The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the Northern Region and the FCT, Reverend John Hayab, has brought to light a harrowing story of a father who tragically died of a heart attack following the shocking abduction of his three children from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State. This tragic incident is just one of many that showcase the dire trauma families are suffering due to rampant kidnappings in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger states.
In a gripping interview with ARISE News, Hayab articulated his outrage over the emotional devastation these abductions have wrought on families. The father, known only as Mr. Anthony, was reportedly overwhelmed by grief after losing his children to merciless kidnappers. “Imagine a mother or a father whose daughter… one of the parents (Mr. Anthony) of these girls picked in the school, died yesterday of a heart attack because three of his children are victims,” Hayab passionately stated, demanding immediate action in response to this escalating crisis.
While PUNCH Online has not verified the specifics of Mr. Anthony's death, Hayab’s comments resonate with a growing frustration in the community. “People don’t understand that when you tell it as it is, you’re not speaking against anybody; you are only trying to state the problem,” he asserted, emphasizing the serious concerns that families are facing amidst an ongoing nightmare.
The anxiety among parents of the abducted children is palpable, as many struggle with uncertainty and fear. Hayab pointed out that numerous parents are too scared to voice their concerns, with their worries stifling any hope for resolution. “The pains and the trauma are still very fresh. We tried speaking to the parents today, and they were scared of speaking to us,” he lamented.
Reports indicate a desperate situation, with parents increasingly frantic for news of their missing children. Hayab conveyed the gravity of this crisis during a meeting with church leaders in Kontagora, stating, “It was a very sad thing. You can imagine a man in shock because three children… he would not know what to explain, what is happening to them.”
Moreover, Hayab detailed the appalling conditions faced by the abducted children, emphasizing that “These children have not slept, they have not bathed, and their parents cannot even explain where they are.” The glaring absence of sufficient security in the region has only intensified community fears, and Hayab is calling for an urgent response from Nigerian security agencies. “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 insisted.
In a sliver of hope, it has been reported that 50 senior students managed to escape their captors during a chaotic bandit attack. However, over 265 students remain unaccounted for, most of whom are between the ages of nine and 14. The Niger State Chairman of CAN confirmed that these 50 students have reunited with their families, bringing a fleeting reprieve amidst the turmoil.
While Hayab welcomed the recent release of 24 schoolgirls from Government Girls Secondary School in Kebbi State, he did not shy away from acknowledging the extensive trauma inflicted on families, emphasizing the myriad failures within Nigeria’s security framework. The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, echoed this sentiment, noting the universal concern and frustration surrounding the ongoing insecurity. “Everybody is worried, everybody is angry, everybody needs a stop. It has been a traumatic week for parents, for leaders, and for our security men,” he stated.
Despite the overwhelming insecurity, Hayab remains hopeful that Nigeria has the resources necessary to combat terrorism,if only those resources were allocated effectively. “A large chunk of those who are supposed to secure Nigerians are securing VIPs. Many police officers are guarding banks. Banks should recruit their own security, but they are taking advantage of what is going on,” he criticized, highlighting a misguided focus within law enforcement.
He insisted that proper deployment of security personnel is essential: “When proper deployment is done, we will be able to get rid of these things. We have what it takes, but we are not deploying it.” In response to the escalating crisis, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Special Protection Unit of the Nigeria Police Force to withdraw officers from VIP security across the country, directing them back to their bases.
As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of these tragic events, the clamor for accountability and immediate action grows ever louder, underscoring the urgent need for a robust strategy to tackle the escalating insecurity in Nigeria.
