Weekly Security Report Weekly Report week 39 week 39
PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS
Army Investigates Killing of Officer In Abia
The military authorities have started investigating the killing of a senior army officer in Aba, Abia State attached to 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, by unknown persons. The Commanding Officer, Brigadier-General Shau Jabba, disclosed this and stressed the need for security agencies to be on the alert at all times to avoid being taken unawares, pointing out that the army would thoroughly investigate the circumstance that led to the death of the officer while on duty with the joint task force.
Kidnappers Abduct Lawmaker’s Mother, Police Nab 5 Suspects
The Ebonyi state Police Command has announced the arrest of five notorious kidnappers behind recent kidnappings in the state. While, suspected gunmen, penultimate Sunday, kidnapped the aged mother of the member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Darlington Okereke, Mrs. Mary. Informed sources disclosed that the woman was kidnapped from their family compound without any resistance from either security operatives in the area or the villagers. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Chris Anyanwu, denied knowledge of the incident.
Five Killed in Imo Auto Crash
No fewer than five persons were feared killed in an auto crash in Ogbaku, Mbaitoli Local Council of Imo State, last. Witnesses said a tipper ran into bystanders injuring some persons, and as sympathisers were helping out at the scene, a loaded trailer then smashed into them, killing the victims. Spokesman for the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) led by Mr. Angus Ibezim said that the FRSC had repeatedly urged motorists to be cautious on the road.
15 Militants Accept Amnesty in Akwa Ibom
The Akwa Ibom Coordinator of the Presidential Committee on Amnesty, Mr Michael Eyo, has said that 15 militants have so far surrendered their weapons in the state, adding that the weapons surrendered comprised one AK 47 rifle, 50 explosives, three pistols, machetes and other arms. He further said that 300 others were willing to surrender their weapons “but they still doubt the sincerity of government”. Eyo assured the doubting militants that the government had prepared a package for those who surrendered their arms before the expiration of the October 4 deadline.
Gunmen Kill Two Policemen in Abia
Unknown gunmen have shot and killed two police officers at Obingwa Divisional Police Station, Obingwa LGA of Abia State. Confirming the killing on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Ali Okechukwu, said that that the criminals invaded the police station, last weekend to free one of their notorious gang members in detention, during which policemen on duty exchanged gun fire with the assailants at the station. He said that police are working assiduously towards arresting the fleeing suspects.
MEND Vows not to Surrender Arms
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has reiterated it would not surrender its arms irrespective of any possibility of dialogue with the government. MEND has continued to maintain that it would encourage known commanders to take advantage of the process and move on, adding that if they wish to surrender their personal weapons, they are free to do so. MEND spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, on Tuesday said that the group is disregarding the amnesty committee spokesperson, Dr. Timi Agary, who revealed that the government might commence negotiation with MEND.
More Militants in Bayelsa Surrender Arms
Two more militant groups in Bayelsa State led respectively by Ayebatari Odio alias Great Kali of the River Nun and Douglas Otokolo of Akassa, Southern Ijaw LGA have submitted their arms. The Otokolo's group known as the 'Douglas Camp' who claimed to have about 70 boys, however, appeared at the venue of the arms surrender, with less than ten youths wielding rustic guns. Among the arms and ammunitions submitted to the amnesty committee in the state included 2 pump action guns, 2 damaged Ag, 2 den guns, 1 bayonet, 1 locally made pistol, 6 AK magazines, 1 FN magazine, 1 walker Talkie, 3 cartridges and tear gas canister, and 192 mixed ammunitions.
Repentant Militant, Peace C’ttee Secure Release Of Kidnapped Woman
A combined team of a repentant militant leader, Commander Africa Ukparisia and the Bayelsa State Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee, on Thursday rescued the 65 year-old mother of the Assistant Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Madam Senima Week, while two suspects were handed over to the police. The victim was on Sunday abducted by armed youths and kept within Olugbobiri Community.
Abia Police Parade 18 for Alleged Gun-Running, Robbery, Kidnap
The Commissioner of Police in Abia, Mr Jonathan Johnson, on Wednesday in Umuahia paraded 18 suspected gun-runners, armed robbers and kidnappers arrested during the Sallah holidays. Eleven persons were paraded for gun-running and armed robbery. The remaining seven were arrested for armed robbery and kidnap related offences. Johnson said eight suspects were arrested on Sept. 20 at the home of a traditional ruler at Onicha village in Obingwa Local Government Area, stressing that when the chief's house was searched, several arms were recovered.
