A nonprofit and human right group “Amnesty International” has launched a campaign against mob violence in Nigeria, warning that the failure of authorities to act decisively has continued to fuel the deadly practice across the country.
The campaign, tagged “End Mob Violence,” was launched in Kano by the Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Mr. Isa Sanusi, as part of the organisation’s ongoing efforts to promote justice and protect human rights in local communities.
At the launch, Mr. Sanusi disclosed that Amnesty International has documented at least 155 cases of mob violence in Nigeria over the last ten years, resulting in the deaths and injuries of hundreds of victims.
“Over the past decade, we have documented 155 cases of mob violence across Nigeria, claiming the lives of people some of which were innocent. This is a shocking reminder that ordinary citizens suffer, and communities are left living in fear,” Mr. Sanusi said.
According to Amnesty International, many victims were beaten, burned alive, or killed by mobs over allegations of theft, blasphemy, or other suspected crimes, often without investigation or trial.
The human rights organisation accused the Nigerian government of failing to take effective action to prevent mob violence or ensure accountability for perpetrators.
Amnesty said this failure has contributed significantly to the persistence of the problem, creating a climate of impunity that encourages mobs to take the law into their own hands.
Amnesty International stressed that weak law enforcement, delayed justice, and lack of prosecution have emboldened perpetrators, while victims and their families are frequently denied justice.
The organisation called on the federal and state governments to urgently investigate all reported cases of mob violence, prosecute those responsible, and strengthen measures to prevent such attacks. It also urged security agencies to respond swiftly to threats of mob action and to protect suspects from extrajudicial punishment.
As part of the campaign, Amnesty International said it will continue to engage communities, civil society groups, and stakeholders to raise awareness about the dangers of mob violence and the importance of due process and the rule of law.
The Kano launch, Amnesty noted, is a crucial step in its broader campaign to end mob violence and ensure that justice is pursued through lawful means rather than violence.