IHRC Demands Justice As Edo Mob Violence Claims 16 Lives

The International Human Rights Commission-IHRC Corporation in Nigeria under the leadership of Ambassador Duru Hezekiah, Head of Diplomatic Mission, has called on the federal and Edo State governments to fish out perpetrators of the mob violence in Edo and ensure that justice is served.

A horrific incident of mob violence occurred in Edo State on Thursday, leaving 16 travelers dead and sparking widespread outrage. The victims, part of a group of 25 Northern travelers, were reportedly ambushed, lynched over suspicion that they were kidnappers, and had their truck set ablaze by vigilante members and an enraged mob along the Uromi/Obajana Expressway in Udune Efandion Community of the state.

In an official statement on Saturday, Ambassador Hezekiah strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a “harrowing display of mob injustice.”

The Edo State Police Command said it has arrested 14 suspects in connection with the crime and deployed a unit of Police Mobile Force personnel to the area to maintain law and order. However, the IHRC argues that the government’s response has been inadequate, noting that some of the authorities were applying double standards in responding to violence.

The IHRC urges the government to take immediate action to address the underlying causes of kidnapping, farmers-herders clashes, and a quick response to avoid further acts of jungle justice, stressing the consequential impact on the deprivation of farmers and their freedom of movement.

The IHRC Chief worried over the level of suffering faced by Nigerians, adding that the scarcity of food and poverty stemmed from the inability of farmers to cultivate their farmlands due to insecurity concerns, which contradicts President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigerians.

To restore peace, Ambassador Hezekiah appealed to President Bola Tinubu’s administration to address Nigeria’s worsening insecurity challenges, emphasizing that recent incidents demonstrate the need for immediate government intervention, both at the federal and State levels.

“Eradicating insecurity is crucial for economic development, and the government must take concrete steps to ensure the safety and security of all citizens

“The government should not wait until situations escalate before deploying security personnel, but rather take proactive measures to prevent such incidents from occurring,” he said.

The Commission also urged citizens to remain calm and cooperate with authorities as they investigate the incident.

The IHRC promised to continue monitoring the situation and advocate for the protection of human rights in Nigeria.