This edition of the weekly update spotlights political violence in the Niger Delta with a focus on politically motivated killings in Akwa Ibom State. According to data (see map below), over 50 incidents of election-related violence, including more than 25 related fatalities, were reported in Akwa Ibom State between January 2015 and March 2022. In the lead-up to the upcoming 2023 general elections, the political situation in the State is already charged with several reported incidents of politically motivated killings, especially the targeted killings of chieftains of major political parties in the State. In January 2022, for instance, gunmen suspected to be assassins reportedly killed a chieftain of a major political party in Ikot Udoma village, Eket LGA. In February, gunmen reportedly killed a chieftain of another major political party in Uyo, the state capital. More recently, on May 15, 2022, the former chairman of the local chapter of a major political party was reportedly assassinated by gunmen at his residence in Ekparakwa community, Oruk Anam LGA. These series of targeted killings have heightened political tensions in the State.
The post Niger Delta Weekly Update for May 15-21, 2022 appeared first on PIND Foundation.
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