Metro

Amnesty International says 555 Nigerians killed by jungle justice, mob attacks in 10 years

Published

2 months ago

October 28, 2024

Amnesty International has revealed that at least 555 persons were killed by jungle justice and mob violence in Nigeria in the last 10 years.

In a new report entitled, “Instantly Killed: How Law Enforcement Failures Exacerbate Wave Of Mob Violence In Nigeria”, the global human rights organization documents how victims who are often accused of theft, blasphemy, shoplifting and witchcraft are beaten, tortured and killed with impunity, with the suspected perpetrators almost always getting away with it.

The report added that even those with mental health conditions and psycho-social disabilities were consistently targeted by violent mobs that used their disabilities to make false accusations against them to justify the lynching.

“Between January 2012 to August 2023, Amnesty International recorded at least 555 victims of mob violence, from 363 documented incidents across Nigeria,” the report endorsed by
Isa Sanusi, Director Amnesty International Nigeria, stated.

“Over the period of the investigation, at least 57 people were killed by violent mobs; 32 were burnt alive, 2 persons were buried alive, while 23 people were tortured to death.

“Many cases of mob killings in remote areas go unreported, the report noted. The menace of mob violence is perhaps one of the biggest threats to the right to life in Nigeria. The fact that these killings have been happening for a long time, with few cases investigated and prosecuted, highlights the authorities’ shocking failure to uphold and fulfil their obligation to protect people from harm and violence,” said

“The failure of law enforcement agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force, to prevent mob violence, investigate allegations of torture and killings, and bring suspected perpetrators to justice, is empowering mobs to kill. The problem is compounded by weak and corrupt legal institutions and systems.

“Amnesty International’s research details cases of victims of mob violence that include at least 13 women, six children, and two persons with actual or perceived mental health illnesses and/or psycho-social or intellectual disabilities.

“Cases of mob violence were documented in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones: South-South (82), South-East (43), South-West (98), North-Central (42), North-West (100), and North-East (26).

“In the southern parts of Nigeria, mob violence is mostly targeted at those accused of theft, of taking part in rituals or practising witchcraft. In northern Nigeria, it is mostly used against those accused of blasphemy and often endorsed by religious clerics.

“The apparent encouragement of killings for blasphemy by some Islamic clerics in the north creates an environment in which mobs feel entitled to take the law into their own hands. Meanwhile, influential persons and government officials rarely publicly condemn mob violence for blasphemy.

“Deborah Samuel Yakubu, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education Sokoto, was killed on 12 May 2022. The organisation laments how a horrifying video showing her being stoned and burned to death was circulated widely on social media.

“The police arrived at the scene after Deborah was already dead; those arrested after the incident were freed and were never brought to justice.

“On 4 June 2022, a blasphemy allegation was made against Ahmad Usman (who was also known as Musa). He was lynched by a mob at the tipper garage in Lugbe District, Abuja.

“On 25 June 2023, Usman Buda – a Sokoto-based butcher was killed by a mob for alleged blasphemy. Amnesty International found that the religious argument leading to his lynching was a set up to settle personal grudges over sales in the market.

“On 18 June 2023, Martina Okey Itagbor was accused of causing the death of two young men who died in a motor accident.

“She was accused of witchcraft, which was alleged to be the cause of the accident. A mob gathered around Mrs Okey and interrogated her. They then collected stones and other harmful objects and tortured her before burning her alive by the roadside.”

“The Nigerian authorities are failing to protect the human rights of victims and their families. They are failing to ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims, the organisation said.

“The Nigerian authorities must urgently address the escalating cases of mob violence including by upholding and protecting the rights of everyone in the country to life and freedom from torture.

“Government must ensure prompt, thorough, impartial, independent, transparent and effective investigation of cases of mob violence and bring those suspected to be responsible to justice in fair trials. Authorities should also take appropriate and effective measures to prevent cases of mob violence across the country and ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims. The police must be adequately equipped to prevent and respond to mob violence.” said Sanusi.

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Metro

Zambian drug agency declares ex-President Lungu’s daughter wanted

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Zambian Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has declared the daughter of former president Edgar Lungu, Tasila Lungu, wanted in connection with money laundering activities.

