The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has disclosed that the armed group holding dozens of abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oyo State has threatened to kill the victims if security forces attempt a rescue operation.
Musa made the revelation in a preview of an interview with News Central released on Wednesday ahead of its full broadcast on the station’s 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 schoolchildren as leverage to press their demands.
“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,” Musa said.
The minister’s remarks come nearly eight weeks after gunmen abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, along with two other schools in Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, during an attack on May 15.
Addressing the broader challenge of kidnapping and banditry, Musa reiterated his support for the death penalty for individuals convicted of kidnapping and terrorism, saying stricter punishments are needed to discourage such crimes.
“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,” the minister stated.
His comments echo recent calls by former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, who backed a proposal by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo advocating the death penalty for convicted kidnappers and bandits.
The Federal Government has continued to intensify security operations against armed criminal groups across the country, while authorities seek to secure the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers without further endangering their lives.
