Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 4

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

JTF Raids Rivers Communities, Militants Leader Feared Dead

The Joint Task Force (JTF), penultimate weekend, raided some communities in Andoni LGA of Rivers sate in search of a militant hide-out. During the raid, one militant leader, Mr. George Adumu was feared killed. The Spokesman for the JTF, Lt. Colonel Musa Sagir confirmed that soldiers went after the militant leader who he claimed escaped. He said the taskforce however destroyed his camp without any loss of life on either side, but community sources, however, claimed that they could not account for over 20 people.

MEND Attacks Ships at Loading Platform

Gunmen Saturday opened fire on at least two oil vessels at Nigeria's Bonny crude oil loading platform. Sources said the gunmen initially opened fire on an oil tanker at the facility, and then attacked a tugboat and two service boats, one of which was later found drifting with its crew apparently abducted. The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) warned last week that it would attack military targets in the region in retaliation for the killing of a militant by the JTF. Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, the JTF spokesman, confirmed the attack, saying the entire Nigerian crew of one boat had been taken hostage.

Militants Kidnap another Romanian, Damage Vessel

Heavily armed militants on Wednesday waylaid a vessel, MT Meredith, which was carrying over 4,000 metric tonnes of kerosene on the Bonny channel and kidnapped a Romanian who was on board. A security source said the militants opened fire on the vessel as it was about to sail through the Bonny Fair Weather Buoy, thereby causing significant damage to it. Another Romanian, Mrs. Adriana Uko, earlier abducted by militants, was released on Tuesday. The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) claimed that an affiliate group in Bonny was responsible for the attack. The spokesman of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF), Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa said that the hostage was released the following day.

Committee Indicts ExxonMobil, NNPC over Oil Spill

The committee set up by the government of Akwa Ibom State to determine the cause of the oil spill in Ibeno has submitted its report. It blamed the problem on "negligence and equipment failure". The Committee ruled out sabotage in the incident.  Rather, it said, the problem was caused by an over-aged pipeline, which was due for replacement in 1996. Between February 28 and March 9, 2008, an oil spill occurred at a Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN) pipeline in Idoho community.

N’Delta: Soldiers Killed 90 Persons – Maritime Workers

The Bayelsa State branch of the Maritime Workers Union (MWU), Thursday, alleged that soldiers of the Joint (Military) Task Force (JTF) on the Niger Delta killed over 90 persons and destroyed over 300 boats along the creeks and rivers of Bayelsa State in 2008. This follows other allegations of extortion and torture on the soldiers. The presidential task force on illegalities along Nigerian waters was told of the rising cases of soldiers killing of innocent citizens between March and November last year.

MOPOL Commander, Others Die in Auto Crash

The Enugu State Police Command, penultimate Saturday lost three of its men as the Commander of the 3 Squadron Police Mobile Force and two other officers died in an auto crash on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Sanni Magaji, who was also involved in the accident, survived with injuries for which he is now receiving treatment at a hospital in Kaduna along with another survivor.

Rivers Goes Tough on Extortion, Harassment of Citizens by Soldiers, Police

The Rivers state government has warned that they will deal appropriately with any law enforcement agent apprehended for repressing the citizenry. This follows growing reports of extortion and harassment of commercial transport operators in the rural areas of the State by security agents.

Village Head Sacked for Aiding Kidnapping

The head of Ntrukpum village in Uruan LGA of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Effiong Bassey Udo, has been removed by the state government for aiding and abetting kidnapping activities in the state. The deputy governor, Mr. Patrick Ekpotu, directed the chairman of the council, Dr. Eventus Edem, to liaise with the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to set up a new village council in accordance with the customary laws of the area and the Traditional Rulers Acts of the state.

Police Nabs Kidnap Kingpin

An armed robbery suspect and kidnap kingpin was on Tuesday apprehended after several hours of raid, carried out at the abode of the suspect in Port Harcourt. The suspect, Emmanuel Nwaeze Adiele is said to have been involved in various criminal activities in Port Harcourt and in Orlu area of Imo State. Items recovered from the suspects’ home include one FNC Riffle, three Ak 47 Riffle, 19 Magazines, and 482 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition 30 rounds of 5.52mm live ammunition, two military bullet Proof vests, and a set of military uniform.

