This weekly update highlights political violence in the Niger Delta with a focus on targeted attacks on political actors and election facilities in Imo State. According to data (see map above), over 100 incidents of political and election related violence were reported in Imo State between January 2020 and December 2022. Recent data shows an increase in politically motivated violence including attacks on offices and personnel of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the State. In December 2022, for instance, gunmen reportedly attacked an INEC office with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and killed a police officer in Owerri, the state capital. Also, in December, the State House of Assembly candidate of a major political party was reportedly killed by assassins at his residence in Umucheke community, Onuimo LGA. In January 2023, gunmen reportedly killed a ward chairman of a political party in Ibeme community, Isiala Mbano LGA. Recently on January 14, 2023, gunmen allegedly attacked a voter’s card collection center, killed a police officer and injured several residents in Afor-Oru town, Ahiazu Mbaise LGA.
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