Nigeria: Gunmen attack farm in Rivers state January 4

Event

Unidentified gunmen attacked a farm in the Emohua local government area of Rivers state on Thursday, January 4. According to the local police, attackers drove into the area on motorcycles and opened fire on people in the area before fleeing. At least seven people were killed, according to local media reports. Authorities believe that a local gang is responsible for the shooting.

Context

Earlier in the week, suspected gang members attacked a group of people at a church in Omoku, Rivers state, on January 1. At least 16 people died in the attack. Despite several amnesty programs and the presence of law enforcement bodies, criminal activities (including armed robbery, kidnapping, violence and indiscriminate killings) by armed youths persist.

Advice

In general, the security environment in Nigeria is complex and is particularly concerning in the northeast and extreme south of the country due to the presence of armed groups, high crime rates, and the risk of kidnapping. Some Western governments consequently advise against travel to certain areas of the northeast (e.g. states of Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, and Jigawa as well as parts of Kano and Adamawa states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.