The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has disclosed that bandits holding pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oyo State threatened to kill the captives if security forces advanced on their location.
Musa made the disclosure in a preview of an interview scheduled to air on News Central’s NC Exclusive programme, explaining that the abductors were using the victims as leverage to demand the release of some of their commanders currently in military custody.
According to him, the kidnappers warned that any attempt by security forces to move closer to their hideout would result in the execution of the abducted children.
“They are looking for leverage because we have some of their commanders with us, and they believe holding these children hostage will force us to release their commanders. They threatened that if we come any closer, they will kill all the children,” he said.
The incident occurred nearly eight weeks after armed men 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, during an attack on May 15.
Speaking on efforts to tackle banditry and kidnapping, Musa advocated stricter penalties for offenders, including the death penalty, saying the country’s existing laws were too lenient and had emboldened criminals.
He argued that stronger punishments would serve as a deterrent and reduce the growing wave of violent crimes across the country.
“I think we should do that. There must be deterrence. The laws are soft, and that’s why people take advantage. If they know that once an offence is committed there will be punishment, it will discourage others,” he said.
The Federal Government has continued efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers while intensifying operations against criminal groups. Security agencies say rescue efforts are being carefully coordinated to ensure the safety of the victims and prevent further harm.
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