Amnesty International has called for an immediate and transparent investigation of lynching of at least 16 travelers whose vehicle was blocked and all of them dragged one by one: beaten and then set ablaze by the vigilante and armed youth yesterday at Uromi, Edo State.
Those killed were hunters travelling from Rivers State to Kano to celebrate Eid with their families.
They were tied to used tyres doused with petrol and then set on fire.
The viral videos of the gory incident show the victims pleading with their attacks while crowds cheered the vigilante that attacked the travelers using axe, iron rod and machete.
Amnesty International said in a press statement today: “Under international law, Nigerian authorities have an obligation to protect the rights of those accused of anything, including the right to life and the right not to be subjected to torture and other ill-treatment.
“Ensuring that those involved in this incident directly or indirectly are held to account, including the police, is integral to maintaining the rule of law.
“President Bola Tinubu and the governor of Edo State, Mr. Monday Okpebholo, must do more to show that they disapprove of this violence.
“Failure to ensure justice for the victims will embolden vigilantes and mobs to kill at will.”
The human right group stated that Nigeria’s escalating reign of impunity and utter disregard for the sanctity of human life must be stopped in its tracks.
“The Nigerian authorities must go beyond merely condemning the incident and ensure that the suspected attackers are apprehended and brought to justice in fair trial,” it said, adding, “The consistent failure of the Nigerian government to punish mob violence has created an environment in which violent mobs believe themselves entitled to take the law into their own hands.
“Violent incidents like the one that happened in Uromi indicate weakening of the rule of law.”
According to Amnesty International, “The horrific mob violence that happened at Uromi is part of the rising trend of vigilante groups of towns and villages along highways blocking roads and carrying out unlawful activities with impunity.
“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.
“Amnesty International strongly condemns this incident.
“The Nigerian government must 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 respond to mob violence.”
