Global human rights organization Amnesty International has raised alarm over the rise in mob violence in Nigeria, warning that it fuels a culture of impunity.
In a recent report, the group revealed that at least 555 cases of mob violence were recorded across Nigeria over the past decade.
Amnesty International highlighted that the surge in killings related to blasphemy accusations has been exacerbated by alleged incitement from religious clerics.
“The failure of the Nigerian authorities to protect lives has led to a growing escalation of mob violence over the last decade, as people increasingly take law into their hands and carry out so-called ‘jungle justice’,” said Amnesty International Nigeria in the new report.
The group said enforcement failures exacerbated the wave of mob violence in Nigeria as victims accused of theft, blasphemy, shoplifting and witchcraft are beaten, tortured and killed with impunity and suspected perpetrators almost always get away with it.
“Between January 2012 to August 2023, Amnesty International recorded at least 555 victims of mob violence, from 363 documented incidents across Nigeria.
“Over the period of this investigation at least 57 people were killed by violent mobs; 32 were burnt alive, 2 persons were buried alive, while 23 people were tortured to death. Many cases of mob killings in remote areas go unreported.
“The menace of mob violence is perhaps one of the biggest threats to the right to life in Nigeria. The fact that these killings have been happening for a long time, with few cases investigated and prosecuted, highlights the authorities’ shocking failure to uphold and fulfil their obligation to protect people from harm and violence,” said Director Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi.
“The failure of law enforcement agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force, to prevent mob violence, investigate allegations of torture and killings, and bring suspected perpetrators to justice, is empowering mobs to kill. The problem is compounded by weak and corrupt legal institutions and systems.”
Amnesty International’s research detailed cases of victims of mob violence that include at least 13 women, six children, and two persons with actual or perceived mental health illnesses and/or psycho-social or intellectual disabilities.
Cases of mob violence were documented in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones: South-South (82), South-East (43), South-West (98), North-Central (42), North-West (100), and North-East (26).
“The Nigerian authorities must urgently address the escalating cases of mob violence including by upholding and protecting the rights of everyone in the country to life and freedom from torture.
“Government must ensure prompt, thorough, impartial, independent, transparent and effective investigation of cases of mob violence and bring those suspected to be responsible to justice in fair trials. Authorities should also take appropriate and effective measures to prevent cases of mob violence across the country and ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims. The police must be adequately equipped to prevent and respond to mob violence.” said Sanusi.