NOA Condemns Mob Killing in Ilorin, Calls for End to Jungle Justice

NOA Condemns Mob Killing in Ilorin, Calls for End to Jungle Justice

By Abiola Adigun

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has strongly condemned the mob lynching of a woman at Ipata Market in Ilorin, Kwara State, describing the act as barbaric, unlawful, and a direct affront to Nigeria’s national values.
The tragic incident, which occurred on Thursday, August 21, 2025, involved a woman reportedly living in destitution, who was falsely accused of child kidnapping. Eyewitnesses said a mob descended on her before security operatives could rescue her. Although the police swiftly evacuated the victim to the General Hospital in Ilorin, she later died from her injuries.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Director General of the NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, expressed “deep concern and absolute dismay” at the killing. He warned that mob justice not only undermines the rule of law but also erodes public trust in lawful institutions and endangers innocent lives.
“This barbaric act is reprehensible and entirely at variance with our national values and the principles enshrined in the National Value Charter. Jungle justice undermines the rule of law, threatens public safety, and perpetuates a culture of fear and disregard for due process,” Issa-Onilu said.
The NOA boss stressed that only constitutionally empowered institutions have the mandate to investigate and prosecute suspects, adding that mob action is a violation of both humanity and the law.
The Kwara State Police Command had earlier condemned the incident, vowing to investigate those behind the killing. The command also urged residents to shun mob justice and instead report suspicious activities to the police for proper investigation.
Mob justice, also called jungle justice, remains a recurring challenge across Nigeria. In several states, suspected thieves, kidnappers, or ritualists have been subjected to instant mob attacks without trial. Rights activists warn that such acts often lead to the killing of innocent people wrongly accused in moments of fear, anger, or misinformation.
In 2022, Amnesty International described jungle justice in Nigeria as a “human rights crisis” that thrives on weak justice institutions and lack of public confidence in law enforcement. Analysts argue that public enlightenment and institutional reforms are key to ending the cycle of violence.
Issa-Onilu said the Ilorin incident underscores the urgent need for intensified public enlightenment on civic responsibility, conflict resolution, and the sanctity of human life.
“As part of our ongoing National Reorientation Campaign, the agency will step up collaboration with community leaders, security agencies, and the media to promote lawful conduct and strengthen trust in law enforcement institutions,” he added.
The NOA appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience, empathy, and patriotism in handling sensitive public issues.
“Let us work together to build a society where justice is pursued through lawful channels and the dignity of every citizen is upheld,” Issa-Onilu urged.
The agency further called for calm in Ilorin while promising to engage stakeholders in Kwara State to prevent a recurrence of such tragedies.