Rivers of blood: Gang Violence In ’s Garden State

JUNE 2020 DISCLAIMER

The data contained in this report is only up-to-date as at Friday, 10 April 2020. Some of it is subject to change during the natural course of events. SB Morgen cannot accept liability in respect of any errors or omissions that may follow such events that may invalidate data contained herein. All of the data used for this research comes from one of four sources: the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, the Council for Foreign Relations’ Nigeria Security Tracker, newspaper reports, and SBM Intel’s own countrywide network of researchers.

Our publicly released reports are formatted for easy and quick reading, and may not necessarily contain all the data that SB Morgen gathered during a given survey. Complete datasets can be made available on request.

2 Rivers of blood: Gang violence in nigeria’s garden state BACKGROUND

Since the end of military of the century, some of these cult rule in Nigeria in 1999, groups began to morph into militancy, blurring the line between groups gang activities and the that had always been militants and corresponding violence have those who leveraged the organization seen a gradual but steady the cult groups gave to engage in increase in , in militancy. They ended up waging Nigeria’s Niger Delta. From war against the oil industry for years, the formation of the Supreme reducing Nigeria’s oil production output. To keep the oil flowing, the Vikings Confraternity government eventually created an (SVC) in the early 1980s amnesty programme for repentant at the University of Port militants which still runs till this Harcourt, various criminal very day. Since the reason for the gangs known as cults have formation of these cult groups and the socio-economic and socio- sprung up in different parts political issues which ensure their of the state, with varying growth remains prominent within the membership strengths, and society, these violent groups continue holding different stretches of to exist and pose a serious threat to territory within the state. lives and property and the general development of Rivers State. As is Prominent amongst the more than usual with such groups that control 100 cult groups known to operate in territory, they have become integral the state are the Deewell, Deebam, in the politics of the state, and this Icelanders, Greenlanders, Gberesaako has made some of the groups very Boys, and the Outlaws. These cult powerful. It is this melting pot of groups individually and collectively socio-economics, politics, history, have constituted a menace to the intertribal conflict and violent inhabitants of the state, causing agitation for resource control that incalculable human and economic brings a unique bent to the cult issue loss in the process. In the first decade in Rivers State.

3 Rivers of blood: Gang violence in nigeria’s garden state HISTORY

The history of cult groups influence of the KK in Rivers state, in Rivers state can be and to maintain territorial control, the SVC elected to form its own street traced to the formation wing which it termed the Junior of the Supreme Vikings Vikings Confraternity (JVC) as a Confraternity (SVC) also counter to the Occasion Boy led the known as the Adventurers Deebam group . The JVC venture was or the De Norsemen Club unsuccessful but it eventually laid of Nigeria at the University the foundation for the formation of the Deewell group in the Diobu axis of of in 1984, Port Harcourt. by a former member of the Buccaneers Confraternity1. In the early 2000s, with the Deewell group losing territory and In 1991, Onengiye Ofori Terika, members and still unable to match a member of the Klansmen the ruthlessness and seeming Konfraternity, popularly known as effectiveness of the Deebam group Occasion Boy, formed the Deebam despite allegedly having support from cult group in his community Bukuma, the state government4. A group of in Degema Local Government Area five SVC members, which was termed of Rivers state. The group was meant the ‘5 Wise Men’5 came together. This to serve as the street wing of the group of five6 included Ateke Tom and Klansmen Konfraternity formed in the Julius Oruitemeka, who were then University of Calabar in 1983, and also trained on the practices of the new to fight for compensation owed by group which was named Icelanders, Shell and other oil companies to the and which was handed over to Ateke Bukuma community2. Tom—leader of the street cult group known as The Uglies—to manage7. In the early 1990s, to reduce the

1. Contemporary Nigerian Cultist Groups: Demystifying the ‘Invisibilities’, IFRA-Nigeria Working Papers Series, N57, March 2019, p 9 2. Jennifer M. Hazen, Jonas Honer; Small Arms, Armed Violence, and Insecurity in Nigeria: The Niger Delta in Perspective, 3. Ibid p 117 4. Patrick Naagbanton; More Tales From Our Columbia, 2007, https://bit.ly/37uRDoo 5. Jennifer M. Hazen and Jonas Honer, p 119 6. Ibid 7. Patrick Naagbanton

4 Rivers of blood: Gang violence in nigeria’s garden state “The 2015 elections in Rivers were also a bloody affair. Despite the overt display of violence which caused elections not to be held in Abonnema for example, results were declared for the community. The situation was hardly different four years later during the 2019 presidential elections when a man...”

