Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has disclosed that the perpetrators of the abduction in Oriire, Oyo State, have threatened to kill the victims if security personnel moved closer in efforts to secure their release.
Speaking during an interview with News Central, the minister said the kidnappers appeared to be using the children as leverage after security forces arrested some of their commanders.
According to him, the abductors believe holding the children could force the military to release the detained commanders.
“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 will make us release their commander.
“And now they’re threatening, when we wanted to take action against them, that if we come any closer, they will kill all the kids,” he said.
The minister described the incident as unfortunate, noting that security agencies are working to ensure the safe return of the victims.
On the growing calls for tougher penalties against kidnappers, including the death sentence, Musa said he supports stricter punishment, arguing that the country’s laws are too lenient.
NPO Reports that today marks the 56th day, The tragic abduction took place on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School (Yawota), L.A. Primary School, and Community Grammar School (Esinle).
“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 said.
The minister also addressed recent allegations from social media activist, Justice Crack, regarding the welfare of soldiers, dismissing claims of inadequate feeding in the military.
He alleged that a soldier deliberately removed food items, including meat, from a meal prepared for troops to create the impression that soldiers were poorly fed.
“There was meat. There was all this. But he told them to pull out those things and make it look as if those things were not there,” he said.