FTGMF Demands Justice for Ibrahim Mbaya, Rallies Civil Society Against Jungle Justice in Plateau

The Fwinbe Thomas Gofwan Memorial Foundation (FTGMF) has called on civil society organisations, human rights groups, faith-based organisations, professional bodies, youth groups, community leaders, the media, and all Nigerians of conscience to unite in the fight against jungle justice following the gruesome mob killing of 25-year-old University of Jos student and model, Ibrahim Mbaya.

In a statement titled “Civil Society Action Alert No. 001: Justice for Ibrahim Mbaya – A Collective Call to End Jungle Justice in Plateau State,” signed by the Foundation’s Programme Manager, Bright Habila, the organisation described Ibrahim’s death as a tragic reminder of the growing culture of mob violence and the urgent need for collective action to protect lives and uphold the rule of law.

The Foundation expressed profound sorrow over the killing, stating that Ibrahim was more than another victim whose name would eventually disappear from public attention. According to FTGMF, he was a son, brother, friend, student, and a young man with enormous potential whose future was cut short by an act of lawlessness.

The Foundation noted that Ibrahim’s family is now left with the painful burden of burying a loved one whose life had barely begun, stressing that no parent should experience such a cruel and senseless loss.

Beyond the brutality of the attack, FTGMF lamented what it described as society’s disturbing response to the incident. It observed that as videos of the attack circulated online, many bystanders chose to record the violence instead of intervening or calling for restraint.

According to the Foundation, the tragedy extends beyond the death of one young man, reflecting a worrying decline in society’s collective humanity.

“A society where more people reach for their phones than step forward to protect a life is a society in urgent need of moral renewal,” the statement read.

The Foundation explained that Ibrahim Mbaya’s death resonates deeply with its mission because it was established following the mob lynching of Fwinbe Thomas Gofwan in September 2023. It said members of the Foundation understand the emotional devastation, unanswered questions, and lifelong trauma that accompany such tragedies, making it impossible to accept jungle justice as a normal occurrence.

FTGMF stressed that every new case of mob violence reopens painful wounds for families who have suffered similar losses and warned that unless decisive action is taken, more innocent lives will be lost.

The organisation strongly condemned Ibrahim’s killing and called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant authorities to carry out a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation. It urged security agencies to identify, arrest, and prosecute everyone involved while keeping the public regularly informed of the progress of the investigation.

According to the Foundation, justice must neither be delayed nor allowed to fade into another unresolved statistic.

While demanding accountability, FTGMF emphasized that preventing mob violence must become a national priority rather than reacting only after lives have been lost. It advocated community-based education aimed at helping citizens identify escalating conflicts, de-escalate tensions, discourage mob actions, protect vulnerable individuals, and ensure suspects are handed over to lawful authorities instead of being subjected to violence.

The Foundation highlighted its community engagement efforts, including the SCOHAHA Mob De-escalation Model, through which it intends to work with communities and partner organisations to strengthen peaceful conflict resolution and prevent future incidents.

It noted that every individual trained in violence de-escalation represents another opportunity to save lives.

Recognising that the challenge cannot be addressed by one organisation alone, FTGMF appealed for sustained collaboration among civil society organisations, human rights defenders, faith-based organisations, professional associations, student bodies, and justice advocates across the country.

The Foundation identified two major areas for collaboration. The first is public education through joint advocacy campaigns, community sensitisation, dialogue sessions, youth engagement programmes, and de-escalation training to rebuild a culture that respects human life and rejects mob violence.

The second is ensuring that justice for Ibrahim Mbaya does not lose momentum after public attention fades. FTGMF pledged to continue monitoring the case and engaging relevant authorities until justice is achieved, while inviting civil society groups, legal practitioners, and human rights advocates to join in ensuring that every perpetrator is identified, prosecuted, and held accountable in accordance with the law.

Reaffirming its commitment to justice and accountability, the Foundation concluded that citizens must refuse to look away whenever human life is threatened.

“Ibrahim Mbaya deserves justice. His family deserves answers. Our society deserves better,” the statement declared.

FTGMF urged Nigerians to allow Ibrahim’s death to become a turning point in the campaign against jungle justice, calling for renewed commitment to the rule of law, protection of human dignity, and the preservation of every human life.

The statement was signed by Bright Habila, Programme Manager of the Fwinbe Thomas Gofwan Memorial Foundation (FTGMF), headquartered at Suite 26, Pench Plaza, Tudun Wada, Jos, Plateau State.