<http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/low/africa/4265415.stm> The BBC Tuesday, 15 February, 2005, 12:38 GMT Nigerians turn to vigilantes By Sola Odunfa BBC Africa Live, Lagos Not so long ago, mangled bodies or charred remains of mob justice victims littered the streets of Lagos, Nigeria's largest city. Health workers could hardly cope with removing the bodies immediately. Many of the victims died in agony from burning tyre necklaces and others were either stoned or beaten to death. Now, there are many fewer such gruesome deaths because well-organised vigilante groups have scared many robbers away. The police were overwhelmed by the sheer number of the criminals. In frustration and anger the public decided to take the law into their hands in self-protection. Mob justice became popular in Nigeria during the years of military rule when violent personal crimes rose uncontrollably. "How is your community dealing with crime? " Gangs of young men armed with guns and pick-axes rampaged the streets night and day, robbing people with violence. Rape was a common feature in most robberies. Security committees Frightened by the growing crime rate, the public responded by setting up neighbourhood watch or market security committees who, in turn, engaged vigilantes. "When armed men broke into my residence five years ago. They did terrible things to my wife and children." Anonymous civil servant They were well paid and armed with locally-made guns and charms. The vigilantes usually live in the neighbourhoods they protect; they know the "bad boys" there. They will usually send word to suspects to leave the area or face their wrath. If their warning is not heeded, they are known to mount midnight raids on the suspects' hideout. The result is often brutal death. A civil servant who sought anonymity for fear of reprisal, says no robber should be spared. "When armed men broke into my residence five years ago. They did terrible things to my wife and children." "I have not recovered from that psychological wound. Since then I have been joining any mob anywhere to deal with any robbers caught. They don't deserve to live," he says. Popular support Nowadays, most of the killings are carried out by vigilante groups set up by communities and market traders' groups. The activities of the vigilantes are not supported by the police but not much is done to curb them because they seem to enjoy popular support. In Lagos, the best known of the vigilantes are members of the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC). They have a reputation for being ruthless in dealing with suspected criminals and being incorruptible. Despite being outlawed by President Olusegun Obasanjo four years ago, the OPC continues to enjoy a large measure of public support, not only in Lagos but all over south-west Nigeria. -- ----------------- R. A. Hettinga <mailto: rah@ibuc.com> The Internet Bearer Underwriting Corporation <http://www.ibuc.com/> 44 Farquhar Street, Boston, MA 02131 USA "... however it may deserve respect for its usefulness and antiquity, [predicting the end of the world] has not been found agreeable to experience." -- Edward Gibbon, 'Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire'