Nigeria: Local political candidate attacked in Kwara state Nov. 15

Event

On Thursday, November 15, unidentified gunmen attacked Raheem Olawuyi, a candidate in the by-elections slated to be held in Kwara state on Saturday, November 17. According to reports, the gunmen shot at Olawuyi's vehicle in Idofin Igbana (Oke-Ero local government area). Olawuyi reportedly managed to escape unharmed. A heightened security presence is expected in the area in the coming days. Further electoral violence cannot be ruled out in Kwara state ahead of the November 17 elections.  

Advice

Individuals in Kwara state are advised to monitor the situation and avoid any associated demonstrations due to the risk of violence.

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 Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kano states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). It is also advisable to avoid nonessential travel to Zamfara, Sokoto, Plateau, and Kaduna states. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.