By ibrahima yakubu
Ladies Empowerment Goals and Support Initiative (LEGASI) strongly condemns the horrific mob lynching of 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State, on March 27, 2025. This act of extreme violence, where innocent lives were brutally taken in an apparent jungle justice scenario, is a gross violation of human rights and a deep assault on the rule of law.
According to reports, the victims, who were traveling from Rivers State to Kano, were intercepted by local vigilantes who allegedly found weapons in their vehicle.
Rather than handing them over to law enforcement, the situation escalated into a mob attack that ended in the gruesome killing and burning of the victims.
Such disturbing acts of extrajudicial punishment are not only unlawful but threaten to plunge communities into cycles of retaliatory violence.
LEGASI is particularly concerned about rising tensions and the risk of reprisal attacks, especially along ethnic and regional lines. These dangers must not be ignored.
In light of this, LEGASI calls on all peacebuilders, religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society, and the media to use their platforms to promote messages of restraint, unity, and peace. This is a critical moment to counter any rhetoric of vengeance and emphasize that justice must be pursued through legal and peaceful means.
Amnesty International has also reiterated the danger of unchecked vigilante actions and the responsibility of the Nigerian government to uphold human rights, even in the face of security challenges.
While key suspects have reportedly been arrested and transferred to Abuja for further investigation and prosecution, LEGASI stresses that only transparent and impartial legal processes can deliver true justice and prevent future incidents.
We therefore call on Edo State and Federal Governments to:
Ensure Transparent Investigation and Prosecution: Conduct a full, impartial
investigation into the Uromi killings and bring all those responsible to justice without delay or bias.
Strengthen the Rule of Law: Build the capacity of law enforcement and judicial institutions to address such crimes, thereby reducing the temptation for communities to resort to mob actions.
Promote Dialogue and Peacebuilding: Proactively engage all stakeholders; especially youth, community leaders, and local authorities—in peace dialogues that heal divides and prevent the spread of hate and violence.
LEGASI urges the general public to remain calm and law-abiding, and to resist calls for retaliation. No grievance justifies the taking of another life outside the justice system. We must all work together to uphold our shared humanity and ensure that Nigeria remains a country governed by justice, compassion, and the rule of law.
For media inquiries
Mailing Address:
Almara Centre – 22B, Kanta Road,
Off Independence Way,
Kaduna North, Nigeria
Phone: (+234) 815 142 1551
Email: info@legasi.org
Website: www.legasi.org
