In a horrifying incident that underscores the deep-seated issues plaguing Nigerian society, 16 travelers were brutally lynched by a mob in Edo State. These victims, believed to be northerners and Muslims traveling to celebrate a Muslim festival, were mistakenly suspected of being kidnappers. This tragic event is not an isolated occurrence but a stark reminder of the pervasive problems of illiteracy, ethnic suspicion, and the failure of governance in Nigeria.
The Root of the Crisis: The lynching in Edo State highlights the dire consequences of the Nigerian government’s inability to address critical issues such as kidnapping, which is often attributed to Fulani herdsmen from the North. The combination of corrupt and inefficient law enforcement and an inept judiciary has eroded public trust in the legal system. As a result, citizens feel compelled to take the law into their own hands, bypassing the police and courts to settle scores and seek justice.
This incident echoes the infamous 2012 case of the Aluu Four, where four university students were lynched near the University of Port Harcourt on the suspicion of robbery. Despite the presence of police officers, the mob’s actions went unchecked, reflecting a lack of faith in the judicial system’s ability to deliver justice. The Aluu incident was one of the catalysts for the formation of DPA International, an organization dedicated to advocating for justice and the rule of law. Sadly, 12 years later, the Nigerian government has failed to address the menace of jungle justice and mob violence, as evidenced by the recent tragedy in Edo State.
The Government’s Red Herring: In response to the Edo State lynching, President Tinubu has called for a crackdown on the mob members involved. However, this demand is merely a red herring, diverting attention from the systemic failures that have made such incidents inevitable. The government’s focus on punishing the perpetrators after the fact does little to address the underlying causes of mob violence.
Nigerian politicians, including the President and the Governor of Edo State, have been quick to condemn the killings in the strongest terms. Yet, their rhetoric is hollow, as they have shown no genuine interest in tackling the root causes of these crises. Instead, political energy is being squandered on divisive agendas such as imposing a state of emergency on opposition states and engineering the recall of a senator for refusing to apologize for complaining of sexual harassment. These diversionary tactics cater only to the personal ambitions and greed of politicians, neglecting the urgent need for policies that improve the lives of ordinary citizens and ensure their safety.
The Looming Danger: The inter-ethnic violence in Nigeria poses a significant risk of triggering reprisal attacks in the northern part of the country. Any southerner in the wrong place at the wrong time could become a target, further exacerbating the cycle of violence. The government’s failure to address these tensions and provide a secure environment for all citizens is a glaring omission that threatens the fabric of Nigerian society.
A Call for Genuine Reform: Nigeria cannot hope to become a society where human dignity is valued and peace is assured as long as its politicians continue to prioritize false propriety over substantive reform. The government must take immediate and decisive action to restore public trust in the legal system, combat corruption, and address the root causes of mob violence and ethnic tensions.
The lynching in Edo State is a tragic reminder of the urgent need for change. It is a call to action for the Nigerian government to prioritize the well-being and safety of its citizens over political maneuvering. Only through genuine and serious policy initiatives can Nigeria hope to break the cycle of violence and build a society where justice and peace prevail. Let there be no mistake: these problems are caused by those in government, and it is their responsibility to fix them.
