The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has revealed that the armed bandits responsible for abducting pupils and teachers from schools in Oyo State warned they would kill the victims if security operatives attempted to move closer to their hideout.
Speaking in a preview of an interview with DIP CONNECT ONLINE NEWS, ahead of its full broadcast on News Central's NC Exclusive programme on Friday, the minister explained that the kidnappers were using the schoolchildren as bargaining tools to demand the release of some of their commanders currently being held by the military.
According to Musa, the criminals believe that keeping the children in captivity will pressure the government into freeing their detained leaders.
"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 that when we wanted to take action against them, if we come any closer, they're going to kill all the kids," the minister said.
Musa's remarks come nearly eight weeks after gunmen kidnapped 39 pupils and seven teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, along with two other schools in Esinle, located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The abduction occurred on May 15.
Addressing the broader challenge of banditry and kidnapping across the country, the Defence Minister expressed support for the death penalty as punishment for those convicted of such crimes. He argued that the current legal framework is not strict enough and has encouraged criminal activities.
"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.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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