A video of two men struggling for their lives as they were being burnt to death in the Onitsha area of Anambra State, southeast Nigeria, has generated outrage on social media.
Development Diaries reports that the men, simply identified as Omaume and Monday, were alleged by traders and residents to be members of an armed robbery gang.
As seen in Onitsha today.. 🤦 pic.twitter.com/AOx4clD8ob
— Hills (@HillsMezie) November 1, 2023
This infernal act is indefensible and unacceptable.
According to a report by SB Morgen, in the period between 2019 and 2022, at least 391 people were killed in 279 mob justice instances, of which 223 took place in the south and the remaining 168 in the north of Nigeria.
When citizens resort to mob violence instead of relying on the legal system, it erodes trust in the formal justice system, and when there are no consequences for their barbaric action, they carry on with the unlawful act.
Furthermore, jungle justice often results in innocent people being targeted and subjected to violence or even death based on mere suspicion or rumour.
The lack of a fair and impartial investigation can lead to wrongful accusations and the suffering of individuals who have committed no crime.
This not only violates the basic human rights of the accused but also perpetuates a culture of fear and insecurity within a community.
To put an end to jungle justice in Nigeria, there is a need for widespread awareness campaigns and education to inform citizens about the importance of due process and the dangers of taking the law into their hands.
Law enforcement agencies must ensure prompt and effective response to incidents of mob violence.
Ultimately, bringing an end to jungle justice is essential to upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, and creating a more just and stable society in Nigeria.
While the Anambra State Police Command has condemned this unfortunate act, and described the suspects as armed robbers, there is more to be done to avoid repeating it.
Development Diaries calls on the Anambra State Commissioner of Police to ensure that the police investigate the crime committed and ensure punishment for perpetrators.
We also call on the government of Anambra State to enact a law that strictly prohibits jungle justice and punishes offenders.
Photo source: Nwabu2010
