This edition of the weekly update highlights lethal violence in the Niger Delta with a focus on the threat of gun violence in Edo State. According to data (see map below), more than 140 gun related deaths were reported in Edo State between January 2018 and December 2021. Recent incidents indicate an upsurge in gun related violence in the State, including targeted killing of residents by ‘Unknown Gunmen’.

In February 2022, for instance, a 36-year old medical doctor who works at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) was reportedly killed by gunmen suspected to be assassins in Benin City, the state capital. Separately, in February, gunmen reportedly attacked five banks, killed six persons, including two police officers and four residents, and carted away a large sum of money in Uromi town, Esan North-East LGA. In March, gunmen reportedly killed a chieftain of a major political party in Benin City, Oredo LGA. Recently, on April 20, 2022, gunmen reportedly killed three residents, including the leader of a local vigilante group following a leadership tussle in Uselu-Nahor community, Uhunmwonde LGA.

Download full report below.