By Ado Oyeyemi
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has revealed that the bandits responsible for the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oyo State threatened to kill the captives if security operatives attempted to storm their hideout.
Musa made the disclosure in a preview of an interview with News Central released on Wednesday ahead of the programme’s scheduled broadcast on Friday.
According to the minister, the kidnappers are using the abducted children as bargaining chips in an effort to secure the release of some of their commanders currently in military custody.
He explained that the armed group believes holding the pupils hostage could pressure the authorities into freeing their detained leaders.
Musa said the bandits warned security forces against advancing toward their location, threatening to execute all the abducted children if any rescue operation was launched.
The minister’s remarks come nearly eight weeks after armed men kidnapped 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. The incident occurred on May 15.
Speaking on efforts to address the growing menace of banditry and kidnapping, Musa expressed support for imposing the death penalty on convicted perpetrators, arguing that existing punishments have failed to discourage criminal activities.
He maintained that stricter penalties would serve as a stronger deterrent, noting that many criminals continue to exploit what he described as weak legal consequences.
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According to the minister, ensuring swift and severe punishment for offenders would help strengthen the fight against insecurity and discourage others from engaging in similar crimes.
