Presidency Rules Out Bombing in Oyo Kidnap Case
The Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, has addressed public concerns over the fate of kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Speaking on the possibility of using lethal force, Bwala warned that bombing suspected hideouts could endanger the lives of the hostages still in captivity.
“If you use lethal force, you may end up jeopardising the life of the people that are kidnapped,” he said, adding that the government’s primary duty in a hostage situation is to rescue the victims alive.
He noted that should any hostage be killed, the authorities would then consider other available measures, but for now the focus remains on securing a safe release.
When asked whether the victims had been forgotten after weeks in captivity, Bwala affirmed that the government is aware of their condition and is prioritising their safe return over public pressure.
“We know they are alive and they are well. To bring them back, to get them out alive, is much more important than whatever anybody is saying in the news,” he stated.
Pressed on the recent killing of one hostage, Bwala turned the question back to the interviewers, asking whether the government should now begin bombing the suspected locations where the captives are being held.
He concluded by inviting public opinion on the appropriate course of action, stressing that any decision must weigh the risk to remaining hostages.
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