An average of 55 persons have died in Nigeria every year over the last 11 years as a result of mob action, otherwise known as jungle justice.

The Programmes Manager of Amnesty International Nigeria, Barbara Magaji, made this startling revelation during an awareness campaign in Calabar at the weekend. The event, tagged #JusticeNotJungle, was aimed at drawing public attention to the dangers of mob justice and the urgent need for lawful accountability and reforms.

She said a research conducted by the movement, which has over 10 million members worldwide, covered a two-year study period on mob violence in Nigeria and examined data spanning 11 years (2012–2023). The findings show that over 555 people have died as a result of mob violence, averaging 55 deaths annually.

According to her, the research revealed that victims were often killed due to false allegations of witchcraft, theft, blasphemy, or mistaken identity.

She explained that these acts are often fuelled by public distrust in the justice system, misinformation, or frustration with slow legal processes, adding that extrajudicial killings can never be the answer, as no one deserves to die without a fair hearing.

She urged Nigerians not to take the law into their own hands in such situations but to report to relevant security agencies, such as the police, for necessary action.

Magaji also called on justice actors, particularly the police, to carry out proper investigations and on the judiciary to hear cases promptly and ensure justice is served.

She noted that despite the scale of the problem, very few perpetrators are ever arrested or prosecuted. “The culture of silence and complicity must end. We are calling on Nigerian authorities to take urgent steps to stop mob violence,” she said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Calabar Branch, Emume Amate, condemned mob action and advised Nigerians to be guided by the constitution and the rule of law, which entail investigation, arrest, and prosecution – instead of jungle justice. (The Guardian)