab also quoted residents who complained that there has been no visible security presence in the area, stressing that Nigerians are tired of promises.
“The responsibility is now on Nigerian security agencies to show action, not talk. People want to see results,” he insisted.
He disclosed that more than 50 senior students escaped by running into the bush during the attack, but over 265 children, mostly between nine and fourteen are still missing.
On November 23, the CAN chairman in Niger State announced that 50 kidnapped pupils had fled and returned to their families.
