This weekly update spotlights the growing threat of vigilantism and mob justice in the Niger Delta with a focus on mob violence in Delta State. According to data (see map below), vigilantism and mob violence caused more than 130 fatalities in Delta State between January 2018 and December 2021. Recent incidents indicate an upsurge in incidents of mob violence in the State, driven mainly by a rise in criminality including robbery, kidnapping and killings for ritual purposes. In January 2022, for example, a suspected ritual killer was reportedly set ablaze by a mob in Otovwodo community, Ughelli North LGA. In February, a middle-aged woman was reportedly beaten to death by mob over alleged witchcraft practices in Mbiri community, Ika North East LGA. In March, three male robbery suspects were reportedly burned to death by a mob in Ofuoma community, Ughelli North LGA. More recently, on March 27, 2022, a middle-aged male robbery suspect was reportedly beaten to death by a mob in Ughelli town, Ughelli North LGA. The suspect was reportedly lynched while trying to rob a Point of Sale (POS) outlet in the area.
Loading...
Reload document 
Open in new tab 
