Mob violence has led to the deaths of at least 555 people in Nigeria between January 2012 and August 2023, according to a new report by Amnesty International.
The report highlights the ongoing issue of extrajudicial killings, where individuals, often accused without any evidence, are dragged from their homes, beaten, stoned, or burned alive by mobs. These incidents, fueled by police inaction, widespread mistrust in the justice system, and the spread of unverified rumors, continue to devastate communities across the country.
Amnesty documented 363 incidents of mob violence over the 11-year period, revealing the brutal consequences of unchecked public violence. The report stresses that no one is safe: women, children, persons with disabilities, and young people have all fallen victim to mob justice. High-profile cases include the Aluu Four incident, where four university students were lynched over alleged theft, and the killing of Talle Mai Ruwa in Bauchi, a man with a mental health condition who was burned alive after being accused of blasphemy.
The report points out that mob violence is often sparked by rumors and false accusations, with perpetrators rarely held accountable. Amnesty International condemned the failure of Nigerian authorities to prevent these acts and provide justice for the victims’ families.
“Those responsible for these killings often walk free while grieving families are left without justice,” the report noted. Amnesty called on Nigeria to uphold its international obligations to protect citizens’ right to life and dignity, and to take urgent steps to prevent further incidents of mob violence.
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