Niger Delta Weekly Conflict Update: March 10-16, 2024

This weekly update spotlights communal conflicts in the Niger Delta with a focus on inter-communal clashes over land and boundary disputes in Cross River State. Seasonal outbreak of communal conflict over land ownership has been a major cause of lethal violence and instability in the State. According to data (see map above), communal conflict over land and boundary disputes caused over 400 fatalities in Cross River State between January 2020 and December 2023. During dry season farming in October 2023, for instance, several residents were reportedly killed, many others displaced, farmlands destroyed and over 300 houses damaged during a series of clashes over a disputed farmland between Ovonum and Ofatura communities in Obubra LGA. Recently, communal tensions reportedly intensified following renewed clashes over land disputes as wet season farming commences in the State. On March 10, 2024, for instance, three persons including a 10-year-old girl were reportedly killed in renewed clashes over a land dispute between Nnaorokpa community in Ikom LGA and Ofunokpan community in Obubra LGA.