The Perils of Mob Justice

Jos, the bustling highland capital of Plateau State, Nigeria, narrowly avoided tragedy on May 13, 2024. A young man, strapped with explosives, entered a UBA bank in Dadin Kowa. Residents and bank security apprehended the suspect before any detonation. However, the incident exposed a deeper issue plaguing Nigerian society – the resort to mob justice. Reports initially claimed the suspect, identified as 17-year-old Benjamin Basil, was strapped with a bomb. This sparked panic and outrage, leading to a mob surrounding Basil, intent on taking matters into their hands. The police intervened and secured the scene. While authorities are still investigating the exact nature of the explosives, Plateau State Police Commissioner Emmanuel Adesina clarified that Basil might have been attempting a robbery, threatening to detonate a device to coerce money. Regardless of the intent, the potential danger was real, especially with fatal cases of suicide bombing in Nigeria. This incident highlights the constant threat faced by Nigerians, particularly in regions with a history of violence like Jos. The city has long grappled with sectarian tensions, and extremist groups like Boko Haram have targeted the area in the past. The swift action by residents and security is a testament to their vigilance. Still, the attempted mob justice raises serious concerns.

According to Nextier’s  Battlefields and Ballots: Nigerian in 2023 and Q1 2024, 89 incidents of group violence were recorded in 2023, with 87 casualties. Data from Nextier’s Nigeria Violent Conflicts Database also revealed that Plateau State made it to the top ten states most affected by group violence in 2023 and Q1 2024. This database records group violence as actions surrounding violent mob actions, clashes between groups, and protests turned violent. Mob action is a phenomenon that has been around for a while in Nigeria. Historically, public floggings and shaming have been ingrained in the pre-colonial culture of Nigerian societies as forms of public humiliation for offenders. Despite this, such punishments were traditionally administered under the authority of village chiefs or kings, providing a structured and authoritative context. However, a pervasive lack of trust in the justice system has led to the public assuming the roles of judge, jury, and executioner. This shift has resulted in alleged offenders being deprived of their basic human dignity and their right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Mob justice thrives in a climate of distrust towards formal institutions and a culture of public dispensation of justice. It bypasses due process, risking the punishment of innocent individuals. In this case, a potentially coerced teenager could have faced a brutal end without proper investigation. Furthermore, mob attacks often escalate sectarian tensions in significant ways. When a mob targets a member of a specific community, it inflicts immediate harm and sends a message of hostility and intolerance. In a city like Jos, which has a history of ethnic and religious conflicts, such actions can ignite longstanding grievances. This environment is already tense, with different groups living in a delicate balance of coexistence.

The psychological impact on the community is profound. Victims of mob violence often carry deep psychological scars and the community at large lives in a state of constant fear and anxiety. Moreover, the government’s response to mob attacks can also be crucial in mitigating or exacerbating tensions. A perceived lack of effective action or impartiality can erode trust in public institutions, driving communities to take justice into their own hands and further perpetuating the cycle of violence. Therefore, addressing mob violence requires immediate security measures and long-term strategies for reconciliation, economic development, and rebuilding trust among diverse communities.

Strengthening police forces and fostering public trust in the justice system is crucial. This involves ensuring law enforcement agencies are well-equipped, adequately trained, and held to high accountability standards. Implementing community policing strategies, where officers build relationships with community members, can create a sense of mutual respect and cooperation. Transparency in investigations and swift, fair justice processes will also help to rebuild trust and confidence in the system. Efforts to combat corruption within the police force are essential to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done. In tandem, investing in community outreach programmes can promote dialogue and address the root causes of violence. These programmes should be designed to engage with at-risk youth, provide mentorship, and offer positive alternatives to group violence. Initiatives such as after-school programs, job training, and mental health services can mitigate the socioeconomic factors that often lead to violence. Community centres can serve as hubs for these activities, providing safe spaces where individuals can access resources and support.

Furthermore, educational campaigns highlighting the dangers of mob justice can change mindsets. These campaigns should be multifaceted, using various media platforms to reach a broad audience. Educational content can include real-life stories, expert analyses, and dramatisations that illustrate the severe consequences of mob justice for individuals and society. Collaborating with local leaders, influencers, and educators can amplify these messages, fostering a culture of lawfulness and empathy. Additionally, collaborative efforts between government, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector can amplify the impact of these strategies. For example, partnerships can be formed to fund and implement community projects, support victims of violence, and advocate for policy changes that promote safety and justice. Finally, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms should be established to assess these interventions’ effectiveness continuously. Policymakers can refine their approaches and allocate resources more efficiently by analysing data and gathering feedback from community members. This process of assessment and adjustment will ensure that efforts to combat violence are dynamic and responsive to changing circumstances.

Addressing violence and fostering a just society requires a holistic and integrated approach. Strengthening the police force, investing in community outreach, changing public perceptions through education, fostering collaborations, and implementing robust monitoring and evaluation are all essential components of a comprehensive strategy. These concerted efforts can create a safer, more just environment for all. The attempted Jos attack serves as a reminder of the constant security threats Nigerians face. Yet, it also exposes the dangers lurking within – the impulse towards mob justice. By working towards a more robust legal system and promoting peaceful conflict resolution, Nigeria can build a safer future for all its citizens.

More from Nextier: Battlefields and Ballots: Nigeria in 2023 and Q1 2024