This special edition of the weekly update spotlights gender-based violence (GBV) in the Niger Delta with a focus on targeted violence against women and girls (VAWG) in Ondo State. According to data (see map above), over 60 incidents of VAWG and more than 25 related fatalities were reported in Ondo State between January 2021 and June 2023. Recent data shows a rise in incidents of VAWG including sexual violation and killing for ritualistic purposes. In May 2023, for example, an 80-year-old woman was reportedly raped to death by a 27-year-old man in Ore community, Odigbo LGA. Separately, in May, a 58- year-old woman was reportedly killed by a 29-year-old man who attempted to rape her in Akure, the state capital. Also, in May, a 12-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a middle-aged man in Igbokoda town, Ilaje LGA. In June, a 70- year-old woman was reportedly killed by armed robbers in her house at Sabo area in Ondo town, Akure North LGA. More recently, on August 06, 2023, a 45-year-old woman was reportedly tortured, killed and dismembered by her former boyfriend in Oke-Aro area, Akure South LGA.