The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has revealed that bandits holding pupils and teachers kidnapped from schools in Oyo State threatened to kill the captives if security operatives moved closer to their hideout.
Musa disclosed this in a preview of an interview with News Central released on Wednesday ahead of the programme's full broadcast scheduled for Friday.
According to the minister, the abductors are using the victims as bargaining chips to demand the release of some of their commanders currently in military custody.
He explained that security forces had considered taking action against the criminals, but the kidnappers warned that any military advance would result in the killing of the schoolchildren.
"They are looking for leverage because we have some of their commanders with us. They believe holding these children hostage will force us to release their leaders," Musa said.
The minister's remarks come nearly two months after gunmen abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, alongside two other schools in Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, on May 15.
Speaking on efforts to tackle kidnapping and banditry, Musa reiterated his support for the death penalty for convicted offenders, insisting that tougher sanctions were necessary to discourage violent crimes.
He argued that the country's existing laws were not stringent enough to deter criminals, adding that severe punishment would send a strong message to those involved in kidnapping and other forms of insecurity.
According to the minister, ensuring certainty of punishment for criminal acts remains critical to addressing the country's security challenges.
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