This special edition of the weekly update spotlights gender-based violence (GBV) in the Niger Delta with a focus on violence against women and girls (VAWG). According to data (see map above), over 150 incidents of VAWG were reported in the Niger Delta between January 2021 and September 2023. Recent data shows the prevalence of violence against women and girls including sexual violation and targeted killing. In July 2023, for instance, a 53-year-old woman was reportedly killed in her farm by unknown persons in Ngwama community, Isiala Ngwa South LGA, Abia State. In August, a 19-year-old female student was reportedly killed by her boyfriend in Benin City, the Edo state capital. In September, a middle-aged woman was allegedly robbed and raped at gunpoint by a 22-year-old man in Bolorunduro community in Ondo East LGA, Ondo State. In October, a 4-year-old girl was allegedly defiled by a 46-year-old school principal in Agbor town in Ika LGA, Delta State. Also, in October, a 20-year-old female student was reportedly killed for ritual purposes by her ex-boyfriend in Ozuoba community, Obio/Akpor LGA, Rivers State.