Abuja – Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), has disclosed that bandits holding dozens of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State have issued a chilling threat to kill their hostages if security forces attempt a rescue operation.
The minister made the revelation in a preview of an interview aired on News Central on Wednesday, ahead of the full broadcast on the NC Exclusive programme scheduled for Friday.
According to Gen. Musa, the kidnappers are using the abducted pupils and teachers as bargaining chips 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 abduction occurred on May 15 when armed bandits stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota and two other schools in Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, seizing 39 pupils and seven teachers. As of July 9, the victims have been in captivity for nearly eight weeks.
In response to the ongoing insecurity, the Defence Minister expressed support for the imposition of the death penalty on convicted kidnappers and terrorists, describing it as a necessary 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,” he stated.
Musa’s position echoes recent calls by former Edo State Governor and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who backed proposals for capital punishment for bandits and kidnappers.
Security forces have reportedly traced the abductors’ network and associates, while the Army Chief earlier confirmed that rescue operations were ongoing. The police have also dismissed claims that the Oyo victims were transferred to Kaduna State.
The incident has heightened concerns over the rising wave of school abductions and banditry in parts of Nigeria, prompting renewed calls for stronger legislative and operational measures to tackle the menace.
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