BY KAYODE ADEBIYI
The recent interception and extrajudicial killing of some travellers by members of a local vigilance group in Uromi, Edo, has again raised questions about the state of insecurity in the country.
Following the incident, President Bola Tinubu expressed shock and joined other well-meaning Nigerians in condemning the gruesome killings.
The president also directed the police and other security agencies to conduct swift and thorough investigations and to punish the suspected culprits.
Commiserating with the families of the affected victims, the president assured them that perpetrators would not be allowed to shed the blood of innocent Nigerians.
He said that jungle justice had no place in Nigeria, and all Nigerians had the freedom to move freely in any part of the country.
A major concern expressed by many Nigerians, echoed by the president, is how to avert the escalation of tension and possible reprisal attacks.
Some security experts say the first step towards de-escalation and averting retaliation is to swiftly ensure that justice is served.
Already, the Police Command in Edo has arrested 14 suspects in connection with the brutal killing, assuring the public that justice will be served.
Mr Anjorin Akinleye, a security expert, said that to curb extrajudicial killings and reprisal attacks in Nigeria, a multifaceted approach addressing systemic issues is crucial.
“It is important to guarantee that those found responsible for extrajudicial killings and related offenses are promptly and fairly prosecuted, and that the process does not lack transparency and impartiality.
“Also, we need to take deliberate steps to end the culture of impunity that often shields perpetrators of extrajudicial killings.
“It is heartwarming that the president and other senior officials have publicly condemned such act at the highest levels of government and demonstrated a commitment to accountability,” he said.
Other security experts call for greater community engagement and trust-building as part of efforts to prevent what happened in Uromi from happening in the future.
They urge the government to implement and strengthen community policing initiatives that foster trust and collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
According to them, such a step can help in intelligence gathering, crime prevention, and de-escalating tensions that might lead to reprisal attacks.
Mrs Cecilia Bello, who works in the civil society space, said constant dialogue and public awareness were important in curbing jungle justice and reprisals.
“We need to create platforms for regular dialogue between community leaders, civil society organisations, and security agencies to address grievances, build understanding, and jointly develop strategies for preventing violence.
“We also need to conduct public awareness campaigns to educate communities about their rights, the importance of peaceful conflict resolution, and the legal consequences of reprisal attacks.
“National and subnational governments should also continue to support and empower local peace-building initiatives and conflict resolution mechanisms to address the root causes of violence and prevent reprisal attacks.’’
Bello said that the underlying socio-economic factors such as poverty, unemployment, inequality, and lack of access to education, which contribute to frustration, crime and violence, should be addressed.
She called on state and local governments to invest in conflict resolution and mediation efforts to address the drivers of conflict among different groups and prevent escalation into violence and reprisal attacks.
Bello also called for the promotion of justice and reconciliation processes to address past grievances and build trust among communities affected by violence.
“This may include truth-telling initiatives and reparations for victims, as well as ensuring that non-state actors responsible for violence and killings are held accountable through the legal system,” Bello said.
She said in situations such as the Edo killing, response was everything. Dr Tony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, commended Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo for his swift and decisive action.
“We commend Okpebholo, for his swift and decisive action in suspending the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (retired), and banning all illegal vigilante groups operating in the state, but more needs to be done,” he said.
A security analyst, who also commended Okpebholo’s crisis management skill after the Uromi incident, said the media had a critical role to play in curbing extrajudicial killings.
“I was monitoring the news after the incident; while many platforms reported it in such a way that de-escalates, a few other reports were capable of igniting reprisal attacks.
“I strongly believe that the media, media organisations and their newsrooms should be held to greater account when it comes to conflict-sensitive reporting,” he said.
He also said social media had made it far easier for individuals to express their doubts about stories and disseminate their opinions.
“However, a large percentage of social media users declaim more than they listen, and people simply pick facts to bolster their beliefs or create one if it does not exist.
“The reactions by individuals and groups on social media following the incident are a reflection of the depth of division that exists among Nigerians, and the media can’t breathe life into such disunity,” he said.
The analyst called for the support of civil society organisations and human rights groups in their efforts to monitor and document cases of extrajudicial killings and reprisal attacks.
He also encouraged organisations such as the National Human Rights Commission to advocate policy reforms, raise public awareness about human rights violations, and demand accountability from the government.
The analyst said that the government should provide legal aid, support services, and compensation to victims and families of the Uromi attack as part of de-escalation efforts.
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