A profound tragedy has gripped the Agwara community in Niger State following the abduction of school children and teachers from the St Mary’s Catholic School, formerly known as Papiri Catholic school. A week after the harrowing incident, two parents of the abducted children have died suddenly, succumbing to the immense shock and trauma.

One of the deceased parents was identified as Anthony Musa, who reportedly died of a heart attack. The second parent, a woman whose name remains undisclosed, also passed away under similar circumstances, as confirmed by the Proprietor of the School and the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Reverend Dr Bulus Dauwa Yohanna. Bishop Yohanna stated, “The man, Anthony Musa died of heart attack but the female we don’t have the details yet because we couldn’t get the family.”

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the Northern region and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rev. John Hayab, further corroborated the tragic death of Mr. Anthony in an interview with ARISE Television. Rev. Hayab disclosed that Mr. Anthony, a father of three among the abducted pupils, was overwhelmed by the shock of losing his children, stating, “One of the parents of the abducted children from the school died yesterday. Mr Anthony died of a heart-attack following the abduction of his 3 children.”

The abduction occurred approximately a week prior, with initial reports indicating that 259 school children and some teachers were taken. Statistics released by the school management showed 239 primary school children, 14 secondary school students, and 12 staff members among the abductees. Other reports indicated over 300 pupils were abducted, with 50 later escaping. Rev. Hayab mentioned that 50 senior students fled during the attack and returned on their own, but more than 265 pupils, many aged between nine and 14, were still missing. Apart from these initial escapes (totaling 66 according to one account), none of the other abductees or their teachers have yet regained their freedom.

The emotional toll on the affected families remains severe. Rev. Hayab highlighted the persistent pain and trauma, noting that parents were increasingly fearful of speaking publicly about their plight. He described the immense shock faced by parents who cannot explain to their children what is happening or where they are, emphasizing the harsh conditions the children might be enduring without basic amenities. Addressing church officials in Kontagora, he underscored the deep emotional distress of families waiting for information about their missing loved ones.

Regarding the security response, Rev. Hayab expressed concern over the lack of visible security presence in the affected communities, arguing that citizens expected practical intervention rather than mere official statements. He called for concrete action from Nigerian security agencies. He also criticized the misallocation of security personnel, lamenting that a significant portion of those meant to secure Nigerians are instead guarding VIPs or banks. He contended that Nigeria possesses the manpower to combat insecurity if resources were properly deployed. His comments coincided with a directive issued by President Bola Tinubu on November 23, ordering the withdrawal of police from VIP duties, with the Nigeria Police Force Special Protection Unit instructing officers to return to their bases.

Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar strongly criticized the Federal Government’s handling of the mass abductions. Reacting to comments by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, who suggested security agencies knew the identities and locations of bandit groups but faced constraints due to civilian captives, Atiku accused the government of attempting to “whitewash a national tragedy.” He asserted that the release of abducted Nigerians should not be celebrated as an achievement but rather seen as a damning reminder of terrorists operating freely, negotiating openly, and dictating terms. Atiku concluded that Onanuga’s statement was an embarrassing admission that the administration had lost control of national security and was trying to spin incompetence into achievement, adding that Nigerians deserve protection, not “fairy tales by moonlight.”