A crowded Nigerian prison cell, Nigerian prisons have been described as hell on earth
The brutality of prison officials at Oke Kura Prison, Ilorin, Kwara State have reportedly left six inmates dead and 11 others seriously injured. They were beaten to death by the prison officials on Thursday. The offence of the victims was that they demanded an improvement in the quality and quantity of their food.
A prison source tells the Punch that the incident, which happened at about 2pm threw the prison into confusion.
It is gathered that trouble started when inmates, who were in the condemned inmates’ cell, demanded to see the controller of the prison to address their grievances over substandard quality of food they were served. But their request was turned down by prison officials.
The source said, “The demand for improvement in food quality and quantity had been on for the past two months, but nothing was done.
“On Thursday, the inmates decided to protest. That was how the warders went and got the arms squad. They entered into the prison and unleashed terror on the inmates, who were in the condemned cell.
“Five of them died there and one of the 12 casualties died at the hospital. The incident has caused tension in the prison as I speak with you.”
All of those injured are on “danger list” at the hospital where they are receiving treatment.
The deceased were identified to include one Alhaji Fasisi, Alhaji Yusuf, and Jeunlo.
“There is a grand plan to cover up the incident in the prison,” he added.
However, the Public Relations Officer of the Ilorin Prison, who identified himself simply as Philip, denied the incident.
He said, “How is it possible for warders to beat inmates to death? It is not true and no such thing happened. If you’re in doubt, come down to Ilorin, I will personally lead you to Oke Kura to see things for yourself.”
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