Amanze Chinonye
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has disclosed that the gunmen who abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State threatened to kill their captives if security forces moved in for a rescue operation, Prime Business Africa reports.
Musa revealed this in a teaser for an interview with News Central released on Wednesday, ahead of the full programme scheduled for broadcast on Friday.
READ ALSO :
Join our WhatsApp ChannelObi Says Nigeria Facing Leadership Crisis, Urges Tinubu to Step Aside Over Insecurity
The minister said the abductors were using the victims as bargaining tools in an attempt to force the military to release some of their commanders currently in custody.
According to him, security agencies had made moves to close in on the criminals, but the bandits warned that any further advance by troops could result in the killing of the hostages.
Musa explained that the kidnappers believed keeping the schoolchildren and teachers in captivity would give them leverage in negotiations with the authorities and strengthen their demand for the release of detained members of their group.
The incident occurred on May 15, when 39 pupils and seven teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, alongside two pupils from other schools in Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area, were abducted by gunmen.
The development has renewed concerns over the growing threat of school abductions in parts of Nigeria, where criminal groups have increasingly targeted educational institutions to exert pressure on government authorities and demand concessions.
READ MORE :
Fayose Blames Makinde for Oriire Schoolchildren Abduction, Cites Security Lapses
Musa also renewed his call for tougher punishment for kidnappers and bandits, arguing that existing legal measures have failed to serve as an effective deterrent against violent crimes.
The minister expressed support for the death penalty for convicted kidnappers, insisting that stronger and more predictable sanctions would help discourage criminal activities and strengthen the country’s fight against insecurity.
He stressed that beyond rescue efforts, addressing kidnapping requires a firm justice system capable of ensuring that perpetrators face severe consequences for their actions.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