The Icelanders cult group setup rigging into office. It is for this reason its base in Okochiri in Local that elections in Rivers state have Government of Rivers state, the home continued to see violence which of Ateke Tom. Over time, and in a bid has been reported by the SBM on to rebrand and fend off the negative different occasions. An example of perception its violent activities had this is the Gberesaako Boys which brought, the group was rechristened is a cult group confined to the Ogoni the Niger Delta Vigilante Service axis of Rivers state, and which (NDVS). was formed by the Gokana Council Chairman in 2001 using funds from Many other cult groups have been the Local Government’s Security Vote. formed at different points in time The group which was armed with in the history of Rivers state. The various weapons including automatic proliferation of these groups have, weapons were then used during the in many cases, been at the behest 2003 and 2007 elections in the area9. of politicians seeking power and consequently funding and arming The 2015 elections in Rivers10 were these cult groups to unleash violence also a bloody affair. Despite the overt on opponents and to ensure seamless display of violence which caused

8. Patrick Naagbanton; More Tales From Our Columbia, 2007, 9. Reuters: Pre-election violence kills 9 in southern Nigeria; https://reut.rs/2Ywf6la 10. Cheta Nwanze: Politics as war – the Rivers State model; https://bit.ly/3f1eZWn

5 Rivers of blood: Gang violence in nigeria’s garden state elections not to be held in Abonnema Bush Boys of Okrika was formed for for example, results were declared this particular purpose, so cannot be for the community. The situation was referred to as a cult group. The Bush hardly different four years later during Boys were formed by the Chiefs and the 2019 presidential elections when community members of Okrika to a man, Thywill Dabotubo was shot by serve as a vigilante group for Okrika gunmen dressed in military uniform due to a territorial dispute between while waiting to cast his vote. In the Okrika and Eleme revolving around same place, a staff member of INEC, the land housing the Port Harcourt Ibisaki Amachree was killed by a Refinery. The settlement of this stray bullet. Rivers state witnessed11 issue and the financial benefits to be some of the most violent incidents derived, saw the Bush Boys engaging relating to the election. Despite the in battles with the Eleme community. army uniforms involved in Abonnema, many people interviewed at the time The Bush Boys group would later be believed that the perpetrators were routed from Okrika before the 2003 actually gang members. general elections by the Rivers PDP backed Iceland group led by Ateke Since socio-political and socio- Tom. This was done to ensure the economic issues play an important state governor at the time, Peter part in the formation of armed Odili, gained control of Okrika which groups, a good number of the armed had been an ANPP stronghold prior groups formed in Rivers state have to that time12. A noted leader of Bush community backing and serve as Boys, Sunday Opuambe was gunned vigilantes and community armies down13 in the Abuloma area of Port used to wage communal warfare Harcourt by suspected members of revolving around land ownership, the Greenlanders group in February and chieftaincy disagreements. The 2009.

11. Nigeria: Widespread Violence Ushers in President’s New Term; https://bit.ly/3hxxCCa 12. Pointblank News: Fresh Wardrums in Rivers; https://bit.ly/3hwB0NW 13. 2 gang leaders killed: Bush Boys – Greenlanders resume hostilities; https://bit.ly/2MZ9jPB

6 Rivers of blood: Gang violence in nigeria’s garden state PROMINENT GROUPS

A look at the prominent stronghold which is known as its cult groups in Rivers state ‘Alpha Marine’ with its branch in the Rivers State University referred to shows that their origins can as ‘Beta Marine’. Its membership be traced to the formation consists of undergraduates and of the Supreme Viking university graduates. Confraternity in 1984 and the formation of the Deebam The Iceland cult group although group in 1991. having its stronghold and headquarters in Okochiri, has a membership spread across many These groups as has been mentioned communities mostly in the Town area earlier are the Deewell and Icelander of Rivers state and other neighbouring group which we have seen were Niger Delta states. formed by the SVC. The Deebam group as we have also seen was The Deewell group has as its formed by a member of the KK. stronghold the old Port Harcourt Township, the Diobu axis, some The Supreme Vikings Confraternity parts of Emouha and Khana Local (SVC) has the University of Port Government Areas in the Ogoni axis. Harcourt as its headquarters and

