Bandits threaten to kill abducted Oyo pupils during rescue attempt – Musa

Christopher Musa has disclosed that bandits who abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oyo State threatened to kill the captives if security forces attempted a rescue operation.

Musa, the Minister of Defence, made the revelation in a preview of an interview with News Central released on Wednesday ahead of the full broadcast of the NC Exclusive programme scheduled for Friday.

According to him, intelligence reports indicated that the kidnappers were using the abducted schoolchildren as leverage to pressure the military into releasing some of their commanders currently in custody.

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He said security agencies had planned to move against the criminals but were forced to exercise caution after the abductors warned they would execute all the captives if troops advanced towards their hideout.

“For whatever reason, they are looking for leverage because we have some of their commanders with us, and they believe taking these children and holding them to ransom will make us release their commander,” Musa said.

“When we wanted to take action against them, they threatened that if we came any closer, they would kill all the children.”

The disclosure comes nearly eight weeks after gunmen invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota and two other schools in Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, on May 15, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers.

The attack triggered nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over the persistent targeting of schools by armed groups, while families of the victims continue to await their safe return.

Read also: Oriire Abduction: Oyo govt denies payment of ransom to kidnappers

Musa also called for stiffer penalties against kidnappers and bandits, arguing that weak laws have emboldened criminal groups across the country.

He backed the introduction of the death penalty for convicted bandits, saying stronger punishment would serve as a deterrent and complement ongoing military operations against criminal networks.

“I think we should do that. There must be deterrence. The laws are too soft, and that’s why people take advantage. If they know that once an offence is committed, there will be severe punishment, it will make a difference,” he said.

He maintained that strengthening Nigeria’s legal framework alongside sustained military offensives would be critical to addressing the country’s worsening insecurity and curbing the activities of kidnappers and bandits.