Bayelsa state is composed of 8 LGAs and its capital is Yenagoa city. The state’s estimated population was 2 277 961 in 2016.
A history of economic exploitation, environmental pollution and political marginalisation has led to decades of conflicts in the Niger Delta, including in Bayelsa state. Most of the actors involved in registered violent incidents were unidentified armed groups. Other actors include local communal militias, vigilantes, Fulani militias, cult militias, pirates, and the Nigerian security (police and military) forces. In May 2019, a police operation was launched in order to fight violent clashes, kidnappings and robberies in the state.
In 2020, Bayelsa state experienced incidents of violence that include gang/cult violence and criminality primarily driven by armed robbery, kidnapping, piracy, and killing for ritualistic purposes. In Bayelsa state, casualties, including of civilians, have been caused by cult or gang clashes, communal fights and in the context of more targeted attacks.
During 2020, ACLED reported a total of 25 security incidents (11 battles, 10 cases of violence against civilians, 4 incidents of riots) in Bayelsa state (average of 0.5 security incident per week). Security incidents took place in 5 out of 8 LGAs, with the largest overall number (14) being recorded in the LGA of Yenegoa.
The abovementioned security incidents resulted in 38 deaths. Compared to the estimated population in the state, this represents approximately 2 fatalities per 100 000 inhabitants.
From 1 January to 30 April 2021, ACLED reported a total of 7 security incidents (2 battles, 4 cases of violence against civilians, 1 incident of riots) in Bayelsa state (average of 0.4 security incident per week). These security incidents resulted in 1 death.
Information on the number of conflict-related IDPs and on the number of returnees in Bayelsa state could not be found.
In several violent incidents, damage on buildings such as churches, governmental buildings and medical centres was reported.
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Looking at the indicators, it can be concluded that in the state of Bayelsa there is, in general, no real risk for a civilian to be personally affected within the meaning of Article 15(c) QD.
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