Militants' Hideout Smashed in A'Ibom

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) after several hours of fierce gun battle over powered a gang of alleged kidnappers in a hide out in a coastal village in Akwa Ibom State. The gang leader whose name was given as Efiok Asuquo Ibok, was believed to have escaped with gun shot his whereabouts is still unknown. The task force rescued Mrs. Adriana Uko, the wife of an expatriate staff of a multi national oil company, Exxon Mobil who was kidnapped at Eket and taken to the militants' hideout same day. An AK 47 and a locally made riffle with about 228 rounds of ammunition were recovered.

Crisis at ABSU, One Killed, Many Wounded

The peaceful and serene atmosphere at the Abia State University, Uturu was on Wednesday disrupted in a crisis in which at least one person has been confirmed dead and several people injured. The crisis which erupted at the state University, Uturu, in Isukwuato LGA was said to be sparked off by the killing of a porter with the university. The cult groups were said to have visited him on Tuesday where they demanded for his handset and shot him dead in the process. Our investigation revealed that angered by his killing, youths from his village on Wednesday organized a protest to the University but they were said to have been attacked by the cultists on their way to the school. This resulted in free for all fight which led to some infrastructures belonging to the university being razed by the aggrieved youths.

Robbers Attack Bullion Van with Dynamite

Armed robbers attacked a bullion van and its accompanying security vehicle at Arungwa junction, on the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway on Tuesday, using dynamite to blow up the back of the bullion van, which belonged to a commercial bank. They carted away the money after allegedly killing all the policemen in the security vehicle and setting their vehicle ablaze. The robbery reportedly lasted for over two hours without any interruption, except when the members of the state vigilance team came to the scene and killed one of the armed robbers. Other members of the gang escaped with their loot, firing sporadically into the air to scare away people around.

Robbers Kill Policemen

Robbers, Tuesday, struck in Abia State, reportedly killing some policemen and carting away an unspecified amount of money. The incident happened at Arongwa on the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway when the robbers attacked a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) bullion van. They reportedly set the van ablaze, after removing the money.

Police Arrest Woman for Stealing Two-Day-Old Baby

Imo State Police command has arrested a 22-year-old student of the Imo State University, Owerri, Mrs. Chioma Nwachukwu, for stealing a two-day-old baby girl of her supposed friend, Mrs. Nkechi Nworgu. Mrs. Nwachukwu was apprehended with the baby by the police, after Mrs Nworgu reported the disappearance of her baby after her friends visit.

DPR Shuts Six Fuel Stations in Port Harcourt

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has accused marketers of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) of sabotaging government's effort at making petroleum products available in the country. The agency, which sealed six stations in Port Harcourt, warned against hoarding and diversion of petroleum products. Among the sealed stations, three were sanctioned for selling above government-approved price, two for diversion and one for illegal operation.

6 Killed in Ogoni Chieftaincy Tussle

About six persons were feared killed in a chieftaincy tussle at Bomu, an Ogoni Community in Rivers State. It was gathered that the violent tussle began in 2007 when one of the warring brother was kidnapped and taken to a forest and forced to take an oath and pay a ransom before he was released. It was reported that in the latest incident, a cult group loyal to one of the parties in the dispute killed some persons perceived as supporters of the other, leading to the recent killings. Last December, two persons were reported killed in a similar incident in the community.

MOSOP Warns of Fresh Crisis in Ogoniland over Shell

Attempts by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to clean polluted sites at Kegbara Dere in Ogoniland, Rivers State, may lead to fresh crisis in the area, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has warned. According to the body, Shell’s entry into the area, especially after the Federal Government terminated its operations in the area on December 31, 2008, was provocative and could lead to unrest.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Okada Riders Protest Police Killing of Colleague

A commercial motorcycle operator, Monday Ediagbonya, was shot dead by a trigger happy mobile police officer, attached to a new generation bank in the city, causing other bike riders to stage violent protest, destroying the bank. In a swift reaction, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro ordered for the full investigation of the matter. The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Peter Ogboi who disclosed this

Communities Back Shell Return

Amidst ongoing efforts by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to resume the production of about 300,000 barrels per day in Delta State, Ijaw oil producing communities have expressed their desire to support the company’s re-entry programme. The Izon-Ebe Oil Producing Communities Forum (IOPCF) said the company’s policy of dealing with host communities is a welcome development.  IOPCF President Favour Izoukumor said the forum is saddled with the responsibility of fostering peace and unity in the Niger Delta and create an enabling environment for the government and oil multinationals to operate.

Oshiomhole Visits Militants

It was like scene from a movie yesterday when Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole visited Ofunama, Ovia South West Local Government, Edo State – an Ijaw community dreaded as a militants’ enclave. Ofunama is home to the Ijaw and an oil producing community in the state. Oshiomhole, who flew in an Aero Contractor helicopter into the community, said the visit was for him to get firsthand information about the militants’ grievances and the plight of the people.

Police Arrest 12 over Murder of Octogenarian

For the gruesome killing of an 85-year-old man, 12 persons have been arrested in Isheagu community in Delta State. Pa John Okologo, a farmer was shot dead at Ukwu-Oba by some youths suspected to be from Isheagu on January 20, 2009 over an age-long communal land dispute between the two communities. The youths, who were said to have numbered well over 30 allegedly stormed the house of the Community Development Union's Secretary and a teacher, Mr. Jorome Okonji at Ukwu-Oba and assaulted his wife, after he escaped, and thereafter went straight to the man who was just outside and killed him.

Rep Warns Of Possible Explosion in N-Delta

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Daniel Reyenieju, has called on the Federal Government to direct relevant agencies to quickly dispose of all barges and canoe-boats and their contents seized from illegal bunkerers in the Niger Delta, warning that there is imminent danger of possible explosion and consequent unmitigated environmental hazards which loom around, if urgent steps are not taken to properly disposed of such materials.

Koko Burns, Several Houses Burnt ...Curfew Imposed

Disagreements allegedly emanating from a change in the leadership of Koko community in Warri North Local Government Council, Delta state, have thrown the entire community into an orgy of violence resulting in the torching of several houses. The severity of the clashed yesterday allegedly forced a dawn to dawn curfew to be declared on the erstwhile laid-back town.

JTF Arrests Woman, Four Others over Illegal Bunkering

Five persons, including a woman, have been arrested in Warri, Delta State by the Joint Task Force (JTF).  The suspects were arrested with 7,225 litres of substance suspected to be AGO on Thursday. During preliminary investigations, suspects revealed that products were bought from Ayakurama Village where crude oil was illegally refined.

Police Kill Two Robbers at Oleh

Police in Oleh, the headquarters of Isoko South LGA, Delta state have killed two suspected notorious armed bandits and arrested two others during operations. The suspected robbers were allegedly robbing a patent store at Uzere in the council area at about 10pm when men of the Nigeria Police Force from Oleh division arrived the scene on a tip-off and a gun duel ensued between the police and the suspects which resulted in the killing of two robbers while the two who attempted to escape with bullet wounds were later arrested an hour later. When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP. Charles Muka confirmed the incident adding that the case was still being investigated.

Urhobos Seek Release of Kidnapped Kinsmen

The 23 Urhobo ethnic groups in Delta State have condemned the incessant kidnapping of their kinsmen, threatening reprisals. The President, Urhobo Development Association, Chief Thomas Essi, called for the immediate release of the kidnapped Urhobo indigenes warning that unless the perpetrators abandoned their criminal act, the Urhobo people would be forced to hit back.

Appeal Court Orders Retrial of Delta Guber Suits

The Benin division of the Court of Appeal on Tuesday ordered the constitution of a new electoral tribunal to consider the legal dispute arising from the April 14, 2007 gubernatorial election in Delta State which produced Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as governor. Meanwhile, a reconstituted panel has reserved ruling in the Ondo State governorship election dispute to a date that would be communicated to the parties in the case.

