A parent of three abducted pupils of St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, Niger State, has died of a heart attack amid the ongoing trauma following last week’s mass kidnapping.
The development was confirmed by Rev. John Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Northern Region & Federal Capital Territory, during an interview on Channels Television.
“One of the parents of the abducted children died yesterday of a heart attack,” Hayab disclosed.
He identified the deceased as Mr. Anthony, noting that he collapsed after receiving updates about the continued captivity of his three children.
Hayab lamented the emotional toll the abductions have taken on affected families.
“People don’t understand that when you tell it as it is, you’re not speaking against anybody. You are only stating the problem. The pains and trauma are still very fresh. We even tried speaking to the parents today, but many were too scared to talk,” he said.
The tragedy comes days after 50 abducted pupils escaped from their captors between Friday and Saturday and returned home. They were part of the 303 pupils and staff kidnapped when terrorists attacked the school.
The school authorities confirmed the safe return of the 50 escapees after contacting and visiting their families.
Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, CAN Chairman in Niger State and Catholic Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese, expressed relief over the development but urged Nigerians to continue praying for the remaining abductees.
“For the records, we now have 251 primary pupils, 14 secondary students, and 12 teachers still with their abductors,” a statement signed by his media aide, Daniel Atori, said.
Of the school’s 430 primary pupils, 377 were boarders. Aside from the 50 who escaped, 141 were not abducted during the attack, leaving 236 pupils, three children of staff, 14 secondary students, and 12 staff members still in captivity.
Security agencies have not yet announced any breakthrough in the rescue of the remaining victims.
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