Amnesty for Militants on Course -Maduekwe
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ojo Maduekwe, on Wednesday said that the federal government's amnesty programme for militants in the Niger Delta region was on course. He disclosed that the ceasefire by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) would have positive impact on the nation's oil output. Speaking at the on-going United Nations General Assembly in New York, the minister said that the amnesty programme was working, adding that oil output was set to rise as a ceasefire meeting holds. MEND had earlier extended a two-month-old ceasefire in the Niger Delta by 30 days but said that key issues in the amnesty programme remained in dispute.
Militants Rampage in Yenagoa
Repentant militants from the camp of Victor Ebikabowei, alias General Boyloaf, once again went on rampage on the streets of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on Friday. The rampaging militants who claimed they were protesting the non-payment of their allowances barricaded the only road leading to Yenagoa at Akenfa and Agudama, thereby practically holding the residents, including Governor Timipre Sylva hostage as they went about harassing people. The situation was brought under control following the intervention of the chairman of the Bayelsa Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee, Chief James Jephthah, who contacted some militant leaders to prevail on the boys to avoid a break down of law and order.
298 Repentant Militants Graduate from Training Programme
Hopes that the protracted crisis in the Niger Delta will soon be resolved were raised on Friday, when 298 former militants trained by the Rivers State government through its Social Development Institute, graduated in Okehi, Etche LGA of Rivers State. The ex-militants received training in mechanics, music, football, computer applications, seafaring and drama. With their new skills, it is hoped they will integrate into society much more easily. Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Godwin Abbe, said the militancy that has plagued the Niger Delta region should be blamed on the neglect and marginalisation meted out to the people by past administrations. He also said that the Federal Government will open two rehabilitation camps in Rivers and Bayelsa States to cater for repentant militants from the region.
Ateke Collects Amnesty Forms
Leader of Niger Delta Volunteer Force, Mr. Ateke Tom, is set to submit his arms and tap into the amnesty programme, as he is reported to have collected 3,000 amnesty forms for his group. This was confirmed by the Amnesty State Coordinator in Rivers State, Mr. Bestman Nnwoka. Counsel to Ateke, Mr. Uche Onyeaguocha, collected the amnesty forms on behalf of his client.
Two Apprehended for Assaulting Pregnant Woman
Two persons have been arrested by police operatives in Anambra State for allegedly assaulting a pregnant woman which resulted in a miscarriage. The suspects, according to a source, armed themselves with machetes, cudgels and wood swooped on their victim, Mrs. Agatha Ikeh, and allegedly beat her. On interrogation, they claimed they mistook the victim for another woman they wanted to attack. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emeka Chukwuemeka, confirmed the incident.
Govt Maintains Deadline for Amnesty, Reject Calls for Extension
The Federal Government has said it would maintain the October 4 amnesty deadline, according to the defence minister, as he rejected a request from some militant leaders in the Niger Delta for more time for peace talks before handing over their arms. President Umaru Yar'Adua has offered an unconditional pardon to militants who give up arms by the deadline. Security sources fear that if peace efforts fail, this could give the military the green light to take a tougher approach, radicalising militants and provoking a new wave of violence that could further disrupt oil output. But Government officials have dismissed such fears, saying there are no immediate plans for military action against militants that fail to hand over their weapons by the deadline.
BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS
Uduaghan Warns Militants to Surrender Arms
Delta State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has warned militants and persons in possession of illegal arms to submit their arms before the October 4, 2009, deadline for the submission of all illegal weapons. Uduaghan also assured that the amnesty programme was not targeted at anybody or group, but all those in possession of illegal arms.
Son of Edo PDP Chieftain Kidnapped
Unknown gunmen on Thursday kidnapped the seven-year-old son of Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Publicity Secretary, Osayuki Nosa Adams. An eyewitness account said Osayuki was on his way to school when two armed men alighted from a commercial motorcycle, wielding guns, and whisked the boy away. It was further gathered that few hours after the incident, a family source revealed, that the kidnappers called and demanded for N19million ransom, with a threat to kill the boy if their demand was not met. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Peter Ogboi, denied knowledge of the incident.
Robbers Kill Retired Military Officer in Edo
A retired military officer was on Thursday shot dead by a group of armed robbers who invaded a micro finance bank in Jattu, near Auchi, in Etsako West LGA of Edo State. Seven other persons were said to have sustained serious injuries during the attack. The robbers drove into the bank premises and over powered the security men, carting away unspecified amount of money, in an operation that lasted for over an hour with sophisticated weapons without any challenge from the police. A director of the bank and the chairman of Jattu community council, Alhaji Kasimu Shaibu, lamented the state of security in the country.