8 Houses Torched In Ukwuani Communal Clash

Violent hostilities broke out between Amai and Ezionum communities in Ukwuani LGA of Delta state, resulting to the burning of eight houses while many of the villagers have fled. Although nobody has been confirmed dead, many people were wounded.  State police command’s spokesman said that over ten persons have been arrested in connection with the crisis. There had been repeated eruption of violence between the communities, which root cause of the crisis is traceable to over 50 years old land dispute.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

5 Policemen Nabbed For Shooting Motorist

Five policemen alleged to have shot a motorist identified as Mr Ajani in the Ejigbo area of Lagos, penultimate Saturday, have been arrested. Five other persons said to have led a protest in which a police patrol vehicle was set ablaze at the scene were also arrested by the police. Trouble started when the policemen said to be on the trail of some criminal suspects who were in possession of Indian hemp ran into Mr Ajani at the NNPC junction in Ejigbo and shot Ajani in the pelvic region after a short argument and were about leaving the scene when some tanker drivers in the area angered by the development set the police van ablaze. Ajani survived in a private hospital where he was rushed for treatment.

Two Suspects Held over Missing Corps Member

The police in Ekiti State have arrested two suspects, a herbalist and a motorcyclist, over the disappearance of a Youth Corps member, Antonia Obiano. The corps member, who was on primary assignment at Ilawe-Ekiti, had been missing since December 19, 2008. Miss Obiano was said to have hired the commercial motorcyclist to take her from Ilawe-Ekiti to Onitsha Motor Park in Ado-Ekiti on her way home for the Christmas holiday, and has not been seen since then. The police alleged that the motorcyclist had been working in concert with the Ado-Ekiti-based herbalist whom, he claimed bought the motorcycle for him

NDLEA Destroys 5,605.45 Kilogrammes of Narcotic Drugs

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has destroyed a total of 5,605.45 kilogrammes of hard drugs seized from drug traffickers. This is the first public destruction of narcotic drugs by the agency this year. The drugs were seized by the Lagos State Command.

Police Round up Bank Robbers

Police in Osun State have nabbed members of a 3-man robbery gang, which raided a commercial bank in Lagere, in Ife area of the state.  The Osun State Police Commissioner, Mr. John Moronike, who paraded the suspects at the police command Headquarters, Osogbo, recently, said the policemen engaged the robbers in a shoot-out, resulting in the death of the leader of the gang.

Judge Frees 35-Year-Old after 10 Years Of Illegal Detention

After being imprisoned illegally for 10 years, a 35-year-old man, Jimoh Ojo, breathed the air of freedom when a Magistrate’s Court in Osogbo set him free on Monday. Ojo was arrested on the way from his farm in Gbongan, Osun State by some people living along the road, who accused him of robbery and taken to the police station. He had explained that he was a farmer, showing them his cutlass and cocoyams, and even wanted to show them his farm, but they had declined. The police prosecutor, Corporal Oladoye Joshua, and a representative of the Osun State Ministry of Justice, Mrs A Adekomi, said the case file of Ojo, who was arrested for alleged robbery, on June 28, 1999, could not be traced. Setting him free, the court held that keeping Ojo in custody any further would amount to denial of freedom.

Robbers Raid Bank, Kill School Boy

A 10-man-gang of armed robbers attacked a Micro-finance bank in Lagos on Monday, killing a school boy and injuring many, including staff of the bank. They had an uninterrupted operation and were already on their way out, when a joint patrol team engaged them in a gun battle. Determined to escape at all cost, the bandits started shooting recklessly. The robbers escaped, abandoning their vehicle.

GENERAL

Nigeria, Ghana, 4 Others in Joint Radar Coverage

The federal government has announced its readiness to collaborate with five neighbouring countries namely Cameroon, Chad, Ghana, Togo and Niger Republic to ensure effective coverage of the nation’s airspace. Under the proposed arrangement, aircraft approaching Nigeria could be tracked before entering the nation’s airspace. Aviation Minister, Mr. Babatunde Omotoba, said the collaboration became necessary because of long range capability of the new radar facility which will overlap with those of the neighbouring countries for comprehensive coverage of the airspace.

