The National Coalition Against Mass Killings, Extra-Judicial Killings, Mob Actions and Impunity (NCAMKI) has condemned the mob attack on a United States-based Nigerian medical doctor in Ibadan, Oyo State, after he was falsely accused of being a kidnapper.

The coalition described the incident as a disturbing reminder of the dangers of mob justice, false accusations and unverified rumours.

According to reports, the victim, identified as Dr Afolabi, was brutally assaulted and nearly lynched by an angry crowd around the Ologuneru area of Ibadan after he was wrongly suspected of attempting to kidnap children.

His vehicle was also set ablaze before police operatives intervened and rescued him from the mob.

In a statement issued by Tunde Agunbiade on behalf of its secretariat, NCAMKI said the incident highlighted the growing threat of jungle justice across the country.

The coalition noted that if the police had arrived a few minutes later, another innocent Nigerian might have been killed and added to the increasing number of victims of mob violence nationwide.

NCAMKI expressed concern that mob violence was gradually becoming normalised in many communities under the guise of vigilante operations, community defence and public anger over insecurity.

“While citizens have genuine fears over rising kidnappings, violent crimes and insecurity, no frustration can justify lawlessness, torture, attempted murder or extra-judicial killings,” the statement read.

The coalition stressed that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to life, dignity and fair hearing, adding that no individual or group has the legal authority to investigate, prosecute, convict or execute suspects on the streets.

It added that many innocent persons had lost their lives in similar incidents due to false accusations, ethnic profiling, mistaken identity and misinformation.

“Today it was a doctor. Tomorrow it could be anybody,” the coalition stated.

NCAMKI called on Nigerians to avoid participating in mob attacks or spreading unverified allegations capable of inciting violence.

It also urged vigilante groups and community security outfits to operate within the law and hand over suspects to law enforcement agencies.

The coalition further appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, religious institutions and civil society organisations to intensify public enlightenment campaigns against jungle justice.

It also called on security agencies to investigate, arrest and prosecute all persons involved in mob violence, irrespective of their status or influence.

The coalition commended the police officers who rescued the victim and prevented what it described as another possible extra-judicial killing.

“Nigeria cannot claim to uphold justice while citizens are beaten, burnt or murdered merely on suspicion.

“A civilised society is governed by law, evidence and due process, not by rumours, anger and mob brutality,” the statement added. (The Guardian)