Nigeria Grapples with Escalating Mob Violence, Highlighting Government Failures

Nigeria is facing a significant escalation in mob violence, which has resulted in numerous deaths and highlighted the failure of the country’s authorities to protect its citizens. According to a recent report by Amnesty International, between January 2012 and August 2023, there were at least 555 victims of mob violence, with 57 people killed in the period of the investigation. These incidents included 32 people burnt alive, 2 buried alive, and 23 tortured to death.

The violence is widespread, documented in all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. In the southern regions, mob violence is often targeted at individuals accused of theft, ritual practices, or witchcraft. In contrast, in northern Nigeria, such violence is frequently directed against those accused of blasphemy, often with the endorsement of religious clerics.

Amnesty International has criticized the Nigerian authorities for their failure to prevent mob violence, investigate allegations, and bring perpetrators to justice. The organization’s Director in Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, emphasized that the lack of action by law enforcement agencies and the corruption within legal institutions are empowering mobs to continue their violent acts.

Notable cases include the killing of Deborah Samuel Yakubu, a student who was stoned and burnt to death in May 2022 over blasphemy allegations, and Martina Okey Itagbor, who was accused of witchcraft and burnt alive in June 2023. These incidents underscore the systemic failure to protect vulnerable groups, including women, children, and individuals with mental health conditions or disabilities.

Amnesty International is calling for the Nigerian government to take immediate action to address these issues, including conducting thorough investigations, ensuring access to justice for victims, and equipping the police to effectively respond to mob violence.