Human rights organisation, Amnesty International, has called on Nigerian authorities to launch an urgent and independent investigation into reports that at least 150 detainees, mostly children, have died in a camp in Kwara State.
In a report released on Thursday, Amnesty International alleged that about 1,500 pastoralists were being held at the National Youth Service Corps orientation camp in Yikpata under what it described as harsh and inhumane conditions.
The group said the detainees, largely from Fulani communities, were displaced following attacks by armed groups across Asa, Edu, Ifelodun, and Patigi Local Government Areas, before being relocated to the camp after being instructed to vacate their communities for security operations.
Amnesty International stated that its findings were based on a field investigation conducted between April 5 and 11, during which researchers visited the facility and interviewed survivors, detainees, and relatives.
According to the report, conditions inside the camp were overcrowded and unsanitary, with severe shortages of food, inadequate medical care, and rising cases of illness.
It further warned that at least 100 pregnant women were at risk due to lack of maternal healthcare services.
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A survivor quoted in the report alleged that 154 people had died since the detention began, mostly due to hunger and disease, adding that several children reportedly died on the day he escaped.
Amnesty International also raised concerns over alleged discriminatory profiling and claims of extortion involving some detainees.
The organisation urged the Federal Government to ensure a transparent, independent investigation, hold those responsible accountable, and provide justice and support to affected families.
However, the military has distanced itself from the facility.
Speaking on the matter, Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, said the camp was not under military control, stressing that the armed forces had no involvement in its operations and directing enquiries to the relevant government agencies.