This weekly update spotlights organized criminality in the Niger Delta with a focus on cult gang related killings in Edo State. Gang violence is a major cause of insecurity in the State, mainly driven by struggle for supremacy and territorial control among rival cult gangs as well as vigilante violence, conflict over the collection of illegal levies, and general criminality. According to data (see map above), gang violence caused over 180 fatalities in the State between January 2021 and December 2023. Recent incidents indicate a resurgence of killings by cult gangs. In December 2023, for instance, over 30 persons were reportedly killed in clashes between rival cult gangs in the State. During the period, a woman was allegedly killed by a gang of cultists at Ogiso quarters in Benin City, the state capital. Also, three persons including a journalist and the leader of a local vigilante were allegedly killed during clashes between rival cult gangs at different locations in Oredo LGA. More recently, on December 31, 2023, the head of a vigilante group was allegedly killed by a gang of cultists at a motor park in Ekosodin community, Ovia North East LGA.
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