Killing Fields: Homicide Trends in Nigeria's Q1 2025

Nigeria's homicide rates saw a significant increase in Q1 2025, with a total of 222 cases tracked, up from 177 in Q1 2024. This represents a 25.42% increase overall. February was the deadliest month, with 83 tracked cases, marking a 29.69% rise from the previous year. January also saw a dramatic spike of 231.58% compared to the same period in 2024.

Delta, Ogun, and Lagos states reported the highest number of homicides. Ogun State showed a consistent upward trend, indicating persistent security gaps. Edo State experienced a peak in February suggesting a need for localized intervention. The surge in homicides may be linked to economic distress, post-festive tensions, or lapses in law enforcement coverage, emphasizing the need for urgent attention and targeted strategies to address these emerging patterns.