A new initiative aimed at addressing the growing menace of mob violence was launched in Jos with the opening of the Fwinbe Thomas Gofwan Memorial Foundation office. The foundation was established in memory of Fwinbe Thomas Gofwan, a young man who was lynched in 2023 following a false accusation of car theft.
The launch which was held today 1st July 2025 brought together family members, community leaders, civil society actors, and volunteers who are determined to turn grief into lasting change. The Foundation is committed to fighting mob lynching and related violence through awareness campaigns, education, policy advocacy, and community engagement across Plateau State.
Speaking at the event, Bright Habila, Program Manager of the Foundation, outlined its core mission. “This Foundation is a response to a tragic injustice. We are working to ensure that what happened to Fwinbe never happens to anyone again,” he said. “Our work will focus on trust-building, public sensitization, volunteer training, and advocating for legal reforms to end mob justice.”
Habila emphasized that the Foundation is powered by volunteerism. “We may not have financial muscle, but we have passionate people ready to give their time to humanity. Our volunteers are the heart of this movement.”
The Foundation’s key initiatives include quarterly town hall meetings, education campaigns in schools, social media advocacy using the hashtag #JusticeForPin, and police-community dialogue forums. It also plans to train at least 50 volunteers in conflict de-escalation and crisis response, and will gather data to support the development of a policy brief advocating for anti-lynching legislation in Plateau State.
In an emotional address, Nenpominyi “Pee” Gofwan, elder brother of the late Fwinbe and a founding board member, recalled the events of September 25, 2023. “My brother was wrongly accused, and no one paused to ask questions. That car was his, but he was killed by a mob driven by anger and misinformation,” he said. “This Foundation is our way of turning our pain into purpose.”
Other board members include Wakbul Gofwan, Manji Gofwan, Tracy Kwanmen, and Grace Agge, all of whom pledged their support to the Foundation’s cause.
Volunteer Pokyes Dakon said he joined the Foundation to help shift public perception and encourage lawful responses to crime. “Mob violence has stolen too many innocent lives. We must educate our people to call the police, not take the law into their hands,” he said.
Offering words of support, family friend Kit’a Emmanuel Dimka praised the Foundation’s mission and the dedication of its volunteers. “Though born from tragedy, this Foundation carries a powerful message. I pray the efforts here will bring healing and prevent future loss,” she said.
Also speaking, Daniel Obla condemned the rise of mob lynching in Nigeria, questioning the moral contradictions in society. “Why do petty offenders face brutal deaths, while the corrupt walk free?” he asked. He called for targeted civic education, particularly among youth, to address the root causes of mob violence.
The launch of the Fwinbe Thomas Gofwan Memorial Foundation signals the start of a grassroots movement committed to justice, peace, and the protection of human dignity. For the Gofwan family and their supporters, it is not just an office opening—it is the beginning of a legacy.