ABUJA, Nigeria — The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has disclosed that bandits holding abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oyo State have threatened to kill the victims if security forces launch a rescue operation.
Speaking in a preview of an interview with News Central scheduled to air on the NC Exclusive programme on Friday, the minister said the kidnappers are using the children as leverage to secure the release of some of their commanders currently in military custody.
According to Musa, the armed group warned that any attempt by security operatives to rescue the victims by force would result in the execution of the abducted children.
“For whatever reason, they are looking for leverage because we have some of their commanders with us, and they feel taking these kids and holding them to ransom will make us release their commander.
“Now they’re threatening that if we move any closer to take action against them, they’re going to kill all the kids,” the minister said.
The victims were abducted on May 15 when gunmen stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, alongside two other schools in Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, kidnapping 39 pupils and seven teachers. The incident occurred nearly eight weeks ago, and efforts to secure their release are still ongoing.
Addressing the broader security challenge, Musa also called for tougher penalties against kidnappers and terrorists, expressing support for the death penalty as a deterrent.
“I think we should do that. There must be deterrence. The laws are soft, and that’s why people take advantage. If they know once you commit an offence, there must be punishment,” he said.
The minister’s remarks echo recent calls by former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, who backed the proposal by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo to introduce the death penalty for convicted kidnappers and bandits in the state.
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