CISLAC demands justice, calls for immediate probe into Uromi lynching

The Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Comrade Auwal Musa Rafisanjani, on Friday, strongly condemned the brutal killing of at least 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State.

Expressing deep concern over the tragic incident, Comrade Rafisanjani, in a statement made available to journalists, called for an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation into the incident.

According to him, it was revealed that the victims—hunters traveling from Rivers State to Kano to celebrate Eid with their families—were mercilessly lynched after their vehicle was intercepted by a vigilante group and armed youths.

The victims were beaten, tied to used tires soaked in petrol, and set ablaze. Disturbing viral videos of the incident show the victims pleading for mercy while being attacked with axes, iron rods, and machetes. Shockingly, onlookers cheered but failed to intervene.

CISLAC condemns this horrific act of mob violence, which underscores the alarming rise of vigilante justice and a growing disregard for human life in Nigeria.

While emphasizing the need for an immediate and transparent investigation into the killings, Comrade Rafisanjani urged Nigerian authorities to ensure that those responsible for this gruesome act are apprehended and held accountable under the law, including any police officers who may have neglected their duty to intervene.

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The CISLAC boss stressed: “Under international law, the Nigerian government has an unequivocal obligation to protect its citizens, safeguard their right to life, and protect them from torture and other ill-treatment.

“The failure to fulfill this duty sends a dangerous message, signaling that violence and impunity will be tolerated, ultimately emboldening mobs and vigilantes to act with increasing brutality.”

Comrade Rafisanjani also demanded that President Bola Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State take immediate action to condemn this act of violence and demonstrate their commitment to ensuring justice for the victims.

He maintained that the Nigerian government must go beyond mere condemnation and take concrete steps to ensure that the suspected attackers face justice through a fair trial.

“The incident in Uromi is not an isolated case but part of a disturbing trend of vigilante violence across the country, particularly in towns and villages where highway communities are increasingly besieged by groups taking the law into their own hands.

“This culture of mob violence has been allowed to thrive due to the government’s consistent failure to hold perpetrators accountable and enforce the rule of law,” he noted.

Comrade Rafisanjani further stressed the urgent need for the Nigerian government to strengthen its efforts to prevent further mob violence and vigilante killings.

“This includes ensuring that the police are properly equipped to respond effectively and that victims have access to justice and meaningful remedies.

“The government must implement both punitive and preventive measures to curb the rising tide of impunity and uphold the sanctity of human life,” he stressed.