Amnesty International has strongly condemned the brutal lynching of 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo State, and called on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo to ensure justice for the victims. The human rights organization described the incident as part of a rising trend of vigilante violence in Nigeria, where mobs take the law into their own hands with impunity.
The victims, identified as hunters traveling from Rivers State to Kano for Eid celebrations, were reportedly stopped by vigilantes and a mob, dragged out of their vehicle, beaten, tied to used tyres, doused in petrol, and set ablaze. Disturbing viral videos showed the victims pleading for mercy while bystanders cheered on the attackers.
Amnesty International’s Nigeria Director, Isa Sanusi, criticized the Nigerian authorities for their failure to prevent such atrocities, stating that the lack of accountability has emboldened violent mobs. "The horrific mob violence in Uromi is part of a pattern where vigilante groups unlawfully block highways and carry out brutal attacks without consequences," Sanusi said.
The organization urged the government to go beyond mere condemnation and take concrete steps to prosecute those responsible. "Under international law, Nigeria has an obligation to protect the rights of all individuals, including the right to life and freedom from torture," Sanusi emphasized.
Amnesty International also called for stronger measures to prevent future incidents, including better-equipped law enforcement and systemic reforms to curb extrajudicial killings. The group warned that failure to act would only perpetuate a culture of impunity and further endanger innocent lives.
The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, with civil society groups and political leaders demanding swift justice. Governor Okpebholo condemned the killings and vowed to ensure the perpetrators face the law, while President Tinubu ordered a thorough investigation.
As tensions remain high, Amnesty International stressed the urgent need for authorities to restore public confidence in the justice system and prevent further mob violence.
Source: Gazette Nigeria, Amnesty International