Amnesty International Condemns Brutal Lynching of 16 Travelers in Edo State, Calls for Immediate Investigation

Amnesty International has demanded an immediate and transparent investigation into the gruesome lynching of at least 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State.

The victims, who were hunters traveling from Rivers State to Kano for the Eid celebrations, were attacked by a vigilante group and armed youth, brutally beaten, and set ablaze in a horrifying act of mob violence.

According to viral videos circulating online, the travelers’ vehicle was blocked before they were dragged out one by one. The footage shows the victims pleading for their lives as the attackers, wielding axes, iron rods, and machetes, carried out the gruesome killings while onlookers cheered. Reports indicate that the victims were tied to used tires, doused with petrol, and set on fire.

Amnesty International strongly condemned the act, emphasizing Nigeria’s legal obligations under international law to protect the rights of all individuals, including those accused of any wrongdoing.

“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,” the human rights organization stated.

They further stressed that justice must be served to prevent further lawlessness.

“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 organization criticized the Nigerian government’s long-standing failure to curb mob violence, warning that such inaction fosters a culture of impunity.

“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,” Amnesty International stated. “Violent incidents like the one that happened in Uromi indicate the weakening of the rule of law.”

The statement also raised concerns over the increasing presence of vigilante groups along highways, engaging in unlawful activities unchecked.

“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 fulfill their obligation to protect people from harm and violence.”

Amnesty International called on the Nigerian government to take decisive action against such crimes, ensure justice for victims, and adequately equip the police to handle mob violence.

“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.”

As public outrage grows over the incident, pressure mounts on authorities to take swift and decisive action to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further extrajudicial killings in Nigeria.