GANG AREAS OF OPERATION

Supreme Viking Port Harcourt, Emuoha Confraternity

Deebam Degema

Icelander/Niger Delta Okochiri, Port Harcourt, Vigilante Service Ogba Egbema Ndoni Diobu, EMUOHA Deewell Emuoha, Khana

Outlaws Degema

Greenlanders Port Harcourt, Emuoha

Black Axe Port Harcourt

Elegem Face Port Harcourt DEGEMA

7 Rivers of blood: Gang violence in nigeria’s garden state GANG AREAS OF OPERATION

Malcolm X Port Harcourt

Thomas Sankara Boys Port Harcourt

Dragons Port Harcourt

KGB Port Harcourt

Vultures Port Harcourt

Executioners Port Harcourt

OGBA EGBEMA White Angels Port Harcourt

Mafites Port Harcourt

Blood Suckers Port Harcourt

Brotherhood of Blood Port Harcourt

Predators Port Harcourt PORT HARCOURT Panama Pirates Port Harcourt

8 Rivers of blood: Gang violence in nigeria’s garden state The Deebam group which earlier in its that Deebam and its rival Deewell life had its headquarters in Bukuma, have presence in all 170 communities has had its headquarters moved to in Ogoni15. the Ogbakiri axis of Local Government Area after its founder, Soboma George was a right hand Onengiyeofori Terika, popularly man to Ateke Tom that became known as Occasion Boy, was killed disgruntled after he was handed over in October 2003 in a shootout with by Ateke Tom to the police for murder. members of Deewell and Iceland After being broken out of jail, George in an attempt to take over Tombia a teamed up with some of his former neighbouring community14. Deebam Iceland colleagues to form The has as its stronghold in Emohua Local Outlaws, a gang that went on to have Government area, Ogba/Egbema/ the Icelander group as its arch enemy. Ndoni, Port Harcourt, and the Ogoni Soboma George was killed in 2010 axis of Rivers state. It has been noted while attending a football game he

“A 2019 research which observed 18 of the 23 local government areas in Rivers state showed that the local governments most affected by cult related activities between 2009 and 2018 were Emouha, , East, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Ikwerre, and Port Harcourt City local government areas...”

14. The Jamestown Foundation: Origins of the Niger Delta’s Deewell and Deebams Militias; https://bit.ly/3eg8fCQ 15. National Working Group on Armed Violence (NWGAV) and Action on Armed Violence (AOAV); The Violent Road: An Overview of Armed Violence in Nigeria

9 Rivers of blood: Gang violence in nigeria’s garden state organised16. The Outlaws, prior to the Axe, Elegemface, Malcolm X, Thomas killing of its leader, had its stronghold Sankara Boys, Dragons, KGB, Vultures, in the Kalabari axis of Rivers state17. Executioners, White Angels, Mafites, Blood Suckers, Brotherhood of Blood, The Greenland gang was formed Predators, and Panama Pyrates19. in the run up to the 2003 General These groups have fewer members Elections in Rivers state by a former when compared to the much larger founding member of the Iceland groups highlighted earlier and have group known as Julius Oruitemeka. limited spread. Oruitemeka was allegedly decapitated by Ateke Tom in 2004, A 2019 research which observed 18 and this led to the amalgamation of of the 23 local government areas in the Greenlanders into his Iceland/ Rivers state showed that the local NDVS group18. governments most affected by cult related activities between 2009 Apart from the above mentioned cult and 2018 were Emouha, Andoni, groups, it has been reported that as , Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, at 2004, over 100 cult groups were Ikwerre, and Port Harcourt City local operating in Rivers state. Some of government areas20. the cult groups include the Black

16. Punch: How I organised Soboma George’s murder, kidnapped VC in Rivers – Suspect; https://bit.ly/2ULaRkF 17. Jstor: https://bit.ly/2Y1df8Y 18. The Many tangled Roots of MEND; https://bit.ly/2Y7OKHn 19. Owonikoko B. Saheed, Ifukor Uche; From Campuses to Communities: Community-Based Cultism and Local Responses in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria; IJAH, VOL. 5(4), S/N 19, SEPTEMBER, 2016, p 85–86, https://bit.ly/3e5khir 20. N. R. Nwaogu1, V. E. Weli and M. D. Mbee; Evaluation of Youth Vulnerability to Community Cultism in Selected States in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria, Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports 7(4): 1-14, 2019; Article no.AJARR.53779 ISSN: 2582-3248

