This weekly update spotlights election violence in the Niger Delta with a focus on the risk of post-election violence in the aftermath of the 2024 governorship election in Edo State. Elections in the State are usually highly competitive, often marked by violence. According to data (see map above), over 100 incidents of election violence were reported in Edo State between January 2020 and June 2024. In the run-up to the September 2024 governorship election, several incidents of violence were reported in the State. In July 2024, for instance, a police officer attached to the governorship candidate of a political party was reportedly killed during a clash between supporters of rival political parties in Benin City, the state capital. In August, a Senior Special Assistant to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly was allegedly killed by gunmen in Ozalla, Owan West LGA. On the eve of the election, some armed political thugs were reportedly arrested in Oredo and Akoko Edo LGAs. More recently, on October 02, 2024, protests were reported at different locations in the State over alleged vote rigging during the governorship election.

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