Christopher Musa, minister of defence, says the bandits who kidnapped pupils and teachers from three schools in the Oriire LGA of Oyo state have threatened to kill the captives if security forces advance on their location.
On May 15, gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire LGA and abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers, including the principal of one of the affected schools.
Days later, the abductors killed Michael Oyedokun, one of the abducted teachers, while in captivity.
The abduction has sparked outrage on social media and triggered protests demanding the release of the victims.
Speaking on News Central television on Wednesday, Musa explained that the kidnappers were using the children as leverage to secure the release of their commanders 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
