Probe into Abakaliki killings begins

The Human Rights Commission (NHRC) yesterday said it had commenced investigation into allegation of extra-judicial killing of inmates on August 18, 2016.

Security operatives allegedly killed the inmates during an attempted jailbreak at Abakaliki Federal Prison in Ebonyi State. Some inmates also sustained varying degrees of injury.

The commission said a special investigation panel comprising five men would spend four days in the state. The body will also investigate alleged presence of lunatics, infants, pregnant women and nursing mothers within the facility.

Chairman of the panel, Anthony Ojukwu, made the disclosure at the prison premises.

In her remark, the state Comptroller of Prisons, Emilia Oputa, described the incident as regrettable.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Command of the Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS) has appealed to the state government to improve the living condition of inmates and also provide operational vehicles.

During a visit to the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Peter Mrakpor yesterday, Delta State Controller of Prisons, Sam Iyakoregha, regretted that the Warri medium and security prisons, designed to accommodate 307 inmates, now hold over 1,500 persons.