Niger Delta Weekly Conflict Update: January 28 - February 03, 2024

This weekly update spotlights communal conflict in the Niger Delta with a focus on rising communal tensions over land disputes and leadership tussles in Delta State. Clashes over land and boundary disputes as well as leadership tussles are major causes of lethal violence and instability in Delta State. According to data (see map above), communal violence caused more than 200 fatalities in Delta State between January 2021 and December 2023. Recent incidents indicate an escalation of violence over land disputes and leadership tussles in the State. In January 2024, for instance, six persons were reportedly killed in renewed clashes over a land dispute between Okoloba and Okuama communities in Bomadi and Ughelli South LGAs respectively. Separately, two youth leaders were allegedly killed in a series of clashes over a leadership tussle in Mosogar community, Ethiope West LGA. More recently, on January 29, 2024, many properties were allegedly destroyed, some residents injured, and several others fled their homes following a clash between two rival vigilante groups in Bonsaac area of Asaba community, Oshimili South LGA.