Gunmen Slay Auchi Businessman
Unknown gunmen on Wednesday shot an Auchi-based businessman, Mr Anthony Ugheke, along the Auchi-Igarra road, in Etsako West LGA of Edo State. The victim was attacked while returning to Auchi from Igarra, where he had gone to drop his children in school. The Auchi Divisional Police Officer, Mr Adamu Ngojin, confirmed the incident, saying Ugheke was found dead after he was shot in the head.
LAGOS AND ENVIRONS
Guardian Assistant Editor Murdered in Lagos
The Assistant Political Editor with the Guardian Newspapers, Mr. Bayo Ohu, was penultimate Sunday killed by unknown gunmen at his residence in Lagos. It was learnt that immediately the assassins saw him, they shot him several times and also made away with his laptop and phone. Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Frank Mba, said it was a case of armed robbery and murder, but ruled out assassination. Ogunbayo Ohu was born on June 18, 1964.
Tidal Wave Drowns Six in Bar Beach during Sallah Celebration
Six persons lost their lives as they were swept away by a tidal wave at the Bar beach in Lagos where they had gone to celebrate the Ramadan feast. An eye-witness said that four others managed to survive as they were rescued by local fishermen. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Frank Mba could not confirm the story but said that the Commissioner of Police had detailed the Marine Police unit on a search and rescue mission.
NDLEA Arrests Woman with N69m Cocaine
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 44-year-old Guinean woman, Soumah Bountou, for being in possession of 6.350kg cocaine, with an estimated value of N69m, hidden in a cosmetic bag at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The agency described its quality as “the purest and single highest seizure of cocaine made by the Airport Command of the Agency this year”. The suspect, Bountou, told NDLEA officers that she used to travel to Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria to buy clothes and wigs until she met her sponsors, who deceived her.
Customs in Oyo Seize N11m Worth of Contraband in Four Months
The Comptroller Oyo/Osun State Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mrs Evelyn Nwokocha, has said that the command has seized contrabands of assorted items worth N11.9 million in four months. Nwokocha made this known while parading some of the seized items at the Ibadan Headquarters of the Command on Monday. According to her, the seizures were made through the rigorous efforts of the officers at the border areas of the Command where the smugglers had taken as their normal routes. The contraband, she said, included various textiles materials, baby clothes, vegetable oil, travelling bags, etc.
GENERAL
NAFDAC Impounds Unregistered Chinese Products, China Apologises to Nigeria
National Agency for Food and Drug Control (NAFDAC) has raided some markets in Kaduna and Zamfara states and seized food products imported from China without expiry dates and manufacturers address. North-west Public Relations Officer of the agency, Jessica Okwuchi, disclosing this, also asked for the cooperation of the public in helping to expose the major importers and distributors of these products. Meanwhile China, through its ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Rong Yansong, has apologised for such harmful products. This followed intensified efforts and campaigns by NAFDAC in India, China and the United States among other countries to drum up support and seek strategic alliances against unwholesome drugs.
FG Proposes N100bn ‘Palliative Package’ for Full Deregulation
Ahead of the planned full deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil industry, the Federal Government has proposed a “Palliative Package” of about N100 billion for the revitalisation of key infrastructure in the transport, railways and power sectors. It was also disclosed that the government would pay N40 billion to oil importers and marketers as petroleum subsidy soon, being a part of N70 billion outstanding amount claimed to have been owed them, according to the Communications Coordinator of the Implementation Committee of the Deregulation of Downstream Petroleum Sector, Hajiya Aisha Yolah.
57 Nigerians on Death Row in Different Countries May be Executed
The Federal Government may be unable to save 57 Nigerians on the death row in different countries. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Joe Keshi, said that several efforts by the FG is unlikely to change the course of those governments because of the nature of their crimes ranging form murder to drugs, coupled with the fact that some of them use fake names unidentifiable by their relations. Keshi also revealed that at least 732 Nigerians are in various Chinese prisons for various offences. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) had asked the Libyan government to suspend their execution. It is not certain the course of action to be taken by Libya.
Combo Vaccine Reduces Risk of HIV Infection
A vaccine to prevent HIV infection has shown modest results for the first time, researchers have found. Researchers found that people who received a series of inoculations of a prime vaccine and booster vaccine were 31 percent less likely to get HIV, compared with those on a placebo. Col. Jerome Kim, who is the HIV vaccines product manager for the U.S. Army, emphasized that the level of efficacy was modest, given the failures of previous HIV vaccine trials. He called the results from the trial an important first step that will help researchers work toward a more effective vaccine.
