This weekly update spotlights organized criminal violence in the Niger Delta with a focus on cult gang related killings in Delta State. Struggle for supremacy and territorial control among rival cult gangs has been a major cause of lethal violence and insecurity in Delta State. According to data (see map above), gang violence caused over 230 fatalities in Delta State between January 2020 and March 2024. Recent incidents indicate a resurgence of violent clashes between cult gangs in the State. In February 2024, for instance, the leader of a cult gang was reportedly killed and three others injured during a clash between rival cult gangs in Ogwashi-Uku community, Aniocha South LGA. In the aftermath of the killing of the gang leader, over six persons were reportedly killed in a series of reprisal attacks. In March, for example, a man and his pregnant wife were reportedly killed by members of a cult gang in Ogwashi-Uku community, Aniocha South LGA. Recently, on April 03, 2024, three persons were allegedly killed during a clash between the police and suspected members of a cult gang in Isah-Ogwashi community, Aniocha South LGA.

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