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The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has revealed that bandits holding dozens of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State threatened to kill the captives if security forces attempted to move closer to their hideout. Musa disclosed that the kidnappers were using the victims as leverage to demand the release of some of their commanders currently in military custody, making rescue efforts extremely delicate.
Speaking in a preview of an interview with News Central, the minister said the military had been carefully assessing the situation to avoid endangering the lives of the hostages. According to him, the abductors warned security operatives that any attempt to storm their location would result in the immediate execution of the children and teachers. The victims were kidnapped on May 15 during attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where 39 pupils and seven teachers were taken hostage.
Musa assured Nigerians that the government remains committed to securing the safe release of the captives while continuing military operations against criminal groups across the country. He stressed that security agencies are balancing the need for decisive action with the responsibility to protect the lives of those in captivity, urging the public to remain patient as efforts to resolve the crisis continue.
