Human rights organisation Amnesty International has expressed deep concern over the growing incidence of mob violence in Nigeria, describing the trend as one of the gravest threats to the fundamental right to life across the country.

In a statement shared via its official X platform on Sunday, the organisation lamented what it described as the persistent failure of authorities to adequately investigate and prosecute perpetrators of mob killings, warning that the lack of accountability continues to fuel the cycle of violence.

According to Amnesty International, the recurrence of mob attacks and extrajudicial killings reflects significant weaknesses within Nigeria’s criminal justice system and raises serious questions about the state's ability to protect citizens from unlawful violence.

“The menace of mob violence is perhaps one of the biggest threats to the right to life in Nigeria,” the organisation stated, noting that countless incidents have occurred over the years with only a handful resulting in arrests, prosecutions, or convictions.

The organisation further stressed that the continued prevalence of such killings demonstrates what it termed a “shocking failure” by authorities to safeguard individuals from harm and ensure justice for victims and their families.

Amnesty International observed that the nature of mob violence varies across different regions of the country. In southern Nigeria, victims are often targeted over allegations of theft, ritual-related activities, or witchcraft. In contrast, the organisation noted that in parts of northern Nigeria, mob attacks frequently stem from accusations of blasphemy, with some incidents reportedly receiving support or endorsement from influential religious figures.

The rights group warned that allowing perpetrators to evade justice not only undermines the rule of law but also emboldens future acts of violence, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among citizens.

It therefore called on Nigerian authorities to take urgent and decisive action by strengthening law enforcement responses, conducting thorough investigations into all cases of mob violence, and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law.

Amnesty International maintained that protecting the right to life remains a fundamental responsibility of government and urged authorities at all levels to demonstrate a stronger commitment to ending the culture of impunity surrounding mob killings in Nigeria.