Oyo School Abduction: Bandits Threatened to Kill Kidnapped Pupils if Troops Advanced

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has revealed that the bandits holding dozens of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State threatened to kill the captives if security forces moved closer to their hideout.

The Minister made the disclosure in a preview of an interview with News Central’s NC Exclusive programme, stating that the kidnappers were using the children as bargaining chips to pressure the government into releasing some of their commanders currently in military custody.

According to him, intelligence gathered by Security Agencies indicated that the abductors were desperate to secure the freedom of their detained leaders and saw the schoolchildren as leverage.

“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,” he said.

He further disclosed that the criminals issued chilling threats against the hostages when security forces considered a rescue operation.

“They threatened that if we come any closer, they are going to kill all the kids,” the Minister stated.

The disturbing revelation comes nearly eight weeks after gunmen invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota and two other schools in Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, on May 15, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers.

The incident sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over the worsening security situation and the increasing targeting of schools by criminal gangs.

Speaking on measures to tackle the growing menace of banditry and kidnapping, the Defence Minister advocated stiffer punishments, including the death penalty for convicted kidnappers.

He argued that existing laws are too lenient and have failed to serve as a deterrent to criminals.

“I think we should do that. There must be deterrence. The laws are soft, and that’s why people take advantage. If they know once you commit an offence, there must be punishment,” he added.

The Minister’s remarks have reignited conversations about school safety, the effectiveness of existing anti-kidnapping laws, and the urgent need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable communities across the Country.