A new Amnesty International report highlights the rise in mob violence across Nigeria, which it blames on the failure of government law enforcement to protect lives.
The report, released on Monday, is titled “Instantly Killed: How Law Enforcement Failures Exacerbate the Wave of Mob Violence in Nigeria.”
The report outlines an alarming trend in which individuals accused of crimes such as theft, blasphemy, shoplifting and witchcraft are subjected to brutal assault, torture and summary executions, with perpetrators often escaping responsibility. are.
The investigation documented such gang assault incidents involving at least 13 women, six children, and two people with actual or perceived mental illness, disability, or intellectual disability. has been done.
These cases come from each of the country’s six geopolitical zones: South-South (82 cases), South-East (43 cases), South-West (98 cases), North-Central (42 cases), and North-West. (100 cases), northwest (100 cases) east (26).
To compile the investigative report, the international organization investigated incidents from January 2012 to August 2023, documenting at least 555 victims of 363 incidents of mob violence recorded across Nigeria.
“During this period of investigation, at least 57 people were killed by violent mobs. 32 people were burned alive, 2 people were buried alive, and 23 people were tortured to death. Mob killings in remote areas Many incidents go unreported,” the report states.
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The Nigerian government has not yet responded to Amnesty International’s findings.
As of press time on Monday, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Strategy and Information Bayo Onanuga and Special Adviser on Public Communication Sunday Dare had not responded to calls and messages from PREMIUM TIMES seeking comment.
“Major threat to life”
Responding to the report’s findings, Amnesty International Nigeria Director Isa Sanusi said the threat of mob violence is perhaps one of the greatest threats to the right to life in Nigeria.
“The fact that these murders occurred over such a long period of time, with so few investigations or prosecutions, highlights the shocking failure of authorities to uphold and fulfill their duty to protect people from harm and violence. are.
“The failure of law enforcement agencies, particularly the Nigerian Police Force, to prevent mob violence, investigate allegations of torture and murder, and bring suspected perpetrators to justice has given mobs the power to kill. The problem is exacerbated by weak and corrupt legal systems and institutions,” Sanusi said.
“It is frightening that mob violence is gradually becoming the norm and often takes place in crowded places such as motor parks, market areas and busy roads.Victims are constantly being beaten, stoned, They were subjected to torture, including the use of improvised weapons such as sticks and metal rods.
Sanusi said the Nigerian government has failed to protect the human rights of victims and their families.
He added that the government had not sufficiently addressed issues of access to justice and effective redress for victims.
“Governments must ensure prompt, thorough, impartial, independent, transparent and effective investigations into incidents of mass violence and bring those suspected of responsibility to justice in a fair trial.
“Authorities should also take appropriate and effective measures to prevent incidents of gang violence across the country and ensure access to justice and effective redress for victims. “We must be properly equipped to prevent and respond to such incidents,” he said.
Overview of Jungle Justice in Nigeria
Amnesty International’s report found that in southern Nigeria, mob violence primarily targets people accused of crimes such as theft, participating in rituals, and practicing witchcraft, but mainly those accused of blasphemy. He noted that it is often used against people and endorsed by religious clerics in Nigeria. northern part of the country.
The report found that people suffering from mental health problems and psychosocial disorders are targeted by violent individuals who use their disabilities to falsely incriminate their victims and justify lynching. said that it is increasing.
“Many victims of mob violence were targeted because of their social status, religion or identity as members of other minority groups.Other reasons for targeting victims include freedom of expression; “This includes attempts to suppress the rights of women, children, and persons with psychosocial disabilities, and to limit the freedom from discrimination on the basis of gender or certain conditions,” the report added.
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