According to observers, Nigeria is being urged to investigate alleged "unnecessary and avoidable deaths" following a prison riot that left 10 inmates dead.

Nigerian news site This Day reported on Friday that some prisoners attempted to escape from the facility in Kaduna Monday when government security forces moved into the prison to put down a riot by inmates protesting harsh conditions.

This Day further said that prison staff members want the government to investigate the security forces' response they allege was "inappropriate and an abuse of laid down regulations."

One staff worker said prison officers could have contained the riot and the use of guns by security forces worsened an already tense situation.

The staffer, who declined to be named, said, "The inmates only planned to hold a peaceful demonstration,".

The worker further said, "We knew about it beforehand and were virtually prepared for it. … The response with guns was unnecessary."