November 26, (THEWILL) — Two parents of some of the abducted pupils of St. Mary’s Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, have died as the emotional toll of the abductions deepens across the community.
The Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and proprietor of the school, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, confirmed the development on Wednesday.
Speaking through his media aide, Dan Atori, the Bishop said one of the deceased parents, identified as Mr Anthony Musa, died from a heart attack brought on by the distress surrounding his child’s abduction.
He added that the circumstances behind the death of the second parent, a woman whose name has not yet been released, remain uncertain as the church has been unable to reach her family for clarification.
The tragic news comes shortly after a glimmer of hope emerged. THEWILL had reported that 50 of the abducted pupils escaped from captivity and were reunited with their families. Bishop Yohanna had disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday, stating that the escape was discovered during visits to the parents of the victims.
Despite the partial relief, the Bishop described the latest deaths as heartbreaking and urged the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of the remaining 265 abducted children.
He called for continued prayers, emotional support and solidarity with the grieving families, stressing that the trauma within the community remains profound.
The search for the remaining abducted pupils is ongoing as residents of Papiri and neighbouring communities continue to hope for a safe return of their loved ones.
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