Father of three kidnapped Niger pupils dies of shock

Rev. John Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Northern Nigeria and the FCT, has reported that a father whose three children were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State has died of shock.

The deceased, identified as Mr. Anthony, suffered a heart attack shortly after learning that all his children were among the victims.

Hayab described the trauma faced by families of the abducted pupils as overwhelming, noting that many parents are too frightened to speak publicly.

During a visit to Kontagora, Hayab criticised the lack of visible security in affected communities, calling on Nigerian security agencies to take decisive action rather than leaving the public to witness repeated attacks.

He confirmed that some students have returned safely on their own, but over 265 pupils — mostly aged nine to 14 — remain missing.

He also welcomed the recent release of 24 schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State, stressing that repeated kidnappings expose systemic security failures, including the diversion of police to VIP protection instead of community safety.