Christopher Musa, minister of defence, says the bandits who kidnapped pupils and teachers from three schools in the Oriire LGA of Oyo state have threatened to kill the captives if security forces advance on their location.
On May 15, gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire LGA and
abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers, including the principal of one of the
affected schools.
Days later, the abductors killed Michael Oyedokun, one of
the abducted teachers, while in captivity.
The abduction has sparked outrage on social media and
triggered protests demanding the release of the victims.
Speaking on News Central television on Wednesday, Musa
explained that the kidnappers were using the children as leverage to secure the
release of their commanders in military custody.
“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.
“And now they’re threatening that when we want to take
action against them, if we come any closer, they’re going to kill all the
kids.”
On ways to tackle banditry and kidnapping, the minister
supported the death penalty for perpetrators.
He noted that weak laws had emboldened criminals.
“I think we should do that. There must be deterrence. The
laws are soft, and that’s why people take advantage. They should know that once
you commit an offence, there must be punishment,” the defence minister said.
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