Condemning the Brutal Killing of Innocent Travellers in Edo State: A call for immediate government action, by Dr. Tukur Madu Yemi
The recent killing of innocent travellers in Edo State is a chilling reminder of the growing menace of jungle justice in Nigeria. In a shocking display of mob violence, 16 individuals suspected of being kidnappers were brutally lynched and burned alive in Uromi, Edo State. This horrific act, captured in disturbing videos circulating online, is not only inhumane but also a stark indictment of the failure of law enforcement and the increasing breakdown of societal order.
However, beyond the sheer brutality of the attack, the coordinated nature of the lynching raises serious concerns. This was not an isolated incident of spontaneous mob action—it appears to have been premeditated and systematically executed. The level of coordination, the swiftness with which the victims were rounded up, and the manner in which they were publicly executed suggest a deeper, more organised effort.
Even more alarming is the complete absence of security forces—no police intervention, no military presence, no attempts to disperse the mob, or prevent the killings. How could such an event unfold so openly without any security response? If Nigerian security forces can not prevent or even respond to a public massacre in broad daylight, then what is their purpose? Who is responsible for this failure, and what will be done to ensure it never happens again?
A Pattern of Lawlessness: How Did We Get Here?
This is not the first time Edo State has witnessed such an atrocity, and if immediate action is not taken, it certainly won’t be the last. In January 2023, the Igueben train station in Edo State was attacked by kidnappers, underscoring the growing security crisis in the region. The constant recurrence of jungle justice and violent crime in Edo and other parts of Nigeria points to a disturbing trend: people have lost confidence in the state’s ability to protect them, and as a result, they are resorting to mob justice.
READ ALSO: Defence Chief vows justice for Northern hunters killed in Edo
The question remains: How did we get to this point?
A failing justice system that is slow, corrupt, and often incapable of delivering justice swiftly.
Weak security infrastructure that leaves many communities vulnerable to crime.
Deep-rooted frustration and fear among citizens who feel abandoned by the government.
Widening divisions and grievances among different regions and ethnic groups, with some feeling excluded from governance while others exploit national resources without contributing meaningfully to national progress.
The rise of separatist ideologies, where certain groups do not see themselves as part of Nigeria and want to function as a separate nation, leading to lawlessness and disregard for the state’s authority.
The possibility of an organised syndicate exploiting mob mentality to settle scores, silence opponents, or advance hidden agendas under the guise of jungle justice.
The absence of law enforcement in moments of crisis, allowing mobs to act with impunity.
But jungle justice is NOT the answer. It is anarchy in its rawest form.
The Government Must Act Beyond Words
President Bola Tinubu has ordered security agencies to investigate the killings and arrest the perpetrators. The Edo State government has also condemned the act and vowed to bring those responsible to justice. While these responses are necessary, they are simply not enough. The real question is: will the investigation be thorough, or will it be another case swept under the carpet?
Condemnation must be followed by decisive action to ensure this never happens again. The circumstances surrounding this mass lynching require a deeper probe.
Who mobilised the mob?
How did they act so swiftly?
Was this a spontaneous reaction, or were there external influences driving the violence?
And most importantly, where were the security forces?
Why was there no immediate response from the police or the army?
The Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Army Staff must publicly explain this colossal failure of security. If they can not ensure basic law and order, then they must be held accountable.
Key Recommendations for Preventing Future Mob Killings
1. Strengthen Security Presence Immediately:
Security in Edo State and other volatile areas must be reinforced urgently. Increased police patrols, more checkpoints, and intelligence-driven security operations should be deployed to prevent such incidents. Security forces must be well-equipped, properly trained, and adequately funded to handle threats effectively.
2. Fix the Broken Justice System:
Many communities resort to jungle justice because they believe the legal system does not work. The government must speed up trials, eliminate corruption, and ensure that criminals are swiftly prosecuted. If people see justice being served through the right channels, they will be less likely to take the law into their own hands.
3. Launch an Independent and Transparent Investigation: The government must conduct a deep investigation into this incident, not just to identify and arrest those directly involved but to uncover any hidden forces behind it. If this was indeed a coordinated effort, then the masterminds must be exposed and prosecuted. Additionally, security officials must be questioned—where were they, and why did they fail to intervene?
4. Regulate Vigilante Groups and Community Policing: While vigilante groups play an important role in community security, they must be closely monitored and regulated. Without oversight, they can become instruments of extrajudicial killings. The government must establish a clear framework that ensures accountability in community policing.
5. Launch Nationwide Awareness Campaigns Against Jungle Justice: The government, religious institutions, and civil society organisations must work together to educate the public about the dangers of jungle justice. Schools, churches, mosques, and the media should be used to spread messages that reinforce respect for human rights and the rule of law.
6. Tackle the Root Causes of Crime: Poverty, Unemployment, and Regional Inequality
Job creation, youth empowerment programmes, and increased investment in education are crucial to reducing crime.
The government must also address the widening gap between different regions, where some feel marginalised in governance while others exploit national resources without contributing to development.
7. Develop Critical Social Infrastructure in High-Risk Areas: Many areas where jungle justice occurs lack basic social services, such as electricity, water, healthcare, and good roads. The government must prioritise infrastructure development in these communities. Well-lit streets, functional police stations, and emergency response centres will significantly reduce crime rates and prevent mob actions fueled by fear.
The Way Forward: This Must Never Happen Again
This is not just about Edo State—it is about Nigeria as a whole. Jungle justice has become a national crisis that threatens the very fabric of our society. If this cycle of violence is not stopped now, it will only worsen, and more innocent lives will be lost.
Other countries have tackled mob violence through reforms in policing, legal accountability, and public awareness. Nigeria must do the same. Nations like India and Brazil, which once struggled with similar issues, took decisive action through law enforcement reforms and strict penalties for mob-related crimes.
The media also has a crucial role to play. News outlets must report responsibly, ensuring that coverage of jungle justice incidents focuses on justice and accountability, rather than fueling more violence. The media should work with law enforcement agencies and civil society organisations to sensitise the public on the importance of due process.
The brutal killing of innocent travellers in Edo State is a national disgrace that should never have happened—and must never happen again.
The Inspector General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Governor of Edo State must act within 30 days to ensure justice is served or risk losing public confidence entirely.
The time for talk is over. The government must act now to restore law and order, protect lives, and rebuild public trust in the justice system. Nigeria must not become a country where mob rule reigns supreme.
Jungle justice must end—NOW.
By Dr. Tukur Madu Yemi
Federal University of Kashere, Gombe
alhajitukur68@gmail.com
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