This weekly update Highlights organized criminality in the Niger Delta with a focus on the rising wave of criminal violence in Abia State. According to data (see map below), criminal violence caused over 200 fatalities in Abia State between January 2019 and June 2022. Recent incidents indicate an increase in violent criminality in the state, especially armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, gang violence, homicidal violence and targeted killings. In June 2022, for instance, gunmen reportedly killed two young businessmen at Ogbor Hill in Aba North LGA.

In July, gunmen suspected to be kidnappers, reportedly abducted some travelers in Lokpanta community, Umunneochi LGA. Also, in July, gunmen reportedly attacked a bullion van conveying cash from a bank, killed a bank official and injured three police officers at Ntigha Junction along the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway in Isiala Ngwa North LGA. One of the robbers was reportedly killed during the incident. Recently, on August 03, 2022, a mob reportedly destroyed a morgue over alleged illegal harvesting of human body parts in Ndiolumbe community, Isiala Ngwa South LGA.

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