Amnesty International has reported that at least 555 Nigerians lost their lives to mob violence between 2012 and 2024, highlighting a disturbing trend of extrajudicial killings across the country.
The revelation came during a campaign walk against mob violence held in Calabar on Friday, where Barbara Magaji, Programme Manager for Amnesty International Nigeria, addressed participants and the press.
According to Magaji, the organisation spent two years documenting incidents of mob violence nationwide, uncovering an average of 55 deaths annually over the 11 years. She said many victims were targeted based on unverified public accusations, often involving allegations of theft or witchcraft.
“People are killed simply because someone shouted ‘thief’ or accused them of witchcraft in a public space,” Magaji said. “These individuals are stoned or burned to death without any form of investigation or trial.”
The study covered all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, with Cross River State identified as a hotspot for mob violence triggered by witchcraft accusations.
Magaji condemned the practice of vigilante justice, urging Nigerians to report suspected crimes to law enforcement agencies rather than resorting to mob action.
“All we ask is that the public should not take the law into their own hands,” she said. “The police are the appropriate actors in justice matters.”
She emphasised that mob violence not only violates the victims’ right to life but also undermines the rule of law and the credibility of Nigeria’s justice system.
Amnesty International called on citizens to trust legal institutions and allow the judiciary to determine guilt or innocence, rather than relying on public outrage and hearsay.
