Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has revealed that bandits holding abducted pupils and teachers 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 released on Wednesday ahead of its full broadcast on Friday.
According to the minister, the kidnappers are attempting to use the victims as bargaining chips 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.
“And now they’re threatening when we wanted to take action against them that if we come any closer, they’re going to kill all the kids,” he said.
The abducted pupils and teachers were taken from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and two other schools in the Esinle area of Oriire Local Government Area during a coordinated attack on May 15.
The incident, which involved dozens of schoolchildren and education workers, has sparked nationwide concern and intensified calls for their safe return.
Speaking on efforts to tackle banditry and kidnapping across the country, the defence minister also advocated tougher penalties for offenders, including capital punishment.
“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 added.
The minister’s remarks come amid continued security operations aimed at securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