FG Cuts Fuel Price

The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) has asked oil marketers to reduce the price of a litre of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, to N65. This represents a N5 reduction. In a statement signed on behalf of the agency by Yusuf Mu'azu, PPPRA said that the decision followed the downward trend in the prices of crude and refined petroleum products at the international market.

18 Nigerians for Execution in Indonesia

Eighteen Nigerians are awaiting execution for drug offences in Indonesia even as two have been executed for similar crimes. Another 50 have also been arrested for drug trafficking and are languishing in various prisons in the country. These figures were made public, Thursday, by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). NDLEA Director-General, Lanre Ipinmisho, said that the Federal Government had taken steps to have the death sentence commuted to jail terms.

Robbers Kill Lebanese, Others

A gang of armed robbers recently killed a 53-year- old Lebanese engineer, Mr. George Abu Naoul and three others in Zamfara State. The Lebanese, who was the Project Manager handling the Jangebe-Wuya Road, was killed on his way to the construction site, when he ran into an ambush laid by the robbers.

NSCDC Starts Fresh Onslaught on Pipeline Vandals

The Deputy Commandant-General in charge of operations at the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr. Evans Ewurum, has said that the agency is committed to protecting oil pipelines and other facilities in the Niger Delta region. Ewurum said the operations of the corps had been re-organised to check the activities of vandals, to save the nation’s economy. He said that the restructuring of the anti-vandal squad was due to the current global economic recession.

Plateau Speaker Impeached

The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Mr. Emmanuel Go’ar, was on Thursday impeached by 17 out of 24 members of the state House of Assembly. Go‘ar was removed at a sitting of the House on Thursday. The move may also signal his exit from the House as he is currently appealing against the judgment of the election petitions tribunal which nullified his election. They cited loss of confidence as the main reason for their action.

Immigration Nabs Suspected Human Trafficker

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Katsina State command, has arrested a suspected human trafficking kingpin, Prince Osaze-Okpogie, along with 21 victims of the illicit trade. The state Immigration Controller, Alhaji Suleiman Ahmed, said the victims were rescued as they attempted to cross the Nigerian border. Ahmed averred that the victims included eight females and 13 males with ages ranging from 21 years.

Minister Warns of Imminent Famine

The Minister of Environment, Mr. John Odey has hinted the nation that if the problems of drought and desert encroachment which are the most potent environmental crises are not tackled immediately it could cause extreme food shortage in Nigeria. Odey urged the department to intensify its sensitization on the Green Wall Sahara Programme, which is a program to reclaim large expanse of land already encroached by desert.

Scarcity Looms as Marketers Threaten to Suspend Fuel Imports

Except immediate remedial actions are taken, Nigeria might face another round of fuel scarcity, as members of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, are threatening to suspend further importation of petroleum products into the country. The decision followed a recent shortfall in the payment of outstanding claims under the Petroleum Support Fund, and rumoured high lending rates from banks.

Oil Firm Gets $ 5m Tool to Tackle Pipeline Vandalism

Efforts to arrest illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta got a boost at the weekend, following the acquisition of the first HDD Technology machine designed to secure oil pipelines by Fenog Nigeria Limited from Germany at the cost of $5m. The machine is touted as the future of the oil and gas industry because of its ability to shoot pipelines 25 metres down the earth. The present technology in the country can only bury it to a depth of two metres.

UAE to invest N2.43trn in Nigeria oil and gas

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Dubai World Corporation on behalf of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed corporate agreements which would see the Arab nation invest $16 billion in Nigeria’s oil and gas. Michael Aondoakaa, Minister of Justice and Attorney general of the federation described this as one of the biggest commitments by another country in Africa.

Killer Paracetamol Syrup Hits Market

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in collaboration with the Lagos State Government has begun investigation into the discovery of a fake brand of Paracetamol syrup in the market that is capable of causing kidney failure and, ultimately, death in children. NAFDAC implored members of the public to avoid the use of any brand of Paracetamol syrup pending the outcome of the investigation.

