Niger Delta Weekly Update for February 13-19, 2022

This weekly update spotlights gang violence in the Niger Delta with a focus on cult and gang related killings in Delta State. According to data (see map below), over 290 cult and gang related fatalities were reported in Delta State between January 2018 and December 2021. Recent incidents indicate a resurgence of cult and gang related killings in the State. In December 2021, for instance, five persons were reportedly killed during clashes between rival cult gangs at different locations along DSC Expressway and Orhuwhorun community, Udu LGA. In January, 2022, a resident was reportedly killed during a clash over a supremacy battle between members of two rival gangs in Essi Layout, Warri South LGA. In February 2022, rival cult gangs reportedly besieged major streets in Otovwodo area of Agbassa community, Warri South LGA. More recently, on February 06, 2022, five young men were reportedly killed in a series of clashes in a battle for supremacy between the Black Axe and Eiye cult gangs in Agbarho community, Ughelli North LGA. The recent escalation of cult violence has caused anxiety among residents in the area.