The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has disclosed that bandits holding pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oyo State threatened to kill the victims if security forces moved closer to their hideout during rescue operations.

Speaking in a preview of an interview with News Central, the minister said the kidnappers were using the abducted children as bargaining tools to secure the release of some of their commanders currently in military custody. According to him, the bandits warned that any attempt by troops to advance on their location would result in the killing of all the captives.

The victims, comprising 39 pupils and seven teachers, were abducted on May 15 from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and two other schools in Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Musa described the incident as unfortunate and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to securing their safe release.

The minister also advocated the death penalty for convicted kidnappers, arguing that stronger punishment is needed to deter the growing menace. He maintained that the country’s existing laws are too lenient and have emboldened criminals to continue carrying out abductions.