Amnesty International has raised serious concerns about the rising incidence of mob violence in Nigeria, warning that the trend fosters a culture of impunity. In a new report, the global rights group revealed that at least 555 individuals have fallen victim to mob violence across Nigeria over the last decade, attributing the surge in blasphemy-related killings to incitement by religious leaders.

“The Nigerian authorities' failure to protect lives has resulted in an alarming rise in mob violence, with people increasingly resorting to ‘jungle justice’,” Amnesty International Nigeria stated. The report highlights how the absence of effective law enforcement has enabled mobs to act with impunity, often targeting individuals accused of theft, blasphemy, shoplifting, and witchcraft, subjecting them to brutal beatings, torture, and killings without facing consequences.

From January 2012 to August 2023, the organization documented 555 victims of mob attacks across 363 incidents in the country. Of these victims, 57 were killed by mobs, with 32 burned alive, 2 buried alive, and 23 tortured to death. Amnesty noted that many cases in remote areas remain unreported.

“The persistence of mob violence poses a grave threat to the right to life in Nigeria. The fact that so few cases have been investigated or prosecuted is a damning reflection of the authorities' failure to meet their obligation to protect citizens,” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.

The report criticized the Nigeria Police Force for its inability to prevent mob violence or investigate these crimes, further emboldening mobs. It also pointed to weak legal systems and corruption within law enforcement as factors contributing to the growing impunity.

Amnesty’s findings revealed that victims of mob violence included vulnerable groups, such as 13 women, six children, and two people with mental health conditions or intellectual disabilities. Cases of mob violence were documented across all six geopolitical zones:

• South-South (82 cases)
• South-East (43 cases)
• South-West (98 cases)
• North-Central (42 cases)
• North-West (100 cases)
• North-East (26 cases)

Sanusi emphasized the urgent need for the Nigerian government to take decisive action:

“The authorities must address the rising tide of mob violence by safeguarding every citizen’s right to life and protection from torture. There must be prompt, impartial, and transparent investigations into these incidents, with perpetrators brought to justice through fair trials. Additionally, proactive measures are needed to prevent further cases and ensure victims have access to justice and remedies."

He also called for the police to be adequately equipped to prevent and respond effectively to mob violence across the country.