Sultan Fears Resurgence of Boko Haram Saga
Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has said the Boko Haram debacle that engulfed some parts of the country recently is not yet over, as the root cause of the problem has not been addressed by the Federal Government.The monarch maintained that the death of the sect leader, Mohammed Yusuf, would not bring an end to the problem, noting that most of those killed during the crisis came from outside the state, and that most of Borno State indigenes, that belonged to the sect were not killed. He said despite the death of the sect leader, the followers are still lurking around and are likely to regroup.
Kano: Man kills Father, Another Strangles Wife to Death
A 30-year old man, Mallam Hamisu Sulaiman Sabo, has hacked his aged father to death, for reasons yet to be established, while another 50-year old man, Mallam Ibrahim Usman strangled his wife to death for allegedly failing to prepare breakfast for the family. Both cases were brought before the Kano Chief Magistrate Court in Nomasland at the weekend. Sulaiman, who openly confessed that he struck his father with a pestle on the head would have been lynched on the spot by the deceased relations, but was rescued by the timely intervention of elders in Rimi village, who alerted the police.
Truck Crushes Pastors, Expectant Mother in Bauchi
Two pastors and a pregnant woman were reported killed on Tuesday in Bauchi state when their car was smashed by the truck on the Bauchi-Jos Road on their way to the hospital. It was gathered that a speeding trailer lost control, veered off its lane and crushed the trio, killing them on the spot.
Kidnappers Demand N15m as Ransom for Kaduna SSG
The Secretary to the Kaduna State Government (SSG), Mr. Waje Yayok, was reportedly kidnapped on Monday. A top public official of the state, who confirmed this development, said the government had been in contact with the kidnappers, that had earlier demanded N40 million as ransom but have reduced it to N15 million. The source disclosed that they have threatened to kill Yayok if the money was not paid within 24 hours and the government might have agreed to the deal. A Zaria-based business man, Alhaji Bala Bello has been kidnapped from his house. The state Commissioner of Police, Tambari Mohammed who confirmed the incident said the police is still trying to locate the man and that the family was working with the police.
Stolen Petroleum Products Traced to Benin, Togo
Nigeria’s stolen petroleum products have been traced to markets in neighbouring West African countries such as Benin Republic and Togo, according to Spokesperson for the of the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Mr. Raphael Ugwu. Ugwu disclosed that there had been a rise in the vandalism of petroleum pipelines and theft of the products from the Atlas Cove Jetty in Lagos State, forcing the PPMC had to invite the Army to partner with the Navy in the protection and surveillance of the nation’s petroleum pipeline infrastructure.
NDLEA Arrests Indian Hemp Farmer, 2 Others
Bauchi state Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 33- year- old farmer from Alkaleri, Hussaini Hussaini, for cultivating substances suspected to be Indian hemp in his farm. The agency also arrested two others for possessing 25kilogramme of Indian hemp. Hussaini confessed that he got the seed of the substance from Nasarrawa state.
Eid-el-Fitri: Yar'Adua, Others Chart Path to Nation's Growth
President Yar'Adua, penultimate Sunday, during the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations, tasked Nigerians on the fear of God, saying that it is the only pre-requisite for the nation to forge ahead on the right path and surmount the challenges of development. In a goodwill message, Vice President Goodluck Jonathan asked Nigerians to resolve to make meaningful sacrifices that would liberate the nation from all forms of lack, noting that the existing generation of Nigerians could not afford to pass on what they could achieve to future generations.
Surgeon Jailed over Stella Obasanjo’s Death
The Spanish surgeon who performed liposuction operation that led to the death of former first lady, Mrs. Stella Obasanjo, has been jailed for one year for involuntary homicide by a tribunal in Malaga, Spain. The tribunal has also suspended the doctor from practising medicine for three years. The doctor and his insurers were equally told to indemnify the son of the deceased to the tune of €120,000. The doctor had denied responsibility, asserting that the intervention and post-operative had been carried out “perfectly normal” and that the age of the patient, who suffered from hypertension and mild asthma, posed no danger to the exercise.
House C’ttee Decries Nigeria’s Response on Climate Change
House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change on Thursday raised an alarm that Nigeria may soon begin to face some avoidable natural disasters, because of its seeming un-preparedness to move with the rest of the world in addressing global issues. The alarm came on the heels of the gathering of world leaders in New York, United States, to brainstorm on the challenges of Climate Change believed to be threatening human existence on earth. President Yar Adua is not at the strategic conference and by implication, the country may have lost the global platform to present its case and possibly seek help from other countries on the issues at stake.
FG Seeks Death Penalty for Fake Drug Offenders
In its campaign to rid the country of fake and sub-standard drugs, the Federal Government on Thursday recommended death penalty for fake drug dealers.It said the draft bill for review of the laws guiding the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) would be presented to the National Assembly for consideration within two weeks. Minister of State for Health, Dr Idi Hong, said government was alarmed at the damage done to the population as a result of activities of fake and sub-standard drug peddlers. He said government was partnering the National Assembly to ensure that maximum penalty was meted out to offenders.
