150 Fulani Detainees, Mostly Children, Died in Kwara Military Camp — Amnesty International

Amnesty International has called for an urgent, independent investigation into the deaths of at least 150 Fulani people — most of them children — who died while being held at a military-controlled detention facility in Kwara State.

The human rights organisation says the victims were among roughly 1,500 displaced pastoralists who had been sheltered at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Yikpata after fleeing violent attacks in parts of Kwara State in January 2026. What began as an evacuation turned into prolonged, indefinite detention — with deadly consequences.

What Happened at Yikpata Camp

According to Amnesty’s findings — based on field research conducted between April 5 and 11, 2026 — detainees were held in severely overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. Food, healthcare, and freedom of movement were all denied or severely restricted. The result: widespread malnutrition, disease, and death.

Images obtained from inside the camp showed severely malnourished children with visible ribs and extreme weakness. Survivors described frequent deaths and mass burials within the facility.

One woman interviewed said displaced families were relocated under assurances of safety, only to find themselves trapped with no way out. Many had abandoned their homes, livestock, and livelihoods in January after military authorities instructed “innocent” residents to evacuate their villages ahead of military clearance operations against armed groups. They were then transported to Yikpata — and never allowed to leave.

Amnesty’s Demands

“Members of the Fulani community face persecution on two fronts, from armed groups and the military,” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria. “Instead of receiving protection, they are being denied their rights to personal liberty, livelihood, movement, education and healthcare.”

The organisation is demanding that Nigerian authorities immediately release the detainees, launch a transparent investigation into the deaths, ensure accountability for those responsible, and provide reparations to affected families.

Kwara Government Responds

The Kwara State Government has distanced itself from the reports, though it has not provided a detailed rebuttal of Amnesty’s specific findings or the casualty figures.

The federal government and military had not issued an official response at the time of publication. With 150 deaths alleged in a state-managed facility, the pressure for accountability is unlikely to ease.

Sources: Amnesty International, Daily Trust, Premium Times