The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), says bandits holding abducted pupils and teachers from Oyo State schools have threatened to kill the victims if troops move to rescue them.
Musa disclosed this in a preview of an interview with News Central released on Wednesday, ahead of its broadcast on the NC Exclusive programme on Friday.
He said the kidnappers are using the children as leverage to secure the release 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,” Musa said.
“Now they’re threatening that if we move any closer to take action against them, they’re going to kill all the kids.”
The minister’s comments come almost eight weeks after gunmen 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.
On measures to curb banditry and kidnapping, Musa backed the death penalty for convicted kidnappers and terrorists, insisting tougher sanctions are needed to deter crime.
His 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 impose the death penalty on kidnappers and bandits in the state.
“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,” Musa said.
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