Policemen Deployed to Kano Prisons over Boko Haram Threats
Kano State Police Command spokesman, Baba Mohammed, has denied a report of moves by the Boko Haram sect to attack prisons in the state. He, however, said mobile policemen had been deployed to all prisons yards and strategic places, to avert attacks. Comptroller of Prisons, Kano Command, Mr. Lawal Abubakar, was earlier quoted to have alleged that some Boko Haram sect members were planning to re-group in Gezawa Local Government, and unleash terror on the people.
76 Killed, 840 Hospitalised as Cholera Ravages Adamawa Communities
At least 76 persons have been confirmed dead from a suspected outbreak of an epidemic of cholera in about seven LG councils of Adamawa state. The state Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Musa Bubakari Kamale, who stated this, said the government had dispatched adequate drugs and a medical response team to attend to those already afflicted with the disease in the affected areas. Emir of Mubi, Alhaji Abubakar Isah Ahmadu, has alerted Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako, of a serious cholera epidemic ravaging the emirate in the last two months.
INTERNATIONAL
China Urges Caution over Iran's Nuclear Activities
Despite joining other major powers to demand a "serious response" from Tehran, China on Thursday said that stepping up pressure on Iran was not an effective way to persuade the country to halt its nuclear programme. The five permanent members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, and Germany, told Iran on Wednesday to prepare a "serious response" by October 1 to demands that it halts its nuclear programme or risk the consequences. Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, did not react to that in his address to the UN on Wednesday.
ICC, Others Observe International Day of Peace
The International Criminal Court (ICC) joined the Peace Palace, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), and the European Patent Office (EPO) to mark the International Day of Peace, last Monday. Head of Public Information and Documentation Section at the Court, Sonia Robla, informed that the ICC's participation in the Day of Peace is an occasion to put an end to impunity and ensure lasting peace in the world. The International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations in 1982, for individuals, communities, nations and governments to highlight the efforts of those who have worked to end conflict and promote peace.
Two Bomb Blasts Kill 15 in Pakistan
At least 15 people were killed in northwest Pakistan on Saturday in three powerful bomb blasts, police said. Six people died when a police station in the Bannu district of North West Frontier Province was targeted by a suicide car bomb. The suicide bomber was in a truck packed with an estimated 160 kg (353 pounds) of explosives, police said. Among the 55 people injured were 28 policemen and 27 civilians. Dozens of nearby shops and buildings were destroyed. Police arrested a suspect near the Maidan police station. Another eight people were killed five hours later in the provincial capital of Peshawar after a bomb exploded in the central business district.
Opposition in Burundi Seeks Troops' Recall from Somalia
Following a rebel attack on African Union (AU) peacekeepers that killed 12 soldiers as well as nine others in Somalia, opposition parties in Burundi have called for the withdrawal of the country's troops from the central African nation, unless the mandate of their soldiers change and the international community gives them the means to defend themselves. The Burundian government declared a five-day national mourning, a day after twin suicide attacks on the African Union peacekeeping forces' headquarters in Mogadishu claimed 21 lives in the deadliest strike against the force since its deployment in March 2007.
Afghan Police Kick Against More U.S. Troops
Police officials from some of Afghanistan's most violent regions have questioned the need for more United States (U.S.) troops, saying it would increase the perception they are an occupying power and that the money was better spent on local forces. The police officials were responding to a confidential report in which Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) commander in Afghanistan, warned the war was getting worse and could be lost without more troops.
Morocco Expels Migrants in Shipwreck
Eleven African migrants rescued from a shipwreck have been expelled from Morocco soon after being plucked from the sea. The 11 expelled were from Niger and Senegal. They were among at least 42 would-be illegal immigrants crammed aboard an inflatable dinghy that sank penultimate Saturday off Perejil, a rocky Spanish-owned islet in the Mediterranean Sea off the Moroccan coast, according to reports from the Moroccan rescue service. The Spanish Red Cross, however, estimated there were 60 migrants on the boat. Spanish and Moroccan rescue teams on Saturday recovered the bodies of eight of them, including that of a pregnant woman, Moroccan security sources said.
Head of Group Accused in Mumbai Assault under House Arrest in Pakistan
Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, leader of a banned Islamist group, Lashkar-e-Taiba, which is accused of carrying out attacks on India last November, has been placed under house arrest again. India blames Lashkar-e-Taiba for the Mumbai assault staged by 10 gunmen, