The bandits holding over 40 pupils and teachers from Oyo State have issued a deadly warning. They will kill the captives if security forces attempt any rescue operation.
Defence Minister Christopher Musa made this known Wednesday during an interview preview with News Central. The kidnappers want leverage, he explained. Military authorities are holding some of their commanders. They want them back.
“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 abductions occurred May 15. Armed men stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and two other schools in Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area. They took 39 pupils and seven teachers.
Musa also says he supports the death penalty for convicted kidnappers and terrorists.
“I think we should do that,” he said. “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.”
His comments echo those of former Edo State governor Adams Oshiomhole, who recently backed a similar proposal in Edo State.
