The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced three men linked to the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State to life imprisonment.

Justice Salim Ibrahim convicted Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa and Shamsu Adamu Sani on terrorism-related charges and ordered that their sentences take effect from the date of their arrest.

The trio, accused of belonging to Darul Salam, an affiliate of the proscribed terrorist group Ansaru, were arraigned on a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information, incitement and illegal mining. They pleaded guilty to some of the charges, including concealing information about the attack and membership of the group.

The Federal Government said the convicts conspired with other suspects to facilitate the May 15 abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers from three schools in Oriire LGA.

Following the attack, two school officials were killed, while the remaining victims were rescued on July 10 during an intelligence-led military operation in the Old Oyo National Park. Authorities said no ransom was paid, and eight suspected gang members were arrested during the rescue operation.