Army Convicts 5 Officers for Stealing Soldiers' Allowances

A serving Commanding Officer Col A Awotoye, three other top military officers and a sergeant were on Tuesday convicted and demoted for stealing allowances due to the 28 soldiers that last year went for a peace keeping mission in Liberia by a Court Marshall. The Army Officers were arraigned alongside the 28 Soldiers that are currently facing mutiny charges in Akure, the Ondo State capital over protest on the non payment of their allowances after returning from a Peace Keeping Mission in Liberia. Delivering Judgment, the President of the Court Martial, Brigadier General Ishaya Bauka said that Ajoku, Sergeant Yaya played various role in the payment of allowances unlawfully to soldiers of another unit instead of soldiers from the 323 Artillery Regiment Akure.

Police Officers Risk Dismissal Over Court Cases

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mike Okiro, warned, Monday, that any officer, whose arbitrary actions cause the Nigeria Police to be taken to court, may not only be punished but be dismissed from service. This is because the Police authorities were paying huge litigation fees arising from unprofessional conduct of personnel. He also promised that the Police would improve on its intelligence gathering to check the activities of "highly sophisticated criminals" in the country.

Infant Deaths: Nigeria Ranked 8th Globally

The new global ranking of countries released by the United Nations Children Fund has placed Nigeria eighth out of 198 countries with the worst number of under-five child deaths globally. The ranking also stated that about 73 per cent of Nigerian women did not have a say in their health needs as their husbands made nearly all the decisions for them. These ratings were part of UNICEF’s 2009 State of the World’s Children Report.

Two Mobbed to Death over Ritual Murder

Two persons in Guma LGA of Benue State were stoned to death by an angry mob for killing one Aondohemba Maga, 20, for ritual purposes. Investigation revealed that the Maga was said to have run into the ritual group that brutally killed him and removed his heart, leaving his corpse by the roadside and making away with his motorcycle.

Oil Prices Fall Below $33 Per Barrel

Oil prices slid close to a four-year low under $33 per barrel yesterday in a market plagued by weak global demand, analysts said. New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in February, fell as low as $32.70 a barrel. It later recovered slightly to stand at $33.57, down $2.94. The February contract expires at the close of trade Tuesday, to be replaced by the March contract currently at $40.27 a barrel. In London, Brent North Sea crude for March dropped 71 cents to $43.78 a barrel.

INTERNATIONAL

Hamas Declares Ceasefire, Israeli Completes Gaza Troop Pullout

The Palestinian militant group Hamas, Monday, announced a ceasefire with Israel in Gaza for a week to give Israel time to withdraw its forces from the Gaza Strip hours after Israeli declared a unilateral ceasefire. The last Israeli troops left the Gaza Strip before dawn on Wednesday, the military said. The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights reported that the fighting left a total of 1,284 Palestinians dead and 4,336 wounded. It said 894 of those killed were civilians. While the Israeli military says 500 Palestinian militants were killed in the fighting. Gaza's militant groups claim that only some 150 of the dead were armed fighters.

167 Freed After Day Trapped in Gold Mine

More than 160 miners were freed, Sunday, after 24 hours of being trapped more than a mile underground in a gold mine in South Africa. They had become trapped Saturday evening when lightning struck the mine's lone transformer, sparking an underground fire and cutting power to the shaft, preventing the miners from making a normal exit, he said.

7 Dead From Brazil Church Roof Fall

Brazilian firefighters used search dogs to comb the rubble of a church early Monday after the building's roof collapsed during a service, killing seven and injuring nearly 100, authorities said in Sao Paulo said. Several hundred worshippers were attending Sunday evening services at the evangelical church when the structure's concrete roof fell in on them.

Saudi Arabia to Donate $1 Billion to Rebuild Gaza

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, Monday, promised to donate $1 billion to help rebuild the Gaza Strip after the devastating Israeli offensive and told Israel that an Arab initiative offering peace will not remain on the table forever. Syrian President Bashar Assad has proclaimed the offer already dead and proposed Monday that the Arab summit adopts a resolution declaring Israel a "terrorist entity".

OPEC Predicts Decrease in Oil Demand

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said that demand for its crude would fall by 4.2 per cent this year as the deepening recession reduces spending on fuels. According to its monthly report released recently, the 13 oil country cartel said that consumption of crude was likely to shrink by 1.4 million barrels a day to 29.5 million barrels a day in 2009. That level of demand is 720,000 barrels less than it predicted last month. OPEC also shaved its world oil demand estimate for 2009 to 85.66 million barrels a day.

