Niger Delta Weekly Conflict Update: February 11-17, 2024

This edition of the weekly update spotlights gender-based violence (GBV) in the Niger Delta with a focus on violence against women and girls (VAWG) in Ondo State. VAWG is a major threat to peace and human security in Ondo State. According to data (see map above), more than 80 incidents of VAWG and over 35 related fatalities were reported in the State between January 2021 and December 2023. Recent data shows an increase in reported incidents of violence against women and girls including sexual violation, domestic violence and targeted killing. In January 2024, for instance, a 55-year-old woman was allegedly raped and killed by a 35-year-old man in Ilere community, Akure South LGA. In February, a 20-year-old female student was reportedly killed by a 21-year-old male student during a disagreement in Akungba-Akoko community, Akoko South-West LGA. More recently, on February 09, 2024, a popular businessman allegedly macheted his wife to death during a disagreement over a private matter at their residence in Alagbaka community in Akure the Ondo State capital. The man reportedly later committed suicide.