The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has revealed that bandits holding pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oyo State have threatened to kill the victims if security forces attempt a rescue operation.
Musa disclosed this in a preview of an interview with News Central, shared on Wednesday ahead of its broadcast on the station’s NC Exclusive programme on Friday.
According to the minister, the kidnappers are using the schoolchildren as bargaining chips in an attempt to secure the release of some of their commanders currently in military custody.
“They are looking for leverage because we have some of their commanders with us. They believe abducting these children and holding them will force us to release their leaders,” Musa said.
He added that the military had considered moving against the group, but the abductors issued a chilling warning.
“When we wanted to take action, they threatened that if we came any closer, they would kill all the children,” he said.
The pupils and teachers have been in captivity for nearly eight weeks after gunmen stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota and two other schools in Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, on May 15, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers.
Musa also renewed his call for tougher penalties for bandits and kidnappers, arguing that existing laws are too lenient to discourage violent crimes.
“I believe the death penalty should be considered. There has to be a strong deterrent. Our laws are too soft, and that’s why criminals keep taking advantage. Once people know there are serious consequences for these offences, it will serve as a warning,” the minister said.
