This weekly update spotlights organized criminality in the Niger Delta with a focus on criminal violence and killings in Ondo State. Organized criminal violence including robbery, kidnap for ransom and killing for ritual purposes is a major driver of conflict and insecurity in Ondo State. According to data (see map above), criminal violence caused over 300 fatalities in the State between January 2022 and August 2023. In July 2023, for example, armed kidnappers reportedly killed a police officer at a security checkpoint along Ifon/Isobe Road in Ose LGA. In August, a 45-year-old woman was allegedly killed and dismembered by her ex-boyfriend at Oke-Aro area in Akure South LGA. Separately, ritualists who allegedly disguised as laborers reportedly killed a 45-year-old pastor at his farm in Ipele community, Owo LGA. In September, a woman was reportedly robbed and raped at gunpoint by a 22-year-old man in Bolorunduro town, Ondo East LGA. Recently, on September 30, 2023, about 25 choristers who were on their way to a funeral ceremony were reportedly abducted by kidnappers along the highway in Ifon town, Ose LGA.
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