The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has revealed that the bandits holding abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oyo State have threatened to kill the victims if security forces attempt a rescue operation. He recently had his say during an interview with News Central, and Nigerians have been reacting.
According to him, the kidnappers are currently using the abducted children as bargaining chips to secure the release of some of their commanders currently in military custody.
Stressing that tougher sanctions are necessary to deter criminality, Gen. Musa backed the death penalty for convicted kidnappers and terrorists.
His words, “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.
Now they’re threatening that if we move any closer to take action against them, they’re going to kill all the kids.
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.”
