Niger Delta Weekly Update for May 02-08, 2021

This edition of the weekly update highlights kidnapping in the Niger Delta with a focus on kidnapping for ransom in Edo State. According to data (see map below), over 50 incidents of kidnapping were reported in Edo State between January 2019 and March 2021. Recent incidents indicate a resurgence of kidnapping for ransom in the State, after a relative decrease in reported incidents during the first quarter of 2021. In the last few weeks, more than six residents have been reportedly kidnapped for ransom in the State. In April 2021, for instance, three residents including two women were reportedly abducted by armed herdsmen in Utesi community, Ovia North-East LGA. Separately, in April, three pas-sengers were reportedly abducted by gunmen along the Benin-Lagos Expressway in Ahor community, Uhunmwonde LGA. Two of the victims were later rescued by the police. More recently, on April 29, 2021, a university professor was reportedly abducted by gunmen in Egoro town near Ekpoma, Esan West LGA. The kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of 18 million naira. The victim was released two days later.