Nigeria Faces Surge In Mob Violence As Amnesty International Highlights Security Failures

Amnesty International's new report, titled "Instantly Killed: How Law Enforcement Failures Exacerbate Wave of Mob Violence in Nigeria," highlighted that mob violence was increasing in Nigeria due to the government's failure to protect people's lives.

The report also mentioned cases from all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria: South-South with 82 cases, South-East with 43 cases, South-West with 98 cases, North-Central with 42 cases, North-West with 100 cases, and North-East with 26 cases.

Amnesty International studied cases from January 2012 to August 2023 to create this report, documenting at least 555 victims of mob violence from 363 incidents across Nigeria.

The report, released Monday, described a worrying trend, where people accused of crimes like theft, blasphemy, shoplifting and witchcraft face brutal attacks, torture and even summary executions often without any punishment for those responsible.

The research highlighted cases of mob violence involving at least 13 women, six children and two individuals with actual or perceived mental health conditions or disabilities.

During this investigation, at least 57 people were killed by violent mobs -- 32 were burned alive, 2 were buried alive, and 23 were tortured to death. Many mob killings in remote areas were not reported.

Director of Amnesty International in Nigeria Isa Sanusi said that mob violence was one of the greatest threats to the right to life in the country.

"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," Sanusi said, Premium Times reported.

"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."

Sanusi expressed concern that mob violence was becoming common, often occurring in crowded places like motor parks, markets and busy roads. He noted that victims were frequently tortured through beatings, stoning and using sticks and metal rods.

He emphasized that the Nigerian government was failing to protect the human rights of victims and their families by not doing enough to address issues related to access to justice and effective support for victims.

The director of Amnesty International called on the government to ensure prompt, thorough, and fair investigations into cases of mob violence and to hold those responsible accountable through fair trials.

He also urged authorities to take effective measures to prevent mob violence and ensure access to justice and support for victims, emphasizing that the police must be properly equipped to handle these situations.