Niger Delta Weekly Update for August 01-07, 2021

This edition of the weekly update highlights lethal violence in the Niger Delta with a focus on the rising wave of homicidal violence and targeted killings in Imo State. According to data (see map below), homicidal violence and targeted killings caused at least 200 fatalities in Imo State between June 2018 and June 2021. Current data shows the escalation of targeted killings and homicidal violence, which especially, but not exclusively involve beheading of individuals by ‘Unknown Gunmen’ in the State. In July 2021, for instance, armed men reportedly killed two men and displayed their severed heads at a market in Okporo community, Orlu LGA. Separately, in July, armed men reportedly attacked a police station with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Njaba town, Njaba LGA. The Police reportedly killed two members of the gang during a gun battle. More recently, on August 01, 2021, armed men reportedly killed five residents, including a community leader who was allegedly beheaded in Okporo community, Orlu LGA. Several properties including a hotel, 10 vehicles and over 200 shops were reportedly burnt during the incident.