10 Rivers of blood: Gang violence in nigeria’s garden state RECENT EVENTS

In May 2016, about 19 area24. persons were killed and 5 In January 2018, 7 persons were beheaded in a suspected cult killed in a cult clash in Ajakaja clash in Idaho and Ulapata community in Andoni local communities in Ahoada East government area25. Local government of the state21. In February 2018 in Omerelu community in Ikwerre local In June 2016, two police officers government area, five people and five other persons were killed were killed in a clash between in a cult clash between Icelanders rival cult groups, with four of the 26 and Greenlanders in Rumuji and five beheaded . While in August Ovogo communities in Emohua local of same year, a vigilante leader in government area22. Rumuolumeni in Obio/Akpor local government area was shot dead by 27 In June 2017, 14 persons were killed suspected cultists . in Sime community in Tai local government area of Rivers state in a In May 2019, at least 10 persons were cult clash between the Icelanders and killed in an attack by members of the the Greenlanders23. Iceland cult group on Kono-Boue in Khana local government area28. In April 2017, 12 persons were killed in a cult clash between Icelanders In april 2019, 3 persons were killed and members of the Movement for in Mgbudohia community in Obio/ the Emancipation of the Niger Delta Akpor local government area after (MEND) in Andoni local government disagreements between members of

21. Nigerian Bulletin: Rivers State : 5 People Beheaded in Cult Clash (GRUESOME PHOTO); https://bit.ly/37yo5GM 22. Punch: Two policemen, five others killed in Rivers cult clashes; https://bit.ly/2MZ9Hh1 23. Punch: 14 die as rival cults clash in Rivers; https://bit.ly/3hySpWm 24. The Tide: Renewed Cult Clashes Claim 12 in Andoni; https://bit.ly/3frspKo 25. Nigerian Tribune: 7 Feared Killed In Rivers Community Cult Clash; https://bit.ly/2Y0IzEG 26. Vanguard: 4 beheaded, another murdered in Rivers cult clash; https://bit.ly/2zziseN 27. Punch: Cultists kill vigilante leader in Rivers; https://bit.ly/2Y1e1Tq 28. DailyTrust: 10 killed in Rivers as rival cults clash; https://bit.ly/30IDeUh

11 Rivers of blood: Gang violence in nigeria’s garden state Iceland and Deebam on which groups cult group in a battle for control31. should collect illegal levies from land developers29. In may 2020, members of Deewell beat to death a member of Deebam In October 2019, 4 persons were who was caught after snatching the killed in local government area phone of a pregnant woman in the and houses set ablaze in a cult clash Diobu axis of the state32. between members of Deewell and Deebam30. In March 2020, 2 persons were killed in a cult clash between rival groups In February 2020, 8 persons were in Bera community of Gokana local killed in Okporoko community in government area33. Also in May Emohua local government area in 2020, a vegetable seller and two a clash between new generation others were killed in a clash between members and older members of a members of Iceland and Deebam in

“In March 2020, 2 persons were killed in a cult clash between rival groups in Bera community of Gokana local government area. Also in May 2020, a vegetable seller and two others were killed in a clash between members of Iceland and Deebam in the Mile 3 axis of the state over the collection of levies from traders in the area...”

29. PremiumTimes: Three killed in Rivers cult clash; https://bit.ly/2Y0tzXw 30. The Guardian: Four feared killed as cult gangs clash in Rivers; https://bit.ly/2YB2DN8 31. Vanguard: Eight killed as cultists clash in Rivers community; https://bit.ly/37DXgRu 32. The Nation: One feared dead as cultists clash in Rivers; https://bit.ly/3fvpNuX 33. The Sun: Cult clash claims 2 in Rivers; https://bit.ly/37D1sAP

12 Rivers of blood: Gang violence in nigeria’s garden state the Mile 3 axis of the state over the government area of the state on 1st collection of levies from traders in the January 2018 when armed men led area34. by militant leader Don Wanny shot and killed at least 22 persons who One of the worst massacres by armed were returning from the cross-over groups in Rivers state occurred in night vigil service35. in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local

