This edition of the weekly update spotlights insecurity in the Niger Delta with a focus on criminal violence in Ondo State. According to data (see map below), violent criminality caused more than 150 fatalities in Ondo State between 2018 and 2020. Recent data shows an upsurge in incidents of armed robbery and kidnapping for ransom in the State. In April 2021, for instance, kidnappers reportedly abducted a man, his wife and three children, and demanded a 10 million naira ransom in Ajowa-Akoko community, Akoko North West LGA.

In May, two farmers were reportedly abducted by gunmen in Ikaramu community, Akoko North West LGA. Separately, in May, armed robbers reportedly attacked a bullion van belonging to a bank, killed two persons and stole an undisclosed sum of money along the Akure-Ondo expressway in Elemosho village, Ondo East LGA. In June, gunmen reportedly hijacked a school bus and abducted a woman attendant at Oba-Ile Estate in Akure North LGA. More recently, on June 16, 2021, kidnappers reportedly killed two brothers and abducted two children in Ajowa community, Akoko North West LGA.

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