This edition of the weekly update spotlights violent criminality in the Niger Delta with a focus on kidnapping for ransom and human trafficking in Akwa Ibom State. According to data (see map below), more than 120 incidents of criminal violence including over 25 kidnapping incidents were reported in Akwa Ibom State between January 2019 and June 2022. Recent incidents indicate a resurgence of kidnapping for ransom and human trafficking in the State. In July 2022, for example, 28 fishermen were reportedly robbed and abducted by sea robbers who double as kidnappers along the Uruan Water Channel in Akwakpa community, Uruan LGA. In August, kidnappers reportedly killed a woman and abducted her two male children in Ikot Akpa Etok community, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA. The children were later sold to a child trafficker in Abia State. Separately, in August, kidnappers reportedly abducted a man, collected a ransom of one million naira and killed him in Nwaniba village, Uruan LGA. More recently, on September 03, 2022, school principal was reportedly abducted by kidnappers in Udianga Enem community, Etim Ekpo LGA.
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