The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has revealed that bandits holding pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oyo State have threatened to kill the captives if security forces move closer to their hideout.

Musa said the kidnappers were using the children as leverage to demand the release of some of their commanders currently in military custody, a threat that has complicated rescue efforts as security personnel continue to work towards securing the safe release of the victims.

The abductions took place on May 15, when gunmen kidnapped 39 pupils and seven teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and two other schools in Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The Defence Minister also advocated tougher measures to tackle banditry and kidnapping across the country, expressing support for the death penalty for convicted kidnappers and arguing that stronger laws are needed to deter criminal activities and improve national security.