The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has revealed that the armed bandits responsible for the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State warned they would kill the captives if troops attempted to rescue them through military action.
Musa made the disclosure in a preview of an interview with News Central, explaining that the kidnappers were seeking leverage to secure the release of some of their commanders currently being held by the military.
According to the minister, the abductors believed that holding children hostage would pressure the government into freeing their detained leaders.
“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 when security operatives considered advancing on the kidnappers’ location, the criminals issued a direct threat to execute all the abducted children if troops came any closer.
The minister’s remarks come nearly eight weeks after gunmen abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, alongside two other schools in Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, during coordinated attacks on May 15.
Speaking on efforts to tackle kidnapping and banditry across the country, Musa advocated the death penalty for convicted kidnappers and terrorists, arguing that Nigeria’s existing laws were too lenient and had failed to deter violent criminals.
He stressed that stiffer punishments would discourage criminal activities, insisting that offenders must face severe consequences for their actions.
