Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has revealed that bandits who abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State threatened to kill the victims if security forces moved closer to their hideout.
In a preview of an upcoming interview with News Central, Musa said the kidnappers are using the children as leverage to demand the release of their commanders currently in military custody.
“They believe holding the children will force us to release their leaders,” he said. “They warned that if troops approach, they will kill all the captives.”
The abduction occurred on May 15, when gunmen kidnapped 39 pupils and seven teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, along with victims from two other schools in Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area.
Nearly eight weeks after the incident, concerns remain over the safety of those held.
Musa also called for stricter measures to tackle banditry and kidnapping, backing the death penalty as a deterrent. He argued that weak laws have emboldened criminals.
“There must be consequences. If offenders know there is punishment, it will discourage these acts,” he added.
