This weekly update spotlights political and election violence in the Niger Delta with a focus on the risk of electoral violence during the upcoming governorship and State Assembly elections in the region. According to data (see map above), over 180 incidents of election-related violence were reported in the Niger Delta between January 2019 and December 2022. During the February 25, 2023 presidential and National Assembly elections, over 50 incidents of electoral violence including eight fatalities were reported in the Niger Delta. In Abia State, for instance, two persons were reportedly killed in Arochukwu LGA. In Edo State, political thugs allegedly killed two voters at their polling units in Ikpoba Okha LGA. In Delta, an electoral officer was reportedly shot dead in Ukwuani LGA. In Ondo, a resident was reportedly shot dead by a security personnel at a collation center in Idanre LGA. In Rivers State, two persons including a pregnant woman were reportedly killed at a polling unit in Emohua LGA. In the aſtermath of the elections, several incidents of violence and threat of violence including intimidation of voters have been reported.
The post Niger Delta Weekly Update for March 05-11, 2023 appeared first on PIND Foundation.
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