According to a report by The Cable on Friday, July 10, 2026, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has disclosed that the bandits responsible for the abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have threatened to kill the captives if security forces attempt to advance on their location.
According to the minister, the abductors have issued the warning while holding the victims in captivity, creating additional challenges for security agencies working to secure their safe release.
He explained that the threat has complicated ongoing efforts to resolve the situation without endangering the lives of those being held.
The abduction occurred on May 15 when armed gunmen invaded three schools in Oriire Local Government Area and kidnapped 39 pupils and seven teachers.
Among those abducted was the principal of one of the affected schools.
The incident sent shockwaves through the affected communities, with parents, guardians, and residents expressing deep concern over the safety of the children and school staff taken away by the attackers.
The mass abduction added to growing concerns about insecurity and attacks on educational institutions in different parts of the country.
The situation took a tragic turn a few days after the abduction when one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed by the abductors while in captivity.
His death heightened fears for the remaining victims and intensified calls for urgent intervention by the authorities.
The killing underscored the seriousness of the situation and further increased public anxiety over the fate of the pupils, teachers, and school principal who continue to remain in the custody of the armed group.
The incident has since generated widespread public attention, with many Nigerians expressing outrage on social media over the continued captivity of the victims.
The abduction also prompted protests in different quarters, as demonstrators called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts aimed at securing the safe release of the remaining captives.
The growing public concern has kept the incident at the forefront of national discussions on security and the protection of schools.
Speaking during an interview on News Central Television on Wednesday, Christopher Musa explained that the kidnappers were using the abducted pupils and teachers as bargaining tools in an attempt to secure the release of some of their commanders who are currently in military custody.
According to the minister, the bandits believe that holding the victims gives them leverage in negotiations with the authorities.
He further disclosed that the abductors have warned security forces against launching rescue operations, threatening to kill the captives if troops move closer to their hideout.
He said, “And now they’re threatening that when we want to take action against them, if we come any closer, they’re going to kill all the kids…..See More
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