By Theophilus Adedokun

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.

Source: TheCable