AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL WARNS MOB VIOLENCE IS UNDERMINING THE RIGHT TO LIFE IN NIGERIA
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By:Tajudeen Aminat
Amnesty International has expressed deep concern over the growing incidence of mob violence in Nigeria, warning that it poses a significant threat to the fundamental right to life.
The human rights organisation made the statement in a post on its official X account on Sunday, condemning what it described as the persistent failure of authorities to thoroughly investigate and prosecute those responsible for mob killings.
According to Amnesty International, the recurring nature of such attacks and the lack of accountability reflect serious shortcomings within Nigeria’s justice system.
“The menace of mob violence is perhaps one of the biggest threats to the right to life in Nigeria,” the organisation stated.
It noted that mob killings have continued for years, with only a limited number of cases resulting in arrests or successful prosecutions.
“The fact that these killings have persisted for so long, with few cases investigated and prosecuted, underscores the authorities’ alarming failure to safeguard people from violence and harm,” Amnesty added.
The organisation further observed that the nature of mob violence varies across different parts of the country.
In southern Nigeria, it said victims are often targeted over allegations of theft, ritual practices, or witchcraft. In contrast, mob attacks in northern Nigeria are frequently linked to accusations of blasphemy, sometimes allegedly encouraged by religious leaders.
Amnesty International urged the government and relevant authorities to take urgent and decisive action to protect lives, conduct thorough investigations, and ensure that those responsible for mob violence are held accountable under the law.
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