Niger Delta Weekly Conflict Update for March 21-27, 2021

This edition of the weekly update spotlights communal conflict in the Niger Delta with a focus on clashes over land and boundary disputes in Akwa Ibom State. According to data (see map below), clashes over land disputes caused over 400 fatalities in the State between 2016 and 2020. Recent incidents indicate a resurgence of clashes over boundary disputes between communities in Akwa Ibom State and neighboring Cross River and Abia States. In January 2021, for instance, three persons were reportedly killed and four others abducted during a clash over a boundary dispute between Nkari community in Ini LGA, Akwa Ibom State and Usaka Ukwu in Ikwuano LGA, Abia State. In February, a resident was reportedly killed and 15 others abducted during a clash over a land dispute between Ikpanya community in Ibiono Ibom LGA,Akwa Ibom State and Ugbo in Arochukwu LGA, Abia State. Recently, on March 22, 2021, several persons were reported missing and houses burned during a clash over a land dispute between Oku Iboku community in Itu LGA, Akwa Ibom State and Ikot Offiong in Odukpani LGA, Cross River State.