Amnesty International Condemns Lynching of 16 Northern Travelers in Edo, Demands Probe
Amnesty International has called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the gruesome lynching of at least 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State, where vigilantes and armed youths allegedly blocked their vehicle, dragged them out one by one, and set them ablaze.
According to the human rights organization, the victims were hunters traveling from Rivers State to Kano for the Eid celebrations when they were attacked. Disturbing videos of the incident, which have since gone viral, show the victims pleading for their lives while a cheering crowd watched as vigilantes used axes, iron rods, and machetes against them. They were reportedly tied to used tires, doused in petrol, and set on fire.
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Amnesty International strongly condemned the attack, urging Nigerian authorities to go beyond mere condemnation and ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted in a fair trial. The organization criticized the government’s consistent failure to punish mob violence, which has emboldened vigilantes to act with impunity.
“The horrific mob violence at Uromi is part of a rising trend of vigilante groups unlawfully blocking highways and carrying out attacks with no consequences,” Amnesty International stated. “The failure of authorities to investigate and prosecute such cases highlights a shocking disregard for their duty to protect citizens from harm.”
The group called on the Nigerian government to implement effective measures to prevent further cases of mob violence and ensure justice for victims. It also urged security agencies, particularly the police, to be adequately equipped to respond to such incidents and protect innocent lives.
By PRNigeria
