A human rights activist in Delta State, Comr. (Amb) Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, has urged the state government to launch an immediate and transparent investigation into the killing of a woman in Agbarho Community, Ughelli North Local Government Area.
The woman was allegedly attacked over suspicions of attempting to abduct a 7-year-old child. He emphasized that those responsible must be identified, arrested, and held accountable.
Agberen who made the call in a statement released on Wednesday, acknowledged growing concerns among Agbarho residents over the disturbing trend of missing children believed to be linked to human trafficking or ritual practices but stressed that this does not justify mob action.
“No matter the circumstances, no individual, group, or resident has the right to take another person’s life simply because they are suspected of a crime,” he said. “Such acts must be condemned, and justice must be pursued through legal and lawful means.”
He asked, “What kind of future awaits these children, growing up in a community where their mother was brutally tortured and killed by people around them based solely on a false and unjust accusation?”
He went on to say, “As a concerned citizen, I strongly condemn the actions of the mob. This incident highlights the deadly consequences of mob justice, which continues to claim innocent lives and further weakens public trust in our justice system. It’s a painful reminder of the urgent need for stronger law enforcement, better public awareness, and meaningful judicial reforms.”
“While it’s also important to acknowledge that the public’s loss of trust in the legal and judicial system and the government’s failure to enact needed reforms has contributed to the rise in such incidents, mob violence remains one of the most serious threats to the right to life in Nigeria. Sadly, the children left behind will now carry the psychological scars of witnessing their mother’s horrific death in broad daylight.”
He stated that “the continued occurrence of such killings, particularly in the northern parts of the country, with very few cases properly investigated or prosecuted, reflects a disturbing failure by the authorities to fulfill their duty to protect citizens from harm and violence.” He added that the only real solution to curbing mob violence is to build strong, reliable systems including effective security agencies and a trustworthy judiciary.
“The moment the Nigerian legal system starts functioning as it should, this culture of jungle justice and mob violence will begin to disappear on its own,” he said.
He also emphasized the need to uphold justice, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights for all citizens.
Read also: Missing Twins: Concern Mounts as Disappearances in Agbarho Raise More Questions
