Bandits threaten to kill abducted Oyo pupils if troops attempt rescue — Defence Minister

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has revealed that the bandits holding abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oyo State have threatened to kill the victims if security forces attempt a rescue operation.

Musa made the disclosure in a preview of an interview with News Central shared on Wednesday ahead of the broadcast of its NC Exclusive programme scheduled for Friday.

According to the minister, the kidnappers are using the abducted children as leverage to secure the release of some of their commanders currently in military custody.

> “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.

> “Now they’re threatening that if we move any closer to take action against them, they’re going to kill all the kids,” Musa said.

The minister’s comments come nearly eight weeks after armed men 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 measures to curb banditry and kidnapping, Musa reiterated his support for the death penalty for convicted kidnappers and terrorists, arguing that stricter punishment is necessary to deter criminal activities.

According to him, Nigeria’s existing laws are too lenient and have failed to discourage violent crimes.

> “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 minister’s position aligns with recent calls by former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, who backed Governor Monday Okpebholo’s proposal to introduce the death penalty for kidnappers and bandits in Edo State.