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ABUJA, Nigeria - The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has praised the prompt actions taken by Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo in response to the recent mob killing of travelers in the state.
The Executive Secretary of the commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, shared this information in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
“We commend Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for swiftly suspending the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (rtd), and for prohibiting illegal vigilante groups in the state.
“However, further actions are necessary to ensure justice for the victims and to prevent such tragic events in the future,” he stated.
Ojukwu reminded both the government and citizens that every individual has the right to life, as outlined in Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
“This is also affirmed in Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” he added.
He further emphasized that the victims' right to freedom of movement, protected under Nigerian and international human rights laws, was violated.
Consequently, Ojukwu called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals responsible for the killings, asserting that “jungle justice has no place in a civilised society.”
“The Commission demands that the offenders be identified and brought to justice.
“We urge the government to take definitive measures to avert such incidents. There is no justification for mob action anywhere in the world,” he remarked.
He encouraged security agencies to enhance intelligence gathering and community outreach to prevent similar incidents, highlighting that law enforcement should be in the hands of trained professionals.
Ojukwu also called on traditional leaders, religious figures, and civil society organizations to raise awareness about the perils of jungle justice and the necessity of upholding the rule of law.
He reiterated the commission’s commitment to advocating for human rights, justice, and accountability in Nigeria.
He ensured that the NHRC would keep monitoring the situation and engaging with relevant authorities to secure justice for the victims.
It is worth noting that 16 traveling hunters were reportedly mistaken for kidnappers and lynched by a mob in Uromi community of Edo on March 28.
Ojukwu characterized the incident as horrific and a severe violation of human rights, underscoring the dangers of mob justice and the urgent need for effective law enforcement to safeguard innocent lives.
