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By John Ogunsemore
Amnesty International has asked Nigerian authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing of a pastor, Dio Idon, by a mob in Southern Kaduna over alleged witchcraft.
The incident occured on Sunday, January 4.
Until his death, Idon was the Pastor of ECWA Ungwa Shaawa LC, Kasuwan Magani DCC, Kaduna state.
In a Monday statement, Amnesty International strongly condemned the pastor’s killing, describing it as an example of how people increasingly take law into their hands and carry out so-called ‘jungle justice.’
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The statement reads, “Pastor Idon was lynched by the people of his community after the death of his brother, who had suffered a prolonged illness.
“Following his brother’s passing, Pastor Idon was accused of being responsible through alleged witchcraft.
“Remains of Pastor Idon was burned to ashes by the mob.”
The global human rights group observed that the menace of mob violence is perhaps one of the biggest threats to the right to life in Nigeria.
“The fact that these killings have been happening for a long time, with few cases investigated and prosecuted, highlights the authorities’ shocking failure to uphold and fulfil their obligation to protect people from harm and violence.
“The Nigerian authorities must investigate this incident and ensure that all those suspected of involvement — directly and indirectly — are brought to justice,” the group stated.
