Father of Three Abducted Niger Schoolchildren Dies of Heart Attack, Trauma Deepens Crisis
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PAPIRI, NIGER STATE — The profound human cost of Nigeria's mass kidnapping crisis was brutally underscored today, as it was confirmed that a father of three children abducted from a Catholic school in Niger State has died of a heart attack, reportedly due to the intense shock and trauma of the incident.
The death comes as families of the remaining victims—believed to be over 250 students and staff—continue to endure days of agonizing silence and uncertainty since the mass abduction.
PAPIRI, NIGER STATE — The profound human cost of Nigeria's mass kidnapping crisis was brutally underscored today, as it was confirmed that a father of three children abducted from a Catholic school in Niger State has died of a heart attack, reportedly due to the intense shock and trauma of the incident.
The death comes as families of the remaining victims—believed to be over 250 students and staff—continue to endure days of agonizing silence and uncertainty since the mass abduction.
Death Confirmed by Church Officials
The deceased, identified as Anthony Musa, was a parent to three children seized by gunmen from the St. Mary's Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri community on November 21st.
The news was confirmed by the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who also serves as the proprietor of the school.
"The man, Anthony Musa, died of a heart attack. The pains and the trauma are still very fresh," Bishop Yohanna stated, emphasizing the emotional distress gripping the community. "Imagine a man in shock because three children... he would not know what to explain, what is happening to them."
The Bishop also confirmed that a second parent of an abducted child has also died, though details surrounding the female parent's death remain unclear as the church was unable to reach her family.
The deceased, identified as Anthony Musa, was a parent to three children seized by gunmen from the St. Mary's Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri community on November 21st.
The news was confirmed by the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who also serves as the proprietor of the school.
"The man, Anthony Musa, died of a heart attack. The pains and the trauma are still very fresh," Bishop Yohanna stated, emphasizing the emotional distress gripping the community. "Imagine a man in shock because three children... he would not know what to explain, what is happening to them."
The Bishop also confirmed that a second parent of an abducted child has also died, though details surrounding the female parent's death remain unclear as the church was unable to reach her family.
Silence and Fear Grips Families
The tragic death highlights the immense mental toll placed on families who say they have been left completely in the dark regarding rescue efforts by the government.
Abducted: Over 300 students and staff were initially taken from the school.
Escaped: 50 students escaped individually between Friday and Saturday and have since been reunited with their families.
Still Missing: Approximately 253 people, including children and 12 teachers, remain in captivity.
Lack of Information: Parents speaking to the media have expressed deep frustration, stating they have received no official briefings from security agencies or government officials on the operational efforts to free their children.
Heightened Fear: The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) noted that parents are now increasingly fearful of speaking publicly about their plight.
The tragic death highlights the immense mental toll placed on families who say they have been left completely in the dark regarding rescue efforts by the government.
Abducted: Over 300 students and staff were initially taken from the school.
Escaped: 50 students escaped individually between Friday and Saturday and have since been reunited with their families.
Still Missing: Approximately 253 people, including children and 12 teachers, remain in captivity.
Lack of Information: Parents speaking to the media have expressed deep frustration, stating they have received no official briefings from security agencies or government officials on the operational efforts to free their children.
Heightened Fear: The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) noted that parents are now increasingly fearful of speaking publicly about their plight.
Urgent Call for Concrete Action
The tragic development puts further pressure on the security agencies, who have faced continuous criticism over the persistent wave of mass kidnappings, even after President Bola Tinubu declared a security emergency and ordered a massive boost in police recruitment.
Rev. John Hayab, the Chairman of CAN in the Northern Region, stressed that the community needs demonstrable results, not just statements. "People want to see concrete action... The onus is now on the Nigerian security agencies to ensure that we don't speak about this on television. People want to see concrete action," he urged.
While the military has stated that helicopters and ground troops have been deployed to pressure the gunmen, the continued safety of the children and the emotional well-being of the affected families remain major national concerns.
The tragic development puts further pressure on the security agencies, who have faced continuous criticism over the persistent wave of mass kidnappings, even after President Bola Tinubu declared a security emergency and ordered a massive boost in police recruitment.
Rev. John Hayab, the Chairman of CAN in the Northern Region, stressed that the community needs demonstrable results, not just statements. "People want to see concrete action... The onus is now on the Nigerian security agencies to ensure that we don't speak about this on television. People want to see concrete action," he urged.
While the military has stated that helicopters and ground troops have been deployed to pressure the gunmen, the continued safety of the children and the emotional well-being of the affected families remain major national concerns.
