The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has disclosed that bandits holding abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State have threatened to kill the victims if security forces attempt to rescue them.
Musa made the revelation in a preview of an interview with News Central released on Wednesday ahead of the full broadcast of the NC Exclusive programme scheduled for Friday.
According to the minister, the kidnappers are demanding the release of some of their commanders currently in military custody and are using the abducted children as leverage to achieve their objective.
He explained that the criminals believe holding the schoolchildren hostage could pressure the government into freeing their detained leaders.
“They are looking for leverage because we have some of their commanders with us. They believe taking these children and holding them hostage will force us to release their commander. They have also threatened to kill all the children if security forces move closer to rescue them,” Musa said.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15 when armed men stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, alongside two other schools in Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The attackers abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers during the operation.
Addressing the broader challenge of insecurity, Musa reiterated his support for the death penalty for convicted kidnappers and terrorists, arguing that stricter punishment would serve as a strong deterrent against violent crimes.
He maintained that Nigeria’s existing laws are not severe enough to discourage criminal activities, adding that offenders must face firm consequences.
The minister’s position echoes recent calls by former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, who backed Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo’s proposal to introduce the death penalty for kidnappers and bandits.
Musa stressed that strengthening the country’s legal framework is essential to tackling the growing menace of kidnapping and terrorism.
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