THREE JAILED FOR LIFE OVER NIGERIA SCHOOL KIDNAPPINGS

THREE JAILED FOR LIFE OVER NIGERIA SCHOOL KIDNAPPINGS

A Nigerian court has sentenced three men to life imprisonment after they pleaded guilty to offences linked to the kidnapping of dozens of pupils and teachers during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oyo State. The three admitted to concealing information about those behind the attacks and confessed to being members of a group affiliated with Boko Haram.

The convictions come nearly two weeks after security forces rescued 44 pupils and teachers who had spent 56 days in captivity following the May attacks in Oriire District. During their captivity, the victims were frequently moved through forests, often walking for hours at night. Two male teachers were killed by the kidnappers, who reportedly believed the killings would pressure the government into meeting their demands.

Authorities say several other suspects, including an alleged kidnapping kingpin, have also been arrested as investigations continue. The attacks have renewed concerns over insecurity in Nigeria, where armed groups regularly target schools, villages and places of worship for ransom, making security a major issue ahead of the country's 2027 general elections.