Obama Halts Trial Of Guantanamo Bay Suspects, Calls M'East Leaders

President Barack Obama on Wednesday, with the suspension of the trial of Guantanamo Bay suspects and a reported phone call to some Middle East leaders on solving the many problems of the region. A judge yesterday granted Obama's request to stop the trials of Guantanamo Bay suspects. Obama subsequently ordered a 120-day halt to the trials to review the military commissions used to try them.

U.S. Investigates Afghan Civilian Deaths Claim

The United States (U.S.) military said on Wednesday that it was investigating an Afghan news report that a coalition operation may have left more than 24 civilians dead. Two Afghan officials said a government investigation found out that only militants were killed. Afghan President Hamid Karzai has long urged U.S. and NATO troops to avoid civilian casualties. On Tuesday, the coalition said a night time raid had killed 19 militants, including a locally feared leader.

Obama’s Energy Policy, Threat to Nigeria -CBN Gov

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has warned that the energy policy of the new administration of Barack Obama may spell doom for the Nigerian economy.  He said Obama’s proposed vigorous search for alternative energy to drive the world's largest economy poses “great dangers” for Nigeria whose economy is highly dependent on revenue from oil. Nigeria is the fifth largest exporter of crude oil to the US.  He, however, said the Nigerian government must take urgent measures to diversify the economy especially towards agriculture since the crash in the price of crude oil in the international market may worsen if the search for alternative sources of energy begins to bear fruit.

Congolese Troops Bar UN Troops, Aid Staff

Congolese soldiers have been accused of barring UN troops and aid staff from an area where an operation with Rwandan troops is ongoing on a Hutu militia. A UN spokesman in the Democratic Republic of Congo told the BBC on Wednesday it was “deplorable”, when so many displaced people were in desperate need of help. At least 3,000 Rwandan troops have crossed the border for the joint push on Rwandan FDLR fighters since Tuesday.  The rebel group’s leaders have been linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. DR Congo and Rwanda agreed last month to take joint action against the Hutu rebels of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, which is estimated to be more than 6,000-strong.

Al-Qaeda Figure Calls for Attacks on Britain

A prominent leader of Al-Qaeda called for attacks in Western countries particularly Britain in retaliation for Israel's offensive in Gaza, arguing that London was behind the creation of the Jewish state. Abu Yahya al-Libi said in a video posted on an Islamist website. Libi told British people to expect reprisals for the Israeli "annihilation campaign" in Gaza. In the 31-minute video, Libi also repeated calls for attacks on other Western countries including the United States.

Two Condemned To Death for Role in China Milk Crisis

A Chinese court condemned two men to death and handed a life term to a dairy boss on Thursday for their roles in the country's contaminated milk scandal, which ignited public anger and accusations of cover-ups. The Intermediate People's Court in Shijiazhuang gave a life sentence to Tian Wenhua, 66, the former general manager and chairperson of Sanlu Group Co., the dairy at the centre of the crisis.

Rwandan Army Helps Kinshasa End Dr Congo Rebellion

Congolese and Rwandan troops, on Thursday, advanced to the headquarters of Tutsi rebel leader, Laurent Nkunda, as Kinshasa used its neighbour to smother a rebellion in eastern DR Congo. Rwanda sent thousands of troops into Congo on Tuesday as part of a joint agreement to eradicate Rwandan Hutu rebels based across the border and quench a revolt by Tutsis against Kinshasa. While the Rwandan Hutu militia has threatened Kigali's Tutsi government for more than a decade, Nkunda's forces, which Kinshasa alleged were supported by Kigali, split recently and his rebellion seems to have collapsed.

Cholera Moves to Rural Areas in Zimbabwe

The main impact of Zimbabwe's cholera epidemic has shifted from urban areas to rural areas, making its containment much harder, a medical aid says.  At least 2,755 people have been killed in the epidemic. The rainy season could lead to even more infections, as water sources become contaminated, aid workers warn.