This weekly update spotlights organized crime in the Niger Delta with a focus on gang violence and criminality in Rivers State. According to data (see map above), organized criminal violence, including clashes between cult gangs, caused over 300 fatalities in Rivers State between January 2020 and May 2024. Recent data shows the prevalence of organized criminal violence in the State. In April 2024, for instance, gunmen allegedly killed a member of a local vigilante at Obidanso Waterfront in Diobu community, Port Harcourt LGA. In May, gunmen reportedly attacked a passenger boat and abducted seven travelers along the Onne Waterways in Eleme LGA. Also, in May, a resident was reportedly killed and two houses destroyed during a clash between youths and members of a local vigilante in Egbeda community, Emohua LGA. In July, a member of a local vigilante was reportedly ambushed and killed by gunmen in Igwuruta community, Ikwerre LGA. More recently, on July 14, 2024, gunmen suspected to be members of a cult gang allegedly abducted a 47-year-old man from his boat and killed him in Bakana community, Degema LGA.

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