The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, says bandits holding abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State have threatened to kill the captives if security forces move against them.

Musa said the kidnappers are demanding the release of some of their commanders in military custody, using the abducted children as bargaining chips.

The victims were kidnapped from schools in Oriire Local Government Area in May.

The Defence Minister also backed the death penalty for kidnappers, arguing that tougher punishment is needed to deter criminals and tackle the growing insecurity in the country.