This weekly update spotlights organized criminality in the Niger Delta with a focus on targeted violence against community leaders in Imo State. According to data (see map above), targeted violence caused over 500 deaths in Imo State between January 2019 and September 2022. Recent data shows a resurgence of targeted violence against community leaders in the State. In January 2022, for instance, a traditional ruler was reportedly abducted by gunmen in Ubomiri community, Orlu LGA. The monarch was reportedly abducted from his car while he was travelling in the company of his daughter. In September, the traditional ruler of Isiala Umudi community in Nkwerre LGA was reportedly abducted by gunmen in Owerri, the state capital. The community leader was reportedly abducted at the premises of one of his businesses in the State. Recently, on November 14, 2022, a traditional ruler was reportedly killed by gunmen during a meeting at his palace in Obudi Agwa community, Oguta LGA. The monarch was allegedly killed along with four others including two chiefs. Several others were wounded during the incident.
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