Niger Delta Weekly Conflict Update: April 07 - 13, 2024

This weekly update spotlights gang violence in the Niger Delta with a focus on cult and gang related killings in Rivers State. According to data (see map above), gang violence caused over 250 fatalities in Rivers State between January 2020 and December 2023. Recent data shows a rise in cult and gang related killings in the State. In January 2024, for instance, members of a cult gang reportedly killed two residents and injured six others in Ikem community, Etche LGA. Between March 14 and 17, 2024, two residents including a businessman were reportedly killed in a series of clashes between rival cult gangs at different locations in Diobu community, Port Harcourt LGA. The clashes were allegedly triggered by internal wranglings between factions of a cult gang over the control of illegal trading spots in the area. In April, a local vigilante was allegedly killed during a clash with a cult gang at Obidanso Waterfront in Diobu community, Port Harcourt LGA. More recently, on April 07, 2024, two persons were reportedly killed during a clash between the police and members of a cult gang in Ogbologbo community, Ahoada West LGA.