By Milcah Tanimu
The incident in Onitsha, where two men were burnt to death for allegedly illegally collecting tax, has raised concerns about the escalation of such acts. The situation is troubling, and it reflects a disturbing trend.
It’s worth noting that the incident hasn’t garnered significant attention, possibly because it doesn’t involve a high-profile case like the tragic killing of Deborah in Sokoto by Islamic Extremists. However, it is essential to acknowledge that acts of jungle justice, like the one in Onitsha, are a cause for concern, regardless of the victims’ identity or background.
It is concerning that people gathered at the scene, yet no one attempted to intervene or offer help. The act of one individual seen carrying buckets of expensive fuel to pour on the victims is particularly distressing.
Resorting to mob violence and jungle justice is not an appropriate way to address issues like alleged tax collection without proper legal procedures. In such cases, the appropriate course of action should be taking the accused individuals to police custody and ensuring that they face legal proceedings.
It is not a question of whether Onitsha people are lawless but rather a reminder that incidents of jungle justice can occur anywhere and should be condemned. The focus should not be on the ethnicity of those involved, but on the need to uphold the rule of law and seek justice through legal means.
Politicians should also be held accountable for their actions, but it’s important to remember that acts of mob violence are not a solution to addressing issues of governance or law enforcement. Public figures like Oby Ezekwesili or Obi may or may not comment on specific incidents, but the broader issue of mob justice should be a concern for all.
