Amnesty International Calls for Probe into Kwara Detainee Deaths

Amnesty International has demanded a thorough investigation into the deaths of at least 150 detainees, primarily children, allegedly held at a camp in Kwara State. The report, released on Thursday, highlights that these individuals are among 1,500 Fulani pastoralists detained at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Yikpata over the past three months.

The detainees were reportedly displaced due to escalating attacks by armed groups in the Asa, Edu, Ifelodun, and Patigi local government areas. Amnesty International's findings, based on field investigations conducted from April 5 to 11, reveal overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, restricted movement, and acute malnutrition, with at least 100 pregnant women at risk due to inadequate maternal care.

A 43-year-old man who escaped described the dire living conditions, stating that 154 people died from hunger and disease. The organization urged the federal government to conduct a transparent investigation and ensure justice for the victims and their families.

However, military officials denied responsibility for the camp's conditions.