Amnesty International has urged the Federal Government to launch an urgent investigation into the reported deaths of no fewer than 150 detainees, mostly children, allegedly held at a camp in Kwara State.
In a report released on Thursday, the organisation said the victims were among about 1,500 pastoralists reportedly detained for over three months at the National Youth Service Corps orientation camp in Yikpata under what it described as harsh and inhumane conditions.
According to Amnesty, the detainees were displaced from their communities following attacks by armed groups across Asa, Edu, Ifelodun and Patigi Local Government Areas of the state.
The group alleged that the affected persons were moved to the camp after being directed to vacate their communities to enable security operations.
It called for a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the reported deaths, insisting that those responsible must be held accountable.
Amnesty stated that findings from its investigation revealed that the detainees faced overcrowding, poor sanitation, limited movement, malnutrition and disease.
It added that over 100 pregnant women at the camp were at risk of serious health complications due to lack of adequate medical care.
The organisation said its report was based on a field assessment conducted between April 5 and 11, during which researchers visited the facility and interviewed detainees, survivors and relatives.
According to the report, testimonies obtained pointed to worsening living conditions, including inadequate food supply and increasing fatalities linked to hunger and illness.
One of the escapees quoted in the report alleged that over 150 people had died since their detention, with several children among the victims.
Amnesty also raised concerns over alleged discriminatory profiling, claiming that some Fulani individuals were singled out, detained unlawfully and, in some cases, compelled to pay money to secure their release.
The organisation called on the authorities to ensure justice for victims and provide appropriate remedies for affected families.
However, the military has distanced itself from the facility.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, said the camp was not under military control, urging inquiries to be directed to the relevant authorities.
