Ukorebi Esien | August 09 201015
CALABAR— The Cross River State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), His Youthfulness, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi has called on young people across the state to reject mob violence and embrace lawful means of resolving conflicts. He made this appeal during a sensitization rally/City Walk organized by Amnesty International in Calabar to mark the official closeout of its project on combating mob violence in Nigeria.
The event, which held in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, brought together stakeholders from human rights organizations, law enforcement agencies, and civil society groups, students and the media to amplify messages against extra-judicial killings and mob justice.
Speaking in an interview at the event, Comrade Olayi commended Amnesty International for its sustained efforts in promoting human rights in Nigeria, particularly through this campaign.
"Let me sincerely thank Amnesty International for what they have been doing for Nigeria and the world at large, especially on this campaign against mob violence, the reality is that young people are often the perpetrators and victims of mob violence. We must remind ourselves that as painful as crime can be, we must not take laws into our hands. Every accused person deserves investigation and a fair trail ". Olayi admonished
He noted that the youth, as the driving force of the nation, have a responsibility to uphold justice and the rule of law, urging them to channel their energy into nation-building and peace.
Also speaking at the event, Programs Manager at Amnesty International Nige Magaji, presented findings from a comprehensive two-year research conducted across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. The study documented over 555 deaths attributed to mob violence between 2012 and 2023, an average of 55 deaths per year.
"We recorded cases where people were killed based on unverified accusations of witchcraft, religious expression, or petty theft, Mob justice denies people their right to life and fair trial. It's alarming that some communities still view it as acceptable justice." Magaji revealed.
She disclosed that in Cross River State, documented cases included instances where individuals were attacked over allegations of witchcraft, emphasizing that such claims were often unfounded.
"In Calabar, we recorded at least two or three cases during our study. These numbers may seem small, but we are aware that many incidents go unreported. The right to life is sacrosanct, and once taken, it cannot be reversed," she said.
Magaji called on the Nigerian public to report suspected crimes to law enforcement agencies rather than resort to violence. She also urged justice sector actors particularly the police, lawyers, and the judiciary to restore public trust by ensuring diligent prosecution of offenders and timely delivery of justice.
Stakeholders and young people walk through the streets of Calabar under heavy downpour with placards bearing different inscriptions while informing and sensitising the public on the need to avoid jungle justice and all forms of mob violence for whatever reasons.
The event concluded with a renewed call for collaborative efforts between youth groups, security agencies, civil society, and traditional institutions to end the menace of mob violence and uphold the rule of law
Ukorebi Esien
Editor-in-Chief,
The Daily News Ng
State Coordinator,
Partners For Peace, Cross River State
0 comments: