Amnesty International has called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the brutal lynching of at least 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State. The victims, reportedly hunters traveling from Rivers State to Kano for the Eid celebration, were attacked by a vigilante group and armed youth on Monday.
According to eyewitness reports and disturbing viral videos, the victims’ vehicle was blocked, and they were dragged out one by one, beaten with axes, iron rods, and machetes before being tied to use tires, doused with petrol, and set on fire. The videos showed the victims pleading for mercy while a cheering crowd encouraged the attackers.
Amnesty International condemned the attack, stressing that Nigerian authorities have a legal obligation under international law to protect the rights of all individuals, including those accused of crimes. The organization emphasized that the Nigerian government must ensure that those responsible—both directly and indirectly—are held accountable through fair trials.
“The Nigerian government’s consistent failure to punish mob violence has emboldened vigilante groups and fueled a dangerous culture of impunity,” Amnesty International stated. The organization urged President Bola Tinubu and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo to take decisive action to prevent further acts of vigilante violence and ensure justice for the victims.
The rise of vigilante activity along Nigerian highways, where local groups frequently block roads and carry out unlawful attacks, underscores a weakening of the rule of law. Amnesty International warned that failure to address these incidents will encourage further lawlessness and threaten public safety.
“The Nigerian authorities must go beyond condemnation,” Amnesty International added. “Concrete action is needed to apprehend and prosecute the attackers and strengthen the capacity of the police to prevent and respond to mob violence.”
The organization reiterated its call for effective measures to protect Nigerians from vigilante violence and ensure justice for victims of such attacks.
