Bandits Threatened to Kill Oyo Pupils if Troops Moved Closer — Defence Minister

• Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar says bandits holding abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State have threatened to kill the captives if security forces move closer.

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has revealed that bandits holding abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oyo State threatened to kill the victims if security forces launched an assault on their hideout.

Speaking in a preview of an interview with News Central, shared on Wednesday ahead of its full broadcast, the minister said the kidnappers were using the children as bargaining chips to secure the release of their commanders currently in military custody.

“For whatever reason, they are looking for leverage because we have some of their commanders with us, and they feel taking these kids and holding them to ransom will make us release their commander,” he said.

According to the minister, security forces had considered taking action against the kidnappers but were forced to proceed with caution after receiving threats against the lives of the hostages.

“They are threatening that if we come any closer, they’re going to kill all the kids,” he added.

The abducted victims include 39 pupils and seven teachers, who were kidnapped by gunmen from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and two other schools in Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, on May 15.

Commenting on the growing wave of banditry and kidnapping across the country, the Defence Minister advocated tougher punishments for offenders, including the death penalty.

He argued that weak laws have emboldened criminals and that stricter penalties would serve as a deterrent.

“I think we should do that. There must be deterrence. The laws are soft, and that’s why people take advantage. If they know once you commit an offence, there must be punishment,” he said.

The minister’s comments come amid growing public concern over the prolonged captivity of the abducted schoolchildren and renewed calls for stronger measures to combat kidnapping and insecurity across Nigeria.