Amnesty International has called for an immediate investigation into the brutal lynching of over 16 travellers by vigilantes and a mob in Uromi, Edo State, on Thursday.
In a statement posted on X on Friday, March 28, Amnesty International Nigeria’s Director, Isa Sanusi, described the incident as horrific and condemned the authorities’ failure to prevent such acts of mob violence.
“The Nigerian authorities must immediately and transparently institute an investigation of lynching of over 16 travelers whose vehicle was blocked and all of them dragged one by one: beaten and then set ablaze by the vigilante and armed youth,” Sanusi said.
The victims, identified as hunters travelling from Rivers State to Kano for Eid celebrations, were reportedly tied to used tyres, doused in petrol, and set on fire. Viral videos of the incident showed them pleading for their lives as a cheering crowd watched.
Sanusi linked the killings to a rising trend of vigilante groups blocking highways and engaging in unlawful activities. He blamed the government’s inaction for the impunity surrounding mob violence.
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“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 fulfil their obligation to protect people from harm and violence,” he stated.
Under international law, Sanusi noted, Nigeria is obligated to protect the rights of all individuals, including those accused of crimes, ensuring they are not subjected to torture or extrajudicial killings.
He urged the government to move beyond condemnation and take decisive action.
“The Nigerian authorities must go beyond merely condemning the incident and ensure that the suspected attackers are identified and promptly brought to justice in fair trial,” Sanusi added.
Amnesty International also called for stronger measures to prevent mob violence nationwide and ensure justice for victims. The organisation stressed that the police must be adequately equipped to handle such incidents effectively.