The federal government has revealed that bandits responsible for the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oyo State threatened to kill the captives if security operatives attempted to rescue them by force.
Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, disclosed this 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 the minister, intelligence gathered by security agencies indicated that the abductors were using the victims as bargaining chips in a bid to secure the release of some of their commanders currently in military custody.
Musa explained that the kidnappers warned security forces against advancing on their hideout, threatening to execute the children if troops moved closer.
“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.
“And now they’re threatening when we wanted to take action against them that if we come any closer, they’re going to kill all the kids.”
The abduction occurred on May 15 when armed men stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, alongside two other schools in Esinle, both located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
During the attack, the gunmen kidnapped 39 pupils and seven teachers, sparking widespread concern over the safety of schools and renewed calls for stronger security measures across the country.
Nearly eight weeks after the incident, efforts by security agencies to secure the victims’ release have continued, with authorities balancing rescue operations against the risks posed by the kidnappers’ threats.
Musa also advocated tougher penalties for banditry and kidnapping, arguing that existing laws have failed to discourage criminal activities.
He threw his weight behind the death penalty for convicted kidnappers and bandits, insisting that severe punishment would serve as a stronger 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,” the minister said.
The latest disclosure underscores the complex security challenges facing the country, particularly the growing trend of criminal groups targeting schools and using abducted children as leverage in negotiations with the government.