Fatalities in attacks between 2007-2020

30

20

10

0 1/3/2017 1/11/2015 3/9/2019 8/9/2013 1/6/2020 2/2/2010 1/19/2014 6/25/209 3/17/2016 9/12/2017 7/14/2019 9/21/2016 11/4/2007 9/16/2018 1/28/2019 5/18/2016 11/27/2011 1/20/2016 5/27/2015 3/27/2015 8/10/2014 1/14/2008 9/25/2019 9/24/2015 5/29/2018 6/28/2012 6/20/2017 2/28/2015 4/24/2019 11/11/2008 9/15/2008 8/24/2010 11/25/2017 7/20/2007 4/10/2008 11/24/2018 12/18/2018 5/25/2020 6/29/2008 5/30/2007 2/25/2009 4/29/2009

FATALITIES

34. The Port City News: Vegetable seller, two others killed during cult clash in Port Harcourt; https://bit.ly/30KNTOw 35. Punch: Rivers’ New Year bloodbath; https://bit.ly/2zxUb8M

13 Rivers of blood: Gang violence in nigeria’s garden state GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

In 2016, the Rivers state Watch Safety Corps No.6 of 2018 , governor, Nyesom Wike the State Anti-cultism Bill and the Rivers State anti-Kidnap (Prohibition) offered an amnesty to (Amendment) No.2 Law No.7 of repentant gang members in 201837. the state willing to surrender In June 2019, the Rivers State their weapons and embrace Government made known its plans peace. The move saw the to stop offering amnesty to cultists acceptance of the amnesty considering that many of those who were granted amnesty returned to by cult members, including their criminal activities38. Don Wanny who would go on to commit one of the most Meanwhile, the response of the state gruesome massacres in government to the activities of the Rivers state on New Year’s different criminal gangs operating in the state has been deemed Day of 2018. Reacting to inadequate. Amnesty International the New Year’s Day attack, in its 2020 report39 on the rising Governor Wike placed a cult related killings in Rivers state N640 million bounty on 32 opined that “Our findings show that suspected cultists in the the government is still not doing enough to protect people in these state36. communities from attacks. The killers are literally getting away with murder, In March 2018, the Rivers state while no one is being arrested or House of Assembly passed three punished for these crimes.” anti crime bills; the Neighbourhood

36. Punch: [Full List] 32 alleged cultists declared wanted by Rivers govt; https://bit.ly/2N1Ova8 37. DailyTrust: Wike signs 3 anti-crime bills into law; https://bit.ly/2N29fi2 38. Today: Governor Wike: I will no longer grant amnesty to cultists; https://bit.ly/3e5qdYL 39. Amnesty: Nigeria: Rise in Cult Related killings in Rivers state; https://bit.ly/3e5rgYS

14 Rivers of blood: Gang violence in nigeria’s garden state ECONOMIC IMPACT

The effects of these gangs “In Rivers, the on Rivers state has been dominant economic nothing short of debilitating. There is a substantial body of activity from a literature that has examined value perspective the close interplay between is the extraction gang violence and the adverse economic effects of hydrocarbon they leave in their wake. resources. The state

Gangs have been shown to be boasts perhaps the an important component of most extensive oil...” understanding society because “understanding these social actors is crucial to fashioning public policies fuelled the rise of nationalism within and building social movements the borders of most sovereign states, that can both reduce violence and manifests in gang activity. erode the deep-seated inequalities that all too often are reinforced In Rivers, the dominant economic by present economic, social, and activity from a value perspective military policies.40” Around the world, is the extraction of hydrocarbon globalisation, with its effect including resources. The state boasts perhaps the dwindling of the authority of the the most extensive oil industry nation-state in favour of international footprint, including pipelines, ports, financial flows and neo-liberal tank farms, administrative and monetary policy; the rise of utilising mobility infrastructure as well as punitive state force to solve issues a refinery that supports an equally of marginalisation, the absence or substantial offshore industry. The erosion of social welfare and the oil industry, by nature, a high-skill rise of cultural identities which has but low labour intensive enterprise,

40. Hagedorn, John M. The Global Impact of Gangs in Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice 21(2):153. May 2005.

