IT IS FINISHED: Mob Action and Nigerians

Project Alert on Violence Against Women is indeed shocked at the seeming increase in occurrence of jungle justice and mob action amongst Nigerians for alleged perpetrators of crime. We are indeed very concerned that if this trend is not nipped in the bud, the consequences may be beyond our wildest imaginations (individually and collectively).

On Friday October 5, 2012, Nigerians were shocked to the marrow to see the video clips of our 4 young men (later identified to be students of University of Port Harcourt) were tortured like animals and set ablaze by a mob that descended on them as a result of what we now know to be a false alarm of them being thieves. Even if they stole, they did not deserve to be treated the way they were, by fellow human beings. It was the height of cannibalism and utter disregard for the rule of law. The lives of four promising young men got terminated for no reason.

While we are still trying to come to terms with this sordid experience, yet another video clip is making the rounds. In this video clip, a young lady who is accused of stealing a phone also, is surrounded by men, stripped naked, carried up, legs spread apart, while someone points a touch at her private part, while others pock every part of her naked body. VERY HORRIFIC VIDEO. We are outraged at this cruel and inhuman treatment of a fellow human being. IT IS FINISHED. How did we as Nigerians get to this point? Not even the lack of public confidence in the ability of the police to arrest and successfully investigate and prosecute suspects, justifies these mob actions. WE CAN NOT CONTINUE TO DEHUMANISE OURSELVES AND WASTE HUMAN LIVES UNDER THE GUISE OF RIDDING SOCIETY OF CRIMINALS. Mob action and jungle justice are in themselves criminal acts that must be stopped urgently.

The country is falling apart, and degenerating into anarchy, and our leaders are watching. We are calling on the Lagos State Police Command, as a matter of urgency to investigate the torture, cruel and inhuman treatment meted on this young girl by fellow Nigerians. We cannot allow mob action and jungle justice to continue. It is not in the interest of any one, as we do not know who the next victim will be.

Yours Sincerely

JOSEPHINE EFFAH-CHUKWUMA

Executive Director

Project Alert on Violence against Women