KANO: At least six inmates have reportedly died within one week at Kurmawa Maximum Prison in Kano State, amid concerns over a suspected cholera outbreak at the correctional facility.
The development has raised fresh concerns about the health and living conditions of inmates, with Amnesty International calling on authorities to take urgent action to prevent further deaths.
Amnesty International raised the alarm in a statement published on its official Facebook page, saying several other inmates were undergoing treatment as the suspected disease reportedly spread within the facility.
The organisation warned that the number of deaths could increase without immediate medical intervention and effective measures to contain the suspected outbreak.
Amnesty urged the relevant authorities to immediately transfer critically ill inmates to hospitals for proper medical attention.
It also called for urgent steps to identify the cause of the deaths, contain the suspected outbreak and protect other inmates and correctional officers who may be exposed.
The organisation warned that failure to provide timely medical care to inmates could raise serious human rights concerns.
According to Amnesty, people held in detention remain entitled to adequate healthcare and protection of their lives, regardless of whether they have been convicted or are awaiting trial.
The reported deaths have also drawn attention to longstanding concerns about conditions in some Nigerian correctional facilities.
Amnesty International expressed particular concern about inmates awaiting trial, noting that detainees without adequate financial resources may face difficulties accessing legal assistance and securing the protection of their rights.
The organisation said some awaiting-trial inmates spend prolonged periods in custody without being convicted of any offence.
It also raised concerns about overcrowding, poor sanitation, inadequate food and limited healthcare in correctional facilities.
Such conditions can increase health risks and make it more difficult to control infectious diseases when outbreaks occur.
Amnesty International called for urgent reforms aimed at improving sanitation, healthcare and general living conditions across Nigeria’s correctional facilities.
The organisation also urged authorities to ensure that prisons and correctional centres comply with relevant human rights standards and international best practices.
Meanwhile, the reported situation at Kurmawa Maximum Prison, Kano, has heightened calls for authorities to establish the exact cause of the deaths and provide immediate medical assistance to inmates who may be affected.
The cholera outbreak remains suspected, and further medical investigation and official confirmation would be required to establish the cause of the illnesses and deaths.
