Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has revealed that the bandits holding dozens of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State have threatened to kill the victims if security forces attempt to rescue them.
The shocking disclosure highlights the difficult choices facing security agencies as they continue efforts to secure the safe release of the kidnapped victims without putting their lives at greater risk.
Speaking in a preview of an interview with News Central, Musa explained that the kidnappers are using the abducted schoolchildren and teachers as leverage to negotiate the release of some of their commanders currently being held by the military.
“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,” the minister said.
He added that the criminals have issued a chilling warning to security forces.
“Now they’re threatening that if we move any closer to take action against them, they’re going to kill all the kids,” Musa revealed.
The abducted victims were taken nearly eight weeks ago after armed men stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, along with two other schools in Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, on May 15, kidnapping 39 pupils and seven teachers.
The Defence Minister also spoke on the growing insecurity across the country, arguing that Nigeria needs stronger punishment for kidnappers and terrorists to discourage the rising wave of violent crimes.
According to him, the death penalty should be considered for convicted kidnappers and terrorists as a way to serve as a strong deterrent.
“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 stated.
His comments come amid renewed calls by some political leaders for tougher penalties against kidnapping and banditry as insecurity continues to affect several parts of the country.
Authorities have yet to announce any breakthrough in efforts to rescue the remaining abducted pupils and teachers.
Source:News Central
