Ripplesmetrics: 1,250 people died in 20 years of crisis in the state of Rivers (part 1)

Since Siminaayi Fubara served as Governor of the State of Rivers in May 2023, his government had faced significant political tension, many of them came from a continuous disagreement between him and his predecessor, Ezenwo Wike. Wike, who is now the Minister of Federal Capital, has become the heart of several disputes that have disrupted the smooth function of the state government.

This tension has caused a deep gap between the executive and legislative branches, with both parties divided into opposite factions. Recently, the situation has increased, which culminates in the President of the Tinubu Soccer who stated an emergency. Responding to the developing crisis, Tinubu also appointed a single administrator, a retired representative of Admiral Ibok-Ete Iba, a former Navy and High Commissioner Chief of Staff recently to Ghana, to oversee the State Administration.

This series by Ripplesmetrics looked at some of the Rivers’s state socio-economic data to show trends about issues that had caused controversy from time to time.

Increased insecurity in the State of the River

The river state, which is located in Delta Niger which is rich in oil in Nigeria, is a striking contrast area. Known for natural resources and abundant cultural enthusiasm, this country is also wrestling with a disturbing unsafe narrative. Data analysis from the location of armed conflict & events data between 2004 to 2024 painted a gloomy picture of increasing violence, targeting civilians and leading to various deaths.

The story of insecurity in the state of Rivers began in 2004, a year marked the emergence of a recorded civil targeting incident. With nine such incidents, producing 27 deaths, the pattern set a worrying precedent. The following year, 2005, surprisingly saw a decline, with only four incidents and five deaths. However, this short pause did not last long.

Also read: Lagos Govt warns commercial bus operators against route violations, illegal parking

In 2006, the incident jumped to 14, which resulted in 19 deaths, the shadow of the escalation of terrible violence. The peak came in 2007, with an increase in 38 incidents and 58 deaths. This upward path highlights the developing crisis, which is rooted in the social-economic and political complexity.

In 20 years, a total of 1,250 deaths have been reported in the state with more than 500 recorded deaths for civilians. Years with the highest death records are 2016, 2019, 2021 and 2023 where the mortality rate exceeds more than 100 deaths.

Although this death record is low compared to what is reported by several northern states in one year, the data shows that most of the deaths reported are related to political violence or demonstrations that begin. The area of ​​the local government with the highest record of the murder in the last 24 years is Emohua (101 deaths), Obio (101 deaths), Ogba (101 deaths), and Port Harcourt (299 deaths).

In the heart of insecurity the river state lies a paradox of oil wealth. While the oil industry is the foundation of Nigeria’s economic, it has also been a source of conflict. Disputes on resource control and environmental degradation have triggered tensions between the local community, oil companies, and the government. This has been exacerbated by socio-economic differences and marginalization perception, creating a fertile foundation for riots.

In addition, the emergence of armed groups and militias has made the situation worse. These groups, which are often driven by complaints of resource allocation and revocation of political rights, have used violence to emphasize their demands. This increasingly involves the insecurity network at Rivers State.

By: James Odunayo

Join the conversation

Opinion

Supports Nigeria’s ripples, resistant Journalism Solutions

A balanced and fearful journalism that is driven by data comes with enormous financial costs.

As a media platform, we ask for leadership accountability and will not trade the right to suppress freedom and freedom of speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and ready to uphold journalism solutions, friendly Nigerian ripples cause.

Your support will help ensure that residents and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for community development.

Donation now