This weekly update spotlights criminal violence in the Niger Delta with a focus on kidnap for ransom in Rivers State. According to data (see map above), over 90 kidnapping incidents and more than 50 related fatalities were reported in Rivers State between January 2021 and March 2023. Recent data indicates a rise in kidnappings in the State. In March 2023, for instance, a woman and her daughter were reportedly kidnapped by gunmen along Garrison Road in Port Harcourt LGA. In April, a gang of cultists who doubles as kidnappers reportedly killed three residents and abducted two others in Ubeta community, Ahoada West LGA. Separately, gunmen reportedly abducted a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and killed two of his aides along the East-West Road in Obio/Akpor LGA. Also, in April, three persons including a female Federal Commissioner were allegedly abducted at Ogbakiri Junction along the East-West Road in Emohua LGA. Recently, on May 16, 2023, about 12 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) were reportedly abducted along the East-West Road in Rumuji town, Emohua LGA.

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