The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has disclosed that bandits holding abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oyo State have threatened to kill the captives if security forces attempt a military rescue operation.

Musa made the disclosure in a preview of an interview with News Central released on Wednesday ahead of the full broadcast of the network's NC Exclusive programme scheduled for Friday.

According to the minister, the abductors are using the schoolchildren as bargaining chips to pressure the government into releasing some 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.

"Now they're threatening that if we move any closer to take action against them, they're going to kill all the kids," Musa said.

The minister's remarks come nearly eight weeks after gunmen abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, along with two other schools in Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, during coordinated attacks on May 15.

Addressing the growing menace of kidnapping and banditry, Musa advocated the death penalty for convicted kidnappers and terrorists, insisting that stronger punishment is necessary to deter violent crimes.

"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 position echoes recent calls by former Edo State governor and senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, who backed Governor Monday Okpebholo's proposal to impose the death penalty on kidnappers and bandits operating in Edo State.