15 Rivers of blood: Gang violence in nigeria’s garden state does not employ a large number poorly maintained oil facilities, these of people anywhere in the best of cult groups, since the rise of militancy times. According to a 2005 working in the region, have contributed a lot paper by the International Labour to the pollution. Gang violence only Organization, the oil industry creates serves to exacerbate the deprivation over 65,000 direct jobs in Nigeria, and of residents by destroying or more than 250,000 jobs in non-direct adversely impacting already poor employment41. In the United States, public infrastructure and services. that number is 9.8 million or 5.6 percent of total U.S. employment42. The gangs have also branched out into other areas ranging from petty For Rivers, like many other oil theft to car snatching, drug dealing, producing states, this has led to a bank robberies, kidnapping for dual situation where many interest ransom, murder for hire and of course, groups and residents complain of political thuggery. being marginalised and demand more from the oil companies A market survey carried out by while most economic activity – SBM Intelligence in Port Harcourt especially agriculture and trading the Rivers state capital in 2019 - is inefficiently geared towards showed that the activities of these serving the oil industry, deepening criminal gangs has not just led existing structural inequalities. Given to the movement of businesses that the biggest money spinner for outside the state leading to a rise these groups is crude oil theft, their in unemployment, but has also activities, which include the breaking affected the property business in of pipelines and well heads to the state. Violent cult clashes in siphon crude oil or refined petroleum local communities have seen various products, have led to the pollution degrees of internal displacement of the Niger Delta environment. of people within the state and the Although the majority of the pollution desertion of communities known to in the Niger Delta is as a result of be hotspots for these clashes43.

41. Fajana, Sola. Industrial Relations in the Oil Industry in Nigeria, Working paper 237. International Labour Organization. 42. American Petroleum Institute. How Many Jobs Has The Oil And Natural Gas Industry Created? https://bit.ly/2zzjyXX 43. Vanguard: Peace returns to Ogbakiri after years of communal clash; https://bit.ly/37uXuKu

16 Rivers of blood: Gang violence in nigeria’s garden state The Niger Delta militancy which was In addition to all the other negative at its most intense from 2004 till effects of youth joining gangs, young 2009, led to the reduction of Nigeria’s people who become gang members oil production capabilities, its foreign are often an economic burden to exchange earnings, and negatively society. For example in the United affected the economy of the country, States where extensive study has forcing the government to implement been done, the cost of incarcerating an amnesty programme to reduce the gang members actually exceeds attacks on oil production facilities. annual expenses at top private universities, which can total about Gang activity and violence further $60,000 per student for tuition, room, depress business activity where the and board44. In this sense, gangs gangs reside and their suitability become very significant economic on both potential investors and actors, exercising an outsize influence customers that patronize these on the allocations of security, judicial, businesses. Small businesses lose administrative and policing resources customers, which results in the loss to the detriment of other public goods. of revenue, loss of funds due to theft, The hegemonic control exercised income impairment and business by El Salvadorian gangs over vast restoration costs. If a gang decides swathes of the country has led to the to claim a territory as its own, this world’s highest crime rate and the often either puts fear into current and seventh poorest economy in Latin potential customers and prevents America, only ahead of Belize, Bolivia, them from patronising the business or Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and it distorts economic activity in these Haiti, all of which are also home of areas when gangs (often) demand world renowned gangs45. charges and levies for operating in their territory. This is already In Rivers, as in much of the Niger prevalent in many communities in the Delta, this economic integration has riverine parts of Rivers. led to the rise of the political influence

44. Prevention Works. Impact of Gang Violence on Businesses and Communities; https://bit.ly/2Y2H0WJ 45. Global Risk Insights. The economic impact of gang violence in El Salvador; https://bit.ly/2YALH9A

17 Rivers of blood: Gang violence in nigeria’s garden state “It is important to note that the of the SVC had won elections in the state House of Assembly leading to inability of the Port Harcourt residents referring to the House of Assembly as ‘Viking government and House’48. security agencies to This is perhaps evidence that curb the activities of gang leaders are in the process cult groups in Rivers of transferring the hard evasive, survival, community organising State has forced and negotiating skills they learned communities...” in their previous lives to their new found roles as political operators, so called ‘kingpins’ who have been able to convert their influence over well of prominent gang leaders. This armed, well organised gangs into political dimension has seen local significant political heft. elections in Rivers State becoming more violent as politicians employ It is important to note that the members of gangs to intimidate inability of the government and voters and political opponents. The security agencies to curb the relationship between the politicians activities of cult groups in Rivers State and various cult groups and their has forced communities to set up and members have consequently arm various vigilante outfits, leading emboldened cult members to seek to the further proliferation of arms elective offices. In the 2015 general in the state. An example of one of elections, King Ateke Tom—Ateke such groups which is presently active Tom was crowned King of Okochiri in is the ONELGA Security Planning 201746–made his intention known to and Advisory Committee known as contest the governorship elections OSPAC49 which was set up in 2016 in Rivers state47. In 2008, Human by Maxwell Ahiakwo, an academic Rights Watch reported that members