The Director General of the DEC, Nason Banda, who made the announcement at a media briefing in Lusaka on Tuesday, told journalists that Tasila, who was a Member of Parliament representing Chawama Constituency, fled the country after her father lost elections on pretext of being on maternity leave, and had remained defiant to calls from law enforcement officers to present herself for investigations.

Banda stated that the Commission was tired of issuing call outs to Tasila through her lawyers, hence the decision to place her on the wanted list.

Banda noted that the Commission wanted Tasila to explain her certain sources of income like other persons who were called for questioning after they were found with a case to answer.

He said the Commission had issued several call outs to Tasila through her lawyers since she was not in the country and had grown tired of waiting because this was prolonging the investigations which should be closed as soon as possible.

“We have been attempting to contact her to answer questions related to an ongoing investigation. Messages have been sent, and lawyers have been contacted, but Honorable Lungu has not responded. As of now, Honorable Lungu is considered a wanted person,” Banda said.

He urged Tasila to come forward and answer questions while assuring that the process will be fair and she will be treated with respect, emphasizing the importance of justice and fairness.

Banda also assured that there was no witch-hunt in the process of investigating Tasila and other politicians, emphasizing that in the past, seizures had been lifted, and property had been returned to owners after investigations were completed.

“We have issues with her, let her come and answer a few questions. It’s only fair for her to respond because we have issues with her. So we would like honourable Lungu to come and answer a few questions. We have sent call outs through her lawyers,” he said.

Banda said the DEC had, on May, 30, 2024, summoned Tasila together with the former first lady to appear before them for interviews through two separate notices signed by an Officer of the Anti-Money Laundering Unit, but despite assurances from her lawyers, Zulu and Advocates, that she would make herself available to the agency, she had failed to show up.

Metro

‘Pray for leaders to serve you diligently,’ President Tinubu tells Nigerians

Published

8 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Isaac Dachen

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to develop the habit of praying for their leaders to enable them serve diligently and strive for prosperity.

The president, who made the call in his Christmas message to citizens, said genuine prayers were required from all Nigerians, especially Christians, as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ so that the leaders would not deviate from the right path.

In the message he personally signed, Tinubu extended his heartfelt greetings to Nigerian Christians as they joined their counterparts globally to mark the birth of Jesus Christ and further reassured Nigerians that the country was on the path of progress towards a brighter future for every citizen.

“On this joyous Christmas Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to Christians across Nigeria and worldwide as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, as narrated in the Holy scriptures,” the President said in the message.

‘’Christmas embodies the fulfilment of divine prophecy and symbolises the triumph of love, peace, and unity. It is a poignant reminder that light can emerge even in the darkest times, bringing solace and hope. This belief resonates with people of all faiths. Indeed, God is with us.

“Recent tragic events in Ibadan, Okija, and Abuja deeply sadden us, and our thoughts are with those who continue to suffer from these heartbreaking incidents. We earnestly pray that such misfortunes do not revisit our families and communities and that the lives of innocents are never again cut short.

“I offer my deepest sympathies to the families enduring pain and loss this year, whether from floods, fire, or accidents. May we all find comfort and solace in our faith, the support of loved ones, and the abiding presence of Jesus Christ. Our compassionate and merciful God stands with the weak, the brokenhearted, and the sick.

“As we celebrate this blessed season, let us be mindful of those facing difficulties. They are not far from us—our neighbours, family members, and the people we encounter daily, whether in places of worship, markets, offices, or boardrooms.

“Kindness transcends financial status. Those with modest means and those with abundance need a smile or a word of encouragement.

“Let us extend similar support and prayers to our nation’s leaders. With your backing, we can serve our country diligently and strive for prosperity.

“Nigeria is on a promising path of restoration and progress, with every indication pointing toward a bright future. In the spirit of this season, let us renew our hope and belief in a prosperous Nigeria.

“For those travelling during this festive period, I wish you safe journeys. Rest assured, the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure our transportation routes are secure and convenient. We also provide free train services and subsidized road transport costs on 144 routes nationwide to ease your travels,” he said.