This weekly update spotlights organized criminal violence in the Niger Delta with a focus on gun violence and targeted killings in Imo State. Gun violence and targeted killing of residents including government security personnel are major drivers of insecurity in Imo State. According to data (see map above), gun violence and targeted killings caused over 100 fatalities in the State between January 2022 and April 2023. Recent data shows the growing prevalence of gun violence and targeted killings in the State. In April 2023, for instance, five police officers and a couple were allegedly killed by gunmen in Okpala community, Ngor-Okpala LGA. In May, two community leaders were reportedly killed by gunmen in Izombe and Mgbele communities, Oguta LGA. In June, a chieftain of a major political party was reportedly killed by gunmen on his way from a meeting in Awomama community, Oru East LGA. More recently, on June 16, 2023, gunmen suspected to be assassins reportedly attacked the convoy of a former governor of Imo State and killed a police officer along the Okigwe-Enugu Expressway in Ihube community, Okigwe LGA.
The post Niger Delta Weekly Conflict Update: June 18-24, 2023 appeared first on PIND Foundation.
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