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, raising fresh concerns over the Oyo School Abduction and the safety of the hostages.
Key Highlights
- Defence Minister Christopher Musa says bandits threatened to kill abducted pupils and teachers if security forces intervene.
- Kidnappers are reportedly demanding the release of some of their commanders in military custody.
- A total of 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
- Musa backs the death penalty for convicted kidnappers and terrorists to deter violent crimes.
- The minister says tougher laws are needed to combat rising insecurity across Nigeria.
Musa made the disclosure in a preview of an interview with News Central, shared on Wednesday ahead of the broadcast of its NC Exclusive programme scheduled for Friday.
According to the minister, the kidnappers are using the abducted children as leverage to secure the release of some of their commanders currently being held by the military.
“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 comments come nearly eight weeks after armed bandits abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and two other schools in Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, on May 15.
Speaking on measures to tackle banditry and kidnapping, Musa expressed support for imposing the death penalty on convicted kidnappers and terrorists, arguing that stronger punishments are necessary to discourage violent crimes.
According to him, Nigeria’s existing laws are not stringent enough to deter criminal elements.
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“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.
Musa’s position aligns with recent calls by former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, who endorsed Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo’s proposal to impose the death penalty on convicted kidnappers and bandits.
The Oyo School Abduction remains one of Nigeria’s most troubling recent kidnapping cases, with security agencies continuing efforts to secure the safe release of the victims while balancing the risks posed by the kidnappers’ threats.
