Niger Delta Weekly Update for July 10-16, 2022

This weekly update spotlights organized criminality in the Niger Delta with a focus on the resurgence of kidnapping for ransom in Edo State. According to data (see map below), more than 85 incidents and over 50 fatalities related to kidnapping for ransom were reported in Edo State between January 2019 and April 2022. Recent data shows a resurgence of kidnapping for ransom, especially the targeted abduction of clergy-men in the State. In June 2022, for instance, 13 mourners who were returning from a funeral were reportedly abducted by kidnappers along the Auchi-Benin Expressway in Etsako West LGA. The kidnappers later demanded a 60 million naira ransom. Separately, in June, a 41-year old Catholic priest was reportedly abducted and killed by kidnappers in Ikabigbo community, Etsako West LGA. In July, two Catholic priests were reportedly abducted by gunmen along the Benin-Ekpoma Expressway in Iruekpen community, Esan West LGA. More recently, on July 03, 2022, a 64-year old Italian Catholic priest was reportedly abducted by kidnappers at Ogunwenyi village in Usen community, Ovia South West LGA.