Oyo Abduction: Kidnappers Threaten Mass Killing of Pupils

Armed bandits holding abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oyo State have threatened to kill the victims if security forces attempt to rescue them, according to the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa.

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, the kidnappers are using the abducted children as bargaining tools to secure the release of some of their commanders currently being held by the military.

He explained that the criminals are seeking an advantage because some of their leaders are in military custody. He added that they believe abducting the children and holding them captive could force the authorities to release those commanders.

Musa also revealed that the bandits have warned that they will kill all the abducted pupils if security personnel move closer to carry out a rescue operation.

The minister’s remarks came nearly eight weeks after gunmen abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, along with two other schools in Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, on May 15.

Speaking on efforts to tackle banditry and kidnapping across the country, Musa supported the introduction of the death penalty for convicted kidnappers and terrorists, saying stronger punishment is needed to discourage such crimes.

His position is in line with recent calls by former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, who backed Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo’s proposal to impose the death penalty on kidnappers and bandits operating in the state.

Musa maintained that tougher sanctions would serve as a deterrent, adding that the current laws are too lenient and have allowed criminals to continue committing such offences with little fear of severe consequences.