Amnesty International has called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the brutal lynching of at least 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State.
The victims, hunters traveling from Rivers State to Kano for Eid celebrations, were reportedly beaten, tied to tires, doused with petrol, and set on fire by a mob of vigilantes and armed youths.
Describing the attack as “horrific mob violence,” Amnesty International Nigeria shared disturbing details in a statement on its X (formerly Twitter) account.
“Viral videos showed the victims pleading for their lives as the mob carried out these barbaric killings, with cheering crowds watching,” the statement read.
Amnesty expressed grave concern over the lack of police intervention despite the prolonged and public nature of the attack.
“The failure of security agencies to intervene is deeply troubling and must be addressed urgently,” it said.
The rights group also highlighted the growing presence of vigilante groups along major highways engaging in unlawful activities, including extrajudicial killings.
In response, Amnesty International has demanded that both the Edo State government and security agencies conduct a full-scale, independent investigation into the killings.
“Justice must be served, and those responsible must be held accountable to prevent further incidents of jungle justice,” the statement concluded.
While the Edo State government has yet to release an official statement, Governor Monday Okpebholo condemned the killings and has ordered a police investigation.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with local and international calls for stronger measures to curb lawlessness in Nigeria.
The police have arrested 14 suspects in connection with the attack, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has condemned the mob violence, ordering a takeover of the investigation by the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).
