Amnesty international raises alarm over growing mob action

Human rights body, Amnesty International in Nigeria, has raised concern over the growing mob action across parts of the country, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to rule of law and the safety of citizens.

Amnesty International Country Director, Isa Sanusi who made this known at a media dialogue in Kano condemned recent incidents of jungle justice, where individuals accused of crimes were attacked or killed by mobs without due process.

The organization is asking the Nigerian government to strengthen community policing, ensure accountability for perpetrators of mob violence, and intensify public awareness campaigns on human rights and the dangers of jungle justice.

Sanusi said the campaign, which started two years ago, has been taken to all six geopolitical zones and would continue as part of efforts to pressure authorities to confront the root causes of mob killings in Nigeria.

According to him, Amnesty International has, over the last 10 years, profiled no fewer than 155 cases of mob violence across the country, many of which resulted in loss of lives.

He explained that mob violence often occurs when people accused of offences such as blasphemy, theft or witchcraft are attacked and killed instantly without investigation or due process.

Sanusi described the trend as unacceptable, stressing that no society governed by law and order should tolerate such acts.