The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has revealed that bandits holding abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oyo State threatened to kill the victims if security forces moved closer to their hideout.
Musa made the disclosure in a preview clip of an upcoming interview with News Central, where he explained that the kidnappers were using the children as bargaining chips to demand the release of some of their commanders currently in military custody.
According to him, the criminals believe holding the students and teachers hostage would pressure the government into negotiating for the freedom of their associates.
“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,” Musa said.
He added that the bandits issued threats when security agencies attempted to take action against them.
“And now they’re threatening when we wanted to take action against them that if we come any closer, they’re going to kill all the kids,” he stated.
The minister’s comments come almost eight weeks after gunmen 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 the broader fight against kidnapping and banditry, Musa called for stronger punishment for offenders, including support for the death penalty for those convicted of serious crimes.
He argued that weak laws had encouraged criminals to continue carrying out attacks without fear of consequences.
“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 Defence Minister assured that security agencies remained committed to rescuing the victims and tackling criminal groups operating across the country.
