[E. Pluribus Unum]

I consider this to be a better outcome than paying ransom and just getting more kidnappings.

If the wages of kidnapping are certain death, there will be no further kidnappings.

[livius]

...some of the western hostages are said to be primed to explode if the authorities intervene.

The kidnappers have apparently put explosive belts on them and will blow them up if there is any attempt to storm the place. I'd say these poor people don't have much chance no matter what happens.