NBA President Afam Osigwe condemns the mob killing of hunters in Edo State, calling for justice and an end to vigilante violence

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), has strongly condemned the brutal murder of travelling hunters in Uromi, a community in Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The victims, who were en route from Port Harcourt, were mobbed and killed after being accused of criminal activity by vigilante groups, who discovered they were in possession of firearms.

Their vehicle was also set on fire by the mob.

In a statement released late Friday night, Osigwe condemned the vigilante justice carried out by the mob, describing it as deeply disturbing.

He stressed that such acts of jungle justice, where suspects are lynched rather than reported to the police, are not only unlawful but also undermine the foundations of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

“It is deeply troubling that mobs continue to take the law into their hands, attacking and lynching suspected criminals, often without the intervention of law enforcement agencies.

No individual, regardless of the crime they are alleged to have committed, should be subjected to mob violence. Every accused person has the right to be investigated and, where necessary, prosecuted in a court of law,” Osigwe said.

“Allowing mob actions to persist undermines the very foundation of our criminal justice system and portrays Nigeria as a society where lawlessness prevails.”

Osigwe called on law enforcement agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of the Uromi killings are brought to justice, urging that this crime should not go unpunished.

He emphasized that the incident should act as a wake-up call for law enforcement to step up efforts in addressing mob violence across the country.

“This tragic incident must serve as a wake-up call for our law enforcement agencies to ensure that no such crime goes unpunished.

Justice must be served, and perpetrators of mob violence must be held accountable to deter future occurrences,” he stated.

He also called on the Edo State Government and relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the killings.

Osigwe reiterated that vigilante justice has no place in a society governed by the rule of law and that it is critical for the legal system to be allowed to function without interference from mob actions.

Extending his condolences to the families of the deceased, Osigwe expressed deep sorrow for their loss. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. May their souls rest in peace,” he added.

The Nigerian Bar Association’s call for justice highlights the pressing need for a concerted effort to address the growing trend of mob violence and vigilante justice in the country, while reaffirming the importance of the rule of law in upholding justice and maintaining societal order.