Oyo abduction: Bandits threaten to kill pupils if troops advance — Defence minister

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, revealed that bandits holding abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State have issued a chilling threat: they will kill the hostages if security forces attempt a rescue operation. The minister disclosed this ahead of an interview on News Central.

Musa explained that the kidnappers are using the abducted children as bargaining chips. They aim to force the release of their commanders currently in military custody. "Now they’re threatening that if we move any closer to take action against them, they’re going to kill all the kids," Musa stated.

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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 nearly eight weeks prior, on May 15, when armed men seized 39 pupils and seven teachers from schools in the Esinle area of Oyo State. This incident highlights the escalating crisis of banditry and kidnapping in the region.

In response to the persistent threat of kidnapping and terrorism, Minister Musa expressed strong support for the death penalty for convicted offenders. He argued that tougher sanctions are essential to deter criminal activity. "The laws are soft, and that’s why people take advantage. If they know once you commit an offence, there must be punishment," Musa said, aligning with calls for harsher penalties.

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The laws are soft, and that’s why people take advantage. If they know once you commit an offence, there must be punishment.