46. DailyPost: Ateke Tom, ex-militant leader crowned King of Okochiri in Rivers; https://bit.ly/3hwUG4j 47. DailyPost: Ex- Niger Delta militant set to contest 2015 governorship election in Rivers state; https://bit.ly/3fp44oE 48. Human Rights Watch: Annex: Partial Overview of Cults, Gangs, and “Militant Groups” in Rivers State; https://bit.ly/3fpmaGV 49. BBC News Pidgin: Omoku: Di Nigerian community wey ‘cultists’ don scatter; https://bbc.in/2C9HodM

18 Rivers of blood: Gang violence in nigeria’s garden state “One of the unintended consequences of the amnesty programme has been the elevation and normalisation of gangs as legitimate economic participants – through the award of contracts and tenders for such activities as ironically, the provision of security services...”

based in Omoku. The vigilante outfit of, in order to defeat the gangs. was set up as a response to the growing insecurity in Ogba Egbema One of the unintended consequences Ndoni local government, which was of the amnesty programme has terrorised by a noted criminal gang been the elevation and normalisation member, Johnson Igwedibia, better of gangs as legitimate economic known as Don Waney. Waney -- also participants – through the award a leader of the local Iceland group -- of contracts and tenders for such who was responsible for the murder activities as ironically, the provision of 23 worshippers on New Year’s Day of security services. It is perhaps in 2018, was killed by security forces emblematic of the far reaching a week later. The set up of these power of cults and gangs in Rivers vigilante groups has raised serious that they have evolved from fringe human rights concerns as reports of groups occupied by petty squabbles extrajudicial killings make the news50 and economic sabotage to politically as these vigilante groups adopt the connected militias mid-size who very tactics that the gangs make use cannot be ignored.

50. Nigeria: Tension in Rivers Communities As Suspected Vigilantes Kill Scores in Night Raid; https://bit.ly/2UO2bdn

19 Rivers of blood: Gang violence in nigeria’s garden state CONCLUSION

As has been seen in many the problem become all permeating places all over the world and near intractable. First, the involvement of political patronage including Honduras, Mexico in gangs. This provides funding, and Columbia, gang culture as well as cover for impunity and has roots in socio-economic some degrees of legitimacy for the problems. gang leaders. We have seen this in Rivers state repeatedly as this report The Rivers gang problem is no has shown. A second is a means different. The lack of opportunity of income for these gangs that is caused by the devastation of independent of the government – in communities due to oil exploration Rivers, this is provided through oil and the Nigerian situation, coupled bunkering and kidnapping. with the visible inequality made the development of fringe slums like the A final point to note is that many of aptly named Columbia community these gangs start off with community in Port Harcourt in the 1980s. support. While ultimately, as they Communities like these operate on the fringe of society as ungoverned spaces and they are the breeding “A second is a grounds for gang activity. Once means of income these mix with the organisational capabilities provided by student for these gangs cult groups, they provide the much that is independent needed structure that Rivers gangs have shown. A similar meta situation of the government is what is seen in the favelas of Brazil – in Rivers, this is where the educated leftists locked up with gang leaders brought the provided through structure that has empowered these gangs. However, there are two other oil bunkering and crucial ingredients which makes kidnapping...”

20 Rivers of blood: Gang violence in nigeria’s garden state evolve, the willing support morphs of the problem – the socio-economic into a fearful exhibition of support, issues, the legitimacy issues that this community base is integral to the make communities turn to gangs in operation of these gangs. Government the first place, the justice issues and must realize that the solution is not the myopia of political operatives who a token locking up or killing of gang prefer to take the shortcut of gang leaders. This changes nothing and violence to win elections. Without only brings about violence as fighting tackling these, the head of the hydra always ensues to take over the will always regrow, irrespective of lucrative structures these gangs have how many times or how many heads once a leader is gone. What is more are cut. important getting to the root cause

21 Rivers of blood: Gang violence in nigeria’s garden state 22 Rivers of blood: Gang violence in nigeria’s garden state