The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Northern Region and the FCT, Rev. John Hayab, has revealed that one of the parents of the abducted schoolchildren in Niger State, identified as Mr. Anthony, has died of a heart attack.

Rev. Hayab made this disclosure on Tuesday during an interview on Politics Today, a programme on Arise Television.

Over 200 students from a Catholic private school were recently abducted by bandits, with about 50 reportedly escaping and being reunited with their families.

“One of the parents of the abducted children died yesterday. Mr. Anthony suffered a heart attack following the abduction of his three children.

“People may not understand that when you speak the truth, you’re not targeting anyone; you are simply stating the reality of the problem. The pain and trauma are still very fresh. When we spoke to some parents today, they were too frightened to talk.

“You can imagine the shock of a man whose three children are missing, with no knowledge of what is happening to them. These children, who are used to a daily routine of brushing their teeth, having meals, and going to school, have endured sleepless nights, missed meals, and even basic hygiene. Their ordeal is unimaginable.

“The parents themselves cannot accurately determine the whereabouts or well-being of their children, and there is considerable confusion even in the information being shared,” he added.