Nigeria: Rights Group Demands Justice for Slain16 Travellers

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is demanding justice. They are responding to the lynching of 16 hunters in Edo State last Thursday. The NHRC urged the government to take action to prevent future incidents.

Tony Ojukwu, the NHRC Executive Secretary, expressed his concerns in a statement. He called for all perpetrators to be identified and punished. He emphasized that there is no justification for jungle justice anywhere.

The 16 victims were mistaken for kidnappers by local vigilantes. This incident occurred on the Uromi/Obajana Expressway in Esan North-East Local Government Area. The hunters were traveling from Rivers State to Kano for Eid-el-Fitr when they were attacked. The vigilantes flogged them and then set them on fire.

On March 29, Nigerian Police announced they arrested 14 suspects linked to this case. The NHRC highlighted that the rights to life and freedom of movement were violated during this massacre.

Ojukwu pointed out that the right to life is protected by Nigeria's Constitution and international laws. Both the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and Nigeria's Constitution affirm this right, except in cases of lawful execution. Additionally, international law encourages abolishing the death penalty.

Ojukwu also urged Nigerians to respect freedom of movement as guaranteed by various legal frameworks. This tragic incident has sparked national outrage, with many calling for an investigation.

Prominent figures like former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and organizations like Amnesty International have joined these calls. Former presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have also spoken out.

In response, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo suspended Friday Ibadin, commander of the Edo State Security Corps. This decision came after reviewing a preliminary report on the killings.

The governor also suspended all illegal vigilante groups operating in Edo State. He noted that these groups had not been registered or profiled with official security agencies.

During a visit to victims' families, Okpebholo pledged compensation for those affected by the tragedy. He visited alongside Abba Yusuf, his counterpart from Kano State.

He praised Kano residents for remaining calm despite the situation and avoiding retaliation against others involved.