IHRC Demands Justice As Edo Mob Violence Claims 16 Lives

The International Human Rights Commission IHRC Corporation in Nigeria, under the leadership of H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, Head of Diplomatic Mission, strongly condemns the horrific incident of mob violence that occurred in Edo State, resulting in the deaths of 16 travelers. The victims, part of a group of 25 travelers, were ambushed, lynched, and had their truck set ablaze by vigilante members and an enraged mob along the Uromi/Obajana Expressway in Udune Efandion Community of the State.​

A Harrowing Display of Mob Injustice

The IHRC describes this incident as a “harrowing display of mob injustice” and urges the government to take concrete measures to ensure the security of life and property, emphasizing that the government has a responsibility to protect the rights to life and property of all citizens, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).​

Government Response and Arrests

The IHRC notes that the Edo State Police Command has arrested 14 suspects in connection with the crime and deployed a unit of Police Mobile Force personnel to the area to maintain law and order. However, the IHRC argues that the government’s response has been inadequate, with some accusing authorities of applying double standards in responding to violence.​

Addressing Root Causes

The IHRC calls on the government to take immediate action to address the underlying causes of kidnapping and farmers-herdsmen clashes in the affected communities, stressing the consequential impact on the deprivation of farmers and their freedom of movement.​

“People are suffering,” IHRC laments, adding that the scarcity of food and poverty stemmed from the inability of farmers to cultivate their farmlands due to insecurity concerns, which contradicts President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigerians.​

Call for Proactive Measures

“I passionately appeal to President Bola Tinubu’s administration to address Nigeria’s worsening insecurity challenges, noting that recent incidents demonstrate the need for immediate government intervention, both at the federal and state levels.”​

“As noted by experts, eradicating insecurity is crucial for economic development, and the government must take concrete steps to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.”​

“The government should not wait until situations escalate before deploying security personnel, but rather take proactive measures to prevent such incidents from occurring.”​

Appeal for Calm and Cooperation

The Commission also urges citizens to remain calm and cooperate with authorities as they investigate the incident. As tensions remain high, the IHRC will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for the protection of human rights in Nigeria.​

Reported by:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria