Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 5

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Two Suspected Robbers Killed In Cross River

Two suspected armed robbers and a resident were, Wednesday, killed when a gang of bandits invaded Ugep in Yakurr LGA of Cross River State. Witnesses of the incident said the hoodlums had successfully robbed their victims in Ikom and attempted to raid a first generation bank in Ugep where they were resisted by security operatives. It was gathered that the robbers, who came in three vehicles, attempted to enter the bank but were challenged by security personnel and residents. A native of the area, who allegedly dared the robbers died from gunshots. Youths in the area, angered by alleged poor police response, stormed their station and vandalized it. The Police spokesman, Hogan Bassey, confirmed the robbery attack.

JTF Destroys 6,000 Illegal Refineries in Niger Delta

A total of 6,000 illegal refineries were destroyed in the Niger Delta by the Joint Task Force (JTF) in 2011, with at least 150 suspects arrested for illegal oil bunkering activities. Five vessels and four barges allegedly used for oil theft were also seized. Spokesman of the JTF, Lt.-Col. Timothy Antigha, disclosed this last weekend. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), has urged the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to probe and bring to light alleged corruption in the oil sector.

MASSOB Alleges Extra-Judicial Killing of Its Members

Three members of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) were reportedly killed by soldiers in Onitsha, penultimate Sunday evening. The MASSOB Director of Information, Mr. Uchenna Madu, said the cause of the killing was the arrest of a dealer of Indian hemp suspected to be an agent of the army. According to him, MASSOB arrested and handed over the suspect to the police but the army invaded the police station and set him free, and later killed and detained some of their members. MASSOB issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the release of their members. But the Assistant Director of Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa described the claim as a propaganda to bring the army into disrepute.

Soldier, Robbery Suspects Killed in Abakaliki

A soldier was killed, while two others sustained injuries on Wednesday, as soldiers in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State engaged suspected armed robbers in a gun duel. At least 7 of the suspected robbers died in the shoot-out, while several others escaped with injuries. Assistant Director of the Army Public Relations of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, said the robbers were escaping after a failed bank robbery in Cross River State, where about nine persons, including a police officer were killed before they were intercepted by soldiers in Ebonyi State. Items recovered were 2 RPG7 bombs, 28 empty magazine, two Gas Cylinders, 37 empty cases of 7.62 mm special ammunition, 22 live rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two vehicles, according to Musa.

FG Deploys More Troop to Bayelsa

The Federal Government, on Monday, deployed more troops to Bayelsa state to forestall a possible resurgence of militancy in the region. The decision of government followed the penultimate Sunday attack on Olugbobiri community by gunmen, who raided the home of ex-militant leader, Africanus Okpariasa, aka ‘General Africa’. The intervention of the men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) prevented the attack from escalating. It was gathered that the attackers, arrived Olugbobiri at about 12.30am on Sunday in three speedboats, to destroy the homes of the deputy commander to General Africa, but encountered resistance from the mobile policemen. During the gun battle, one policeman and the security guard were killed.

Ebonyi Youth Crisis Claim 2 Lives

Two persons have been killed in Ohaukwu LGA of Ebonyi State, following disagreements over the election of the leadership of Ndieguinyiogwe-Ngbo Youth Association. It was alleged that a former president of the association was bent on imposing his candidate on the group. An eyewitness, Felix Onwe, said trouble started when a faction of the association conducted an election and the rival faction attacked the newly elected leader, Ndubuisi Onwe, as the election did not favour the factional leader of the other group. The newly elected vice-president, James Nwaguru, was killed. When some members of the other group heard of the murder, they went after Ndubuisi Onwe, attacked him with machetes. He died on his way to the hospital.

Police Rescue Kidnapped Doctor ... Vows to Arrest Perpetrators

After 10 days in captivity, the kidnapped senior Registrar in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) in Enugu State, Dr. Chidinma Okwor, was, penultimate Sunday, rescued by Police detectives. Okwor, who is 8 months pregnant, was abducted in front of her residence. The kidnappers had allegedly demanded a ransom of N40 million for her release. The state Commissioner of Police, Dan'zumi Doma, confirmed her release and promised that the perpetrators would soon be apprehended by the police.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Generator Fumes Kill Pregnant Woman, Husband

A pregnant woman and her husband, Erhunmwuse Lucky Ilukholor, were found dead in their one-room apartment in Benin City, Edo state. A neighbor of the deceased revealed on Monday that the tragedy was discovered in the morning when they became curious to know why the couple did not open their door or put off their newly acquired generator. It was learnt that the generator was placed in a small passage separating their room from another room whose occupant traveled. According to sources, the care-taker of the building had on several occasions advised the late Erhunmwuse against placing the generator in the passage.

Police Parade Robbers in Army Uniforms

Warri Area Commander of Nigeria Police, Abutu Yaro, on Wednesday, paraded a three-man robbery gang operating in Army uniforms. The group claimed responsibility for the recent murder of some military and policemen in Delta state. Yaro described the arrest of the gang as a major breakthrough for security agencies who were hitherto having sleepless nights on how to unravel the incessant killing of their men. He explained that the three-man gang suspected also to be sea pirates was arrested by the Department of Marine Police, who worked on intelligence report from the Intelligence Department of the Nigerian Navy ship, NNS Delta.

Court Sentences Man to Death for Stealing Car Radio

An Asaba High court on Friday sentenced a car mechanic to death by hanging for stealing a car stereo in June 2002. Prosecutors say the accused, Patrick Ekeh, along with two others, robbed a car stereo from Johnson Unuerho on June, 29th 2002, while armed, at Okpara Inland within Isiokolo judicial division of Delta state. Unuerho told the court that "he tip-toed to the window, opened the blind gently and saw the 1st accused person, Patrick Ekeh and another member of the gang now deceased before shouting for help." No other information is given about the now deceased gang member or circumstances of his death. The other accomplice, a driver, was discharged and acquitted. Nigerians have expressed outrage over the sentence, especially as the victim said he saw them through the window, and was thus separated from the gun.

Law Student Arraigned for Kidnapping

A Law student of the University of Benin, Christopher Oyana and his accomplice, one Felix Ekpo, have been arraigned in a Delta State High Court for kidnapping the seven-year-old daughter of a judge, Justice Ifeoma Okogwu. The duo kidnapped Miss Oluchi Okogwu, in March 2009 and had demanded the sum of N200 million as ransom, with threats to kill her, if the money was not paid. The accused persons also face charges of robbery while armed with offensive weapons. Presiding Judge, Justice K.O. Okpu adjourned further hearing in the matter to April 28, 2012.

Kidnappers Kill Commercial Bike Rider in Benin

A commercial bike rider was killed by suspected kidnappers in their bid to abduct a businesswoman in Benin City, penultimate Saturday. The woman, Elizabeth Egharevba, was abducted during the burial service of her father. Eyewitnesses said the bike rider was shot when he attempted to raise the alarm about the abduction. The kidnappers, according to family sources, contacted the victim’s husband and demanded a ransom of N200 million, which was later reduced to N50 million.

2 Suspected Kidnappers Killed as Police Rescue Victim

Two suspected kidnappers were killed, penultimate Sunday, when men of the Delta State Police Command intercepted them at Amukpe, Sapele, while on their way to Benin, Edo State in their victim’s vehicle. The suspects, who were shot while trying to escape after police had intercepted them, were said to have confessed to the police and made useful statements before they died. The information obtained from the deceased suspects, it was what led to the rescue of their victim, one Mr. Zack Ighorohwo between Ughelli and Agbarho area of Delta State. State Police spokesman, Charles Muka, confirmed the death of the suspects and the rescue of the victim.

Security Agencies Adopt Measures to Protect Northerners in Niger Delta

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) and the Police in the Niger Delta, on Tuesday embarked on a new security arrangement targeted at dousing the raging anger of indigence against rising cases of killings in some Northern States, vowing to protect Northerners in the South-South against reprisals. The action of the JTF and the Nigeria Police was necessitated by the 21-day ultimatum issued by a group known as the Niger Delta Indigenous Movement for Radical Change for all Northern indigence to leave the region, over their alleged complicity in the rising cases of killings of Christians and Northerners in most states of the North.

Gunmen Attack Minister’s House in Delta

An explosion ripped through the house of the Minister of Niger Delta, Elder Godday Orubebe, at Ogbobagbene in Burutu LGA of Delta State in the early hours of Tuesday. It was gathered that the explosion was masterminded by gunmen who attempted to forcefully enter the home of the minister but were disappointed because the doors were bullet proof. Sources disclosed that heavily armed youths invaded Elder Orubebe’s community at about 1am amid sporadic shootings to scare away villagers before proceeding to his house.

Police Launch Hunt for Escapee Suspects

The Commissioner of Police, Edo State, Umar Manko, on Tuesday, said that the police have launched a manhunt for the suspected criminals who escaped from a police cell penultimate Thursday in Benin. Manko said the escapee suspects were nine in number, including suspected armed robbers. Manko also disclosed that two policemen who were on duty during the cell break have been arrested and detained. He vowed that appropriate disciplinary measure would be taken against them just as investigation to ascertain possible connivance has also been launched. The escape of the suspects came barely three days after the police commissioner assumed duty in the state.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Groups Demand Apology from Police for Parading 13-Year-Old

Kwara State Coordinator, Child Protection Network, Miss Anthonia Oshiniwe, and Vice-Chairman, Committee of Defence for Human Rights, Mr. Taiwo Otitolaye, have threatened to sue the Kwara State Police Command for parading a 13-year-old. They said the police had abused the boy’s fundamental rights by parading him before journalists last week Tuesday. The boy and 12 other suspects were paraded for allegedly burning and looting the Mandate House in Ilorin, during the nationwide anti-fuel subsidy removal protests. Oshiniwe said that her organization wanted the police to write a letter of apology to the boy for parading and detaining him with adults. The CDHR boss, Otitolaye, said the police should have taken the boy to a juvenile court rather than parade him.

Man in Possession of 1,928 Fake Cheques Jailed in Lagos

A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos State has sentenced one Adeniran Sikiru Adekunle to three years imprisonment for unlawful possession of 1,928 fake foreign cheques. Adekunle, who was sentenced by Justice Tsoho in a summary trial, pleaded guilty to an amended three-count charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes commission (EFCC). Adekunle was arrested in February, 2010 by operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) at the check-in counter of Ethiopian Airways at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, in possession of 1,928 fake cheques of various banks. Adekunle and the exhibits were transferred to the EFCC.

21 Burnt to Death in Ondo Auto Crash

About 21 indigence of Okposi in Ohaozara LGA of Ebonyi State, traveling to their home town for a ceremony, 18 passengers were burnt to death on Monday at Ore in Odigbo LGA of Ondo State, when a bus in which they were traveling collided with an articulated truck. The accident, according to witnesses, happened when the bus driver drove against the traffic and had a head-on collision with the trailer which was on top-speed. Ondo state Police spokesman, Adeniran Aremu, confirmed the accident. The Sector Commander of the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr John Meheux, confirmed that four injured persons were rushed to the hospital. The coordinator, Okposi Development Center, Ihebunandu Okorie, described the incident as a great loss to the state.

Governor Grants Amnesty to 7 Prisoners

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, on Wednesday, granted amnesty to seven prisoners serving different jail terms in the state. A statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Communication, Mrs. Funmi Wakama, said the governor commuted to life imprisonment the death sentence passed two persons and ordered the release of two others, who were among prisoners serving sentences of three years and above with twelve months yet to serve with record of good conduct. Another inmate, who was above 60 years; and two others who belonged to the group of ‘long term prisoners who have served more than 10 years with good records’, benefited from the amnesty. Wakama said the governor charged those freed to continue to be of good conduct as they return to the society.

Policeman Set Ablaze for Killing Driver

A police Corporal, Olufemi Ajayi, was reportedly set ablaze on Wednesday by angry mob at Ayete, Ibarapa North LGA of Oyo State for allegedly shooting and killing a commercial driver said to have refused to offer bribe at a checkpoint. The driver, Mr. Emiola Kolade, allegedly had his eye pulled out from the socket by bullets and died at a nearby hospital in Igboora. Ajayi, who was attached to Igboora Police Station, was said to have opened fire on the commercial driver following a minor argument at a checkpoint. The mob reportedly swooped on the policeman and beat him to a state of coma before setting him ablaze. Police spokesman, Femi Okanlawon, said that the matter was being investigated.

Police Dislodge 11-Man Robbery Gang

The Police on Saturday in Lagos arrested 11 members of a robbery gang, through the mobile telephone number, given by a randy member of the gang to his girlfriend. The Police said the suspect was traced through the GSM number which he gave to the house girl, after the gang robbed the household the girl was serving. The source explained that the suspected robber, who was expecting a call from the girl, whom he instantly fell in love with, was picked up, leading detectives to arrest 10 others member of the gang. Two dismissed policemen were said to be among the robbery gang members arrested. The robbery was allegedly masterminded by a security guard, who invited the dismissed policemen to rob his employer. The Police recovered two pistols from the suspects.

Soldiers Withdrawn from Lagos Streets

Troops deployed on Lagos streets since January 16 by the Federal Government to quell the street protests against the removal of petrol subsidy were, on Tuesday, withdrawn. The presence of the soldiers had generated heated controversy, which many argued, was a calculated attempt by the Federal Government to frustrate and quell further protests of the petrol subsidy. While the Defence Headquarters had claimed that the soldiers were deployed on the request of Lagos State government; the state government described the claims as false and an attempt to create unnecessary confusion on the issue.

Woman Hangs Self in Lagos

A nursing mother, 22, and mother of a 10-month-old-baby, has allegedly hanged herself in her one-room apartment on Sumonu Giwa Street, Ile-Epo area of Iyana Ipaja, Lagos. Said to be a teacher, the lady, simply called Mama Favour, was found hanging on a rope by her hubby, a petrol station attendant. Some of the deceased’s neighbors alleged that she had been behaving very strangely in recent times, leaving home on several occasions in the night and wandered about till daybreak or until she was found. In fact, some of her husband’s relatives had advised her husband to take her to her parents and make her stay there till when they could find a solution to her strange behaviors.” The police confirmed the story, but said that investigation would continue on it.

GENERAL

COAS Seeks Public Rejection of Terrorism

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen Azubuike Ihejirika, has called on Nigerians to reject terrorism in its entirety, saying the fight against terrorism would be futile without commensurate public support. Ihejirika emphasised that no matter the measures put in place by the military to fight Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in the country, they could not guarantee the required level of result unless there was outright rejection of terrorists and terrorism by the citizenry. The COAS insisted that the government would not negotiate with terrorists and that the military would continue to strategies and step up its operations with a view to conquering the enemies. He also urged members of the society to as well, forget the idea of negotiation and support the efforts of the Federal Government and Security agents to win the fight against the terrorists.

Supreme Court Sacks 5 Governors

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed dismay and bewilderment over the judgment of the Supreme Court that removed from office five governors elected on the platform of the party. According to a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Ahmed Alkali, the party said the judgment no doubt had thrown a major challenge to Nigeria’s determination to deepen democracy in the country. It said while it awaits a clear position from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the status of elections in the affected states, it called its members to remain calm. The judicial pronouncement terminated the tenures of Adamawa, Bayelsa, Cross River, Kogi and Sokoto governors.

Lone Gunman Kills Court Registrar in Maiduguri

The police, on Monday, said a suspected Boko Haram gunman, penultimate Sunday evening, killed the registrar of Maiduguri High Court, Baba Loskurima, at his residence in Maiduguri, Borno state. Borno State police spokesman, Samuel Tizhe, said the gunman fired severally into Baba’s head and chest with a Kalashnikov rifle, before he fell on the ground and died in front of his wife and children. Meanwhile, the Borno Elders and Leaders of Thought (BELT) want the Federal Government to take urgent steps to halt the “serial killings” by Boko Haram and commence “genuine” dialogue with the sect. Their position was made known in a statement signed by elder statesman and former Minister of Steel and Petroleum Resources in the First Republic, Alhaji Shettima Ali Monguno.

Kaduna Tightens Security, Inaugurate Peace Panel

Amid extra security measures put in place following anonymous threat messages that the Boko Haram sect might strike in Kaduna, the State Governor, Patrick Yakowa, Wednesday, inaugurated a peace and reconciliation panel saddled with the task of providing a platform for dialogue among residents. Armed soldiers and policemen took over strategic locations in Kaduna metropolis, while combined teams of armed security forces patrolled streets and highways. Meanwhile, Senator Kabiru Gaya of Kano South Senatorial District has lamented residents’ flight from Kano City after massive attacks by Boko Haram. The Senator urged religious leaders to pray for peace, security and stability in the country.

Police Arrested Man with Baby’s Head

The Niger State police command has arrested a man with the head of a baby girl. The head was in a bag in possession of a young man suspected to be one of the arrow-heads of a syndicate that specialized in using human parts for rituals. The discovery occurred during a stop and search duty by a team of policemen on the highway at Erena, in Shiroro LGA. It was gathered that, as the suspect was about to board a vehicle, the policeman observed that a liquid substance which was a mixture of blood and water was said to have been oozing from the bag. The policeman became suspicious and requested to know the content of the bag.

Boko Haram Got Weapons, Training from Al-Qaeda –Niger Minister

Republic of Niger’s Foreign Minister, Mohamed Bazoum, has said the Boko Haram sect, which has claimed responsibility for a series of deadly attacks in the northern Nigeria, received training and weapons from al-Qaeda’s North African wing, Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). Bazoum spoke at in Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania during a meeting of foreign ministers. He said members of the sect were trained by and received explosives from al-Qaida in the Maghreb countries. Ministers from the West African region met on Wednesday in Mauritania and vowed to intensify their efforts against militant groups in the region.

Over 200 Arrested after Kano Attacks

The Nigeria Police have arrested 200 people, mostly Chadian “mercenaries,” after last week’s attacks in Kano state, according to sources. This comes as a fresh blast struck at a Kano bus terminal, but caused no casualties, the army and police said. Coordinated gun and bomb attacks hit Kano state, penultimate Friday, killing at least 185. There were indications the Chadians had been paid to participate in the attacks, police spokesman, Magaji Majia, said. The leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, claiming the attacks, said his group did not kill civilians during the attacks. The United Nations Security Council has called on all states to cooperate with Nigeria in bringing the sponsors of the attacks to justice. This is coming just as a UN report highlighted growing concerns of governments in the Sahel region over the Boko Haram menace and proliferation of weapons.

Acting IGP Declares War on Boko Haram, Crime

Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, has declared war on Boko Haram and armed robbers. Abubakar said that he was not new to the security challenges facing the nation. He promised not to let down Nigerians and the international community. The new police boss stressed that his administration will fight “crimes and criminality in all their ramifications”, and also stamp out all forms of indiscipline and corruption in the force. He said the police force would undergo serious restructuring, and expressed joy at the constitution of the Parry Osayande Police Restructuring Committee.

Gunmen Shoot Customs Boss in Zamfara

Suspected armed robbers, on Wednesday morning shot the officer in charge of Zamfara State Customs Command, Alhaji Atiku, near Tsafe town while on his way to Gusau. The hoodlums also shot dead, retired military personnel after they opened fire on a bus. Zamfara State Police Commissioner, Tambari Yabo Muhammad, said the armed robbers had laid ambush along the Gusau-Funtua Road near Tsafe town, when they shot at passing vehicles.

7 Killed in Nasarawa, Kaduna

At least six persons were killed while property worth millions of naira were destroyed on Tuesday in a communal clash between Tiv and Mada communities in Angwan Yara, Keana LGA of Nasarawa State. The incident occurred as a result of conflict between the two tribes who are living in border towns between Nasarawa and Benue states. It is believed that the clash arouse from farmland disputes. In Kaduna, a policeman was shot dead by two armed men on motorcycles. Kaduna state police commissioner, Ballah Nassarawa, confirmed the shooting.

Plateau Kicks over Abubakar as Acting IGP

Plateau State has expressed anger over the appointment of Alhaji Mohammed Dikko Abubakar as acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) following the removal of Alhaji Hafiz Ringim from the office by the Presidency. The member representing Jos-South/Jos-East constituency in the House of Representatives, Honorable Bitrus Kaze, lamented that a man who had been indicted by the Justice Nikki Tobi Commission of Inquiry into the September 2001 crises in Jos, and recommended for dismissal from the force, is the one found fit to lead the Nigerian Police. Also Special Assistant to Governor David Jang, Mr. Clinton Garuba, said it was disheartening that the president could appoint Abubakar as the IG of police. The Justice Tobi panel had recommended Abubakar’s retirement as he was alleged to have masterminded the killings of Christians in Jos in 2001.

Ringim Proceeds on Terminal Leave

Mr. Hafiz Ringim has been removed from office as the Inspector General of Police (IGP), following his failure to satisfactorily explain the escape from police custody of a suspect, Kabiru Sokoto, who is believed to be a key figure in the Christmas Day bombing of a Church in Niger State, and the upsurge in the activities of the group. Ringim was asked on Wednesday to proceed on “terminal leave”, two months ahead of schedule. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the move was "first step towards the comprehensive reorganization and repositioning of the police. Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 12, Bauchi, Alhaji Mohammed Dikko Abubakar, will act as IGP until confirmation by the Police Service Commission (PSC). The FG also approved the retirement of all Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs) with immediate effect.

Police Raid Islamist Hideout in Kano

At least two people were killed early Tuesday in violence-torn Kano city during a raid by Nigerian security forces on a suspected hideout of the Islamist sect Boko Haram. They opened fire and the suspects fired back resulting in a shootout. During the raid, one Uzairu Abba Abdullahi along with his pregnant wife was killed at their residence. Neighbors had noticed strange activity around the deceased as he was often being seen with strange young people. But Abba’s brother denied that he was a member of Boko Haram. Boko Haram staged coordinated bomb and gun attacks on the city of Kano, penultimate Friday, killing about 186 people. According to Human Rights Watch, Boko Haram has killed more than 935 people since the group launched a violent campaign in July 2009. More than 250 of those deaths have come in 2012 alone.

Fresh Blasts, Gunfire Hit Kano

Fresh explosions and gunfire were reported on Tuesday in Kano as a powerful blast destroyed the Sheka Police Station with sporadic gunfire close to the state police headquarters. The fresh bombing and shooting spree started when gunmen riding motorbikes stormed the neighborhood and attacked the police station. The fresh violence came after police foiled attacks in the city on Monday, discovering 10 bomb-laden cars and hundreds of other unexploded devices from the wave of deadly violence last week. A spokesman for Boko Haram said the attacks were in response to a refusal by the authorities to release its members from custody. Meanwhile security agencies have arrested 158 suspects in pre-dawn raids.

UN Appalled by Rising Violence in Nigeria

United Nations Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, has said he was "appalled at the frequency and intensity of recent attacks in Nigeria". Ki-moon stated this while condemning Friday's deadly multiple attacks on the city of Kano by the militant Islamic sect, Boko Haram. While expressing solidarity with the Nigerian government, the UN chief said he hopes swift and transparent investigations into the attacks would ensure perpetrators were brought to justice, while expressing condolence to the Nigerian people and families of the victims. Boko Haram, penultimate Friday, carried out multiple attacks in Kano, targeting eight government installations.

PDP, ACN Supporters Clash in Kogi

One person was shot and three others wounded on Monday as supporters of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) clashed at the premises of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Lokoja. It took the intervention of law enforcement agents to disperse the rampaging supporters. The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Bello, was assaulted. Mr. Farouk Adejoh, Director-General, Bureau of Public Affairs to Governor Ibrahim Idris, alleged that the ACN supporters came into the tribunal’s premises in 15 buses and began to assault the PDP supporters.

Family Found Dead at Home

Three members of a family in Sagu Quarters of Buji Local Council in Jigawa State have been found dead in their room. The victims, 58-year-old Malam Musa Danbab, his wife and their nine-year old son were found dead in a locked up house when the neighbors observed that the house was unusually locked from the inside and broke the door to see what was wrong. Police spokesman, Mallam Abdu Jinjiri, who confirmed the incident, said they might have died as a result of suffocation. He explained that the family had before going to bed, brought in some hot charcoal to warm the room as a result of the cold while all the windows and doors were closed.

Military Uncovers Plot to Bomb INEC, CBN, Transcorp Buildings

Authorities of the Military Intelligence and Defence Intelligence Agency have secured reports showing that plans to bomb the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); Transcorp Hilton hotel and the Central Bank headquarters, in Abuja. Military sources said analysis of the intelligence material had narrowed those behind the plots to ‘do-or-die’ politicians. As a result of these findings, a security alert had been placed on the FCT with the target locations getting more military protections. Tensions are high in some areas due to the forthcoming governorship elections in Adamawa and Bayelsa states scheduled for 4 and 11 of next month, respectively.

Two Nigeriens Nabbed for Burning Missionary Home

A Christian Missionary home, Bethany Home, in Minna, Niger State, was burnt down on Monday by suspected arsonists. Two Nigeriens were arrested in connection with the attack. Bethany Home has been hosting orphans and less privileged children over the years. Properties worth millions of naira were consumed by the fire. The home was said to have first been attacked last Wednesday but was saved by the combined efforts of the little inmates and its staff. The assailants came again on Monday, more determined and poised to carry out their incendiary mission. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Richard Oguche (ASP), confirmed the arrests of the suspects.

Police Kill Four Boko Haram Members

Security operatives in Borno state, penultimate Sunday, shot dead four Boko Haram suspects in Maiduguri and recovered explosive materials stored in a car. According to Colonel Victor Ebhaleme, field officer in the Joint Military Task Force (JTF), four members of Boko Haram sect involved in killings in Maiduguri and environs had been under surveillance of security agencies. The sect focuses its attacks mostly on the police, military and government, but has attacked Christians more recently. It says it is fighting enemies who have wronged its members through violence, arrests or economic neglect and corruption.

Explosions Kill 10 in Bauchi

Three explosions, penultimate Sunday, rocked two places of worship in Fadaman Mada and Railways Quarters at the Tafawa Balewa area of Bauchi state, killing 8 persons. In another attack, gunmen engaged a combined team of JTF in a gun battle which resulted in the death of a policeman and a soldier. Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Ikechukwu Ayo Aduba, said the gunmen in an escape bid, attacked the security agents. According to him, 10 unexploded improvised explosive devices were recovered at the scene and six persons arrested by security agents in connection with the attack. The police commissioner called on members of the public to support security agents in combating crime.

Nigerian Arraigned in UK Court for Fake Marriages

Two Church of England vicars conducted “hundreds” of sham marriages to help illegal immigrants stay in Britain, a court heard on Wednesday. The Reverend Elwon John, 44, and Reverend Brian Shipsides, 55, performed the sham wedding ceremonies. In some cases, EU nationals were even flown into Britain just so the marriages could take place before being flown straight out again, according to reports. The 31-year-old “fixer” Amdudalat Ladipo, also an illegal immigrant, arranged the weddings between mainly Nigerian and EU nationals. All three are now charged with conspiring to facilitate unlawful immigration. Shipsides pleaded guilty, while Ladipo and John deny the charges.

INTERNATIONAL

Taliban Infiltrator Kills French Soldiers in Afghan

French Defence Minister, Gerard Longuet, said Saturday that the French soldiers killed in Afghanistan were shot dead by Taliban infiltrated in the ranks of the Afghan army. Four French soldiers were shot dead and 16 wounded by a man wearing the Afghan army uniform at the Gwan military unit in eastern Afghanistan, penultimate Friday. The 21-year-old shooter, Abdul Mansour, was arrested after the shootings. Longuet said the man was an Afghan army deserter who had gone to Pakistan, before returning to infiltrate the army.

Saudi Pulls Out if Observer Mission in Syria

Saudi Arabia said on Sunday it is to pull its observers from a widely criticised Arab League mission to Syria, as a panel recommended the body extend its observer mission. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said that the move was being taken because Damascus had not kept its promises or “respected any of the clauses" in the Arab plan aimed at ending the crisis in Syria. Earlier, a League official confirmed after a panel met, that its recommendation would be an extension.

EU Approves Ban on Iran Oil

The European Union foreign ministers have formally adopted an oil embargo against Iran over its nuclear programme. The sanctions involve an immediate ban on all new oil contracts with Iran, while existing contracts will be honoured until July 1. While Iran denies that it is trying to develop nuclear weapons and says talks and not sanctions are the only way to resolve the dispute, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) believes Iran is developing weapons. The IAEA said in a report that it had information suggesting Iran had carried out tests "relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device".

Gunmen Kill Fishermen in Philippines

Gunmen in the restive southern Philippines opened fire on three boats and killed 15 fishermen. The fishermen were aboard three small, wooden-hulled vessels off Sibago Island in Basilan province when attackers in speedboats fired on them Monday morning and then sped away, military spokesman Lt. Col. Randolph Cagangbang said, no arrests have been made, while authorities believe the attack is a revenge act. Basilan is a stronghold of Muslim rebels who have been fighting for self-rule in the predominantly Christian nation.

Saleh Leaves Yemen

Yemen’s longtime President, Ali Abdullah Saleh, has left the country and handed power over to his deputy. Saleh said he would be heading to the United States (U.S.) for treatment and asking his people for forgiveness over his shortcomings during his 33-year-long rule. His departure came after Yemeni parliament adopted a law giving Saleh immunity from prosecution in return for stepping down under a Gulf-brokered transition deal. The law has drawn wide condemnation from protesters. Parliament also adopted a law approving Saleh’s longtime deputy, Vice President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi, as the consensus candidate in the election for Saleh’s successor, date to be held on February 21.

Hostages Rescued as US Military Raid Somali Gang

Two foreign aid workers kidnapped in Somalia three months ago have been freed in a US military raid, officials say, the overnight raid was carried out by military helicopters and involved US Navy Seals. A shoot-out followed but a Danish humanitarian group says the two hostages were unharmed. The two - a US woman and a Danish man - were seized on 25th October. They had been working for the Danish Demining Group when they were abducted by gunmen near the town of Galkayo. The group helps dispose of unexploded bombs and teaches communities about the dangers of land mines. The rescue party is said to have landed close to a compound where hostages were being held.

5 Policemen Ambushed, Killed in Mexico

Five Mexican police officers and one civilian were killed in a shootout in a town southeast of Mexico City, according to reports. The state of Mexico's Public Security Secretariat said that the policemen were traveling in two squad cars in the town of Ixtapaluca Monday when several men inside a vehicle ambushed them. Four officers were shot dead inside their vehicles. Two other bodies were found on the street, including that of a civilian.

Algerian Court Gives Al-Qaeda Members Death Sentence

A court in Algeria has sentenced a fugitive leader of Al-Qaeda’s North African wing, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), and three of his followers to death for attacks against the military. The sentence against Mokhtar Belmokhtar and the three others was handed down in absentia. Six other suspected members of AQIM, who are also currently on the run, received sentences between 2 to 20 years in prison. Among the attacks on the charge sheet was a deadly attack in May 2010 when an army commander was killed in Djelfa by members of the group. Algerian courts have twice sentenced Belmokhtar to life imprisonment for the assassination of 13 customs officers and other offences, but the authorities have never been able to capture him.

Bani Walid Revolts against NTC in Libya

Libyan ruling National Transitional Council (NTC), Tuesday, lost control of Bani Walid, a former stronghold of slain leader, Muammar Gaddafi, after local people staged an armed revolt. Militias loyal to the ruling NTC were driven out of Bani Walid in a gun-battle last Monday. Elders in the town said they were appointing their own local government and rejected any interference from the authorities in Tripoli. Local elders denied reports that they were loyal to Gaddafi, who was captured and killed in October after weeks on the run.

60 Killed as Landslide Hits New Guinea

As many as 60 people are feared dead after a massive landslide wiped out an entire village on Tuesday in Papua New Guinea, aid workers said. About 40 bodies had been recovered and another 20 people were still missing on Wednesday. Nanduka Yandi, an aid worker for US-based NGO Population Services International, said many people were killed, with few escaping the carnage. Yandi said it had been raining in the area at the time, although some locals quoted by the media claimed the landslide was caused by blasting at a nearby quarry.