By Ahmed Yusuf, Abuja
National News – The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has revealed that bandits holding pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oyo State threatened to kill the captives if security forces moved closer to their hideout.
Musa disclosed this in a preview of an interview with News Central ahead of its full broadcast, explaining that the abductors were attempting to use the schoolchildren as bargaining chips to secure the release of some of their commanders currently in military custody.
According to the minister, the criminals warned that any attempt by security forces to launch a rescue operation would result in the execution of the hostages.
“They are looking for leverage because we have some of their commanders with us. They believe holding these children to ransom will force us to release their leaders. When we planned to move against them, they threatened to kill all the children if our troops came any closer,” Musa said.
The minister’s comments 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, on May 15.
Speaking on efforts to combat kidnapping and banditry across the country, Musa advocated stiffer punishments for offenders, including the death penalty.
He argued that the country’s existing legal framework had failed to adequately deter criminals, stressing that tougher sanctions would send a strong message to those involved in violent crimes.
“There must be deterrence. The laws are too soft, and that is why criminals continue to take advantage. People must know that once they commit such offences, there will be severe consequences,” the minister stated.
The Federal Government has continued to intensify security operations across the country as efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers continue.
