Amnesty International has condemned the killing of Pastor Dio Idon by a mob in southern Kaduna, describing the incident as a disturbing example of rising mob violence in Nigeria and calling for a thorough investigation.
The global human rights organisation said the pastor was lynched over allegations of witchcraft following the death of his brother after a prolonged illness. Amnesty said the accusation triggered a violent attack that led to Pastor Idon’s death.
The incident occurred on Sunday, January 4, 2026. Until his death, Pastor Idon served as the pastor of ECWA Ungwan Shaawa LC, Kasuwan Magani DCC, Kaduna State.
In a statement, Amnesty International described the killing as a case of “jungle justice,” noting that residents increasingly take the law into their own hands. The organisation added that the remains of Pastor Idon were reportedly burned to ashes by the mob.
The killing has once again highlighted the persistent problem of mob violence in Nigeria, particularly in rural communities where allegations of witchcraft, theft or other offences often result in instant punishment without recourse to law enforcement or the courts.
Amnesty International warned that mob killings remain one of the gravest threats to the right to life in the country, stressing that perpetrators are rarely held accountable.
“The menace of mob violence is perhaps one of the biggest threats to the right to life in Nigeria,” the organisation said.
It added that the continued occurrence of such killings reflects systemic failures by authorities to prevent violence and ensure justice, noting that many cases go uninvestigated and unprosecuted.
Amnesty called on Nigerian authorities to investigate the killing and ensure that all those suspected of involvement, directly or indirectly, are brought to justice. The group also urged the government to take concrete steps to end mob violence and ensure that allegations of crime are addressed strictly through lawful means in line with Nigeria’s laws and international human rights obligations.
