150 Displaced Persons Die in Kwara Military Camp

Amnesty International released a statement detailing the deaths of at least 150 displaced persons, including children, in a military detention camp in Kwara State, Nigeria. The organization accused the Nigerian authorities of failing to protect Fulani pastoralists who were detained under harsh conditions.

The report was based on field research conducted from April 5 to April 11, during which Amnesty interviewed 60 people affected by the situation, including 30 detainees and family members. The detainees had fled their homes in the Asa, Edu, Ifelodun, and Patigi local government areas due to escalating violence from armed groups.

The military later relocated them to the Yikpata camp, which was intended as a safe assembly point. However, the camp was characterized by overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and limited access to food and healthcare.

The report highlighted the widespread malnutrition among detainees, particularly among pregnant women, and the denial of their rights to liberty and livelihood.