Abductors of Oyo schoolchildren threaten to kill captives if troops intervene – Defence Minister

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has disclosed that bandits holding dozens of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State have threatened to kill their captives if security forces attempt a rescue operation.

Musa made the revelation in a preview of an interview with News Central, scheduled for broadcast on Friday under the network’s NC Exclusive programme.

According to the minister, the kidnappers are seeking to use the schoolchildren as leverage to secure the release of some of their leaders 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,” 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 minister’s comments come nearly two months after gunmen stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, along with two other schools in Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers on May 15.

The mass abduction sparked widespread concern among residents and renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect schools and rural communities from criminal attacks.

Speaking further on efforts to combat kidnapping and banditry across the country, Musa advocated tougher penalties for convicted offenders, including the death sentence for kidnappers and terrorists.

According to him, stronger punishments would serve as an effective deterrent and discourage 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,” he said.

The defence minister’s position echoes recent calls by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who has backed proposals by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for the introduction of capital punishment for convicted kidnappers and bandits.

Security agencies have intensified operations against criminal groups across several parts of the country, but kidnapping for ransom remains a major security challenge, particularly in rural communities and along major highways.