Kidnappers Issue Chilling Death Threat Over Abducted Oyo Schoolchildren
The Federal Government has disclosed that the kidnappers holding dozens of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oyo State have threatened to kill the victims if security forces attempt to rescue them.
Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, revealed that the abductors issued the warning while trying to pressure the government into releasing some of their commanders currently in military custody.
According to the minister, intelligence gathered by security agencies indicates that the criminals are using the schoolchildren as leverage in a bid to negotiate the freedom of their detained leaders.
He explained that the kidnappers have warned that any military operation targeting their hideout would result in the execution of all the abducted pupils and teachers.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15 after gunmen stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, along with two other schools in Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers. The victims have remained in captivity for nearly eight weeks.
Speaking on efforts to tackle the country’s worsening kidnapping crisis, Musa advocated tougher punishment for kidnappers and terrorists, saying stronger penalties are needed to discourage such crimes.
The defence minister threw his weight behind the death penalty for convicted kidnappers, arguing that the current legal framework is not severe enough to deter criminal elements.
His remarks align 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 convicted kidnappers and bandits.
