BY ANDREW OJIEZEL, Lagos
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has revealed that the bandits who abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers from schools in Oyo State are using the victims as bargaining chips to demand the release of their commanders currently in military custody.
The pupils and teachers were kidnapped nearly eight weeks ago from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and two other schools in Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Speaking in an interview with News Central, a clip of which was shared on Wednesday ahead of its full broadcast on the NC Exclusive programme on Friday, Musa said the kidnappers had threatened to kill the hostages if security forces attempted a rescue operation.
“For whatever reason, they are looking for leverage because we have some of their commanders with us, and they believe holding these children hostage will force us to release their commander,” he said.
“And now they’re threatening that if we move any closer to rescue them, they’re going to kill all the children.”
The Defence Minister also backed the death penalty for convicted kidnappers and bandits, arguing that stronger punishment was needed to deter 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 that once you commit an offence there will be punishment, it will make a difference,” Musa added.
