This weekly update spotlights organized criminality in the Niger Delta with a focus on mass kidnapping for ransom in Edo State. According to data (see map below), more than 80 incidents of kidnapping were reported in Edo State between January 2021 and November 2022. Recent data shows a rise in kidnapping incidents including mass kidnapping of travelers and targeted abduction of government officials in the State. In December 2022, for instance, armed kidnappers reportedly invaded a farm camp (Ogoja Camp) and attempted to abduct the camp head in Ekiadolor town, Ovia North-East LGA. In January 2023, armed kidnappers reportedly attacked a sub-station of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and abducted about 20 persons including passengers, the station manager and a ticket clerk in Ekehen community, Igueben LGA. Also, in January, gunmen reportedly abducted a former State House of Assembly member in Ubiaja community, Esan South-East LGA. More recently, on January 09, 2023, a female president of a customary court was reportedly abducted by gunmen in Ugoneki community, Uhunmwonde LGA.

Source: https://pindfoundation.org/niger-delta-weekly-update-january-08-14-2023/