By Sandra Kenneth
Bandits holding dozens of students and teachers captive in Oyo State have threatened to execute them if security forces attempt a rescue operation, according to Minister of Defence Christopher Musa.
Speaking in a preview clip of an upcoming interview with News Central ahead of its Friday broadcast, Musa revealed that the kidnappers are attempting to use the children as human shields and bargaining chips.
“They are looking for leverage because we have some of their commanders with us,” Musa said. “They feel taking these kids and holding them to ransom will make us release their commanders. Now they’re threatening… that if we come any closer, they’re going to kill all the kids.”
The high-stakes standoff follows the May 15 abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers from the Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, alongside two other schools in the Esinle area of Oriire Local Government Area. The captives have now been held for nearly eight weeks.
Addressing the broader security crisis, the Defence Minister called for a drastic tightening of Nigeria’s legal framework, advocating for the death penalty for convicted kidnappers and bandits. He argued that the current legal system fails to provide a strong enough deterrent.
“I think we should do that [implement the death penalty]. There must be deterrence,” Musa added. “The laws are soft, and that’s why people take advantage. If they know once you commit an offence, there must be punishment.”
Security agencies remain deployed in the region, navigating a delicate balance between neutralizing the bandits and ensuring the safe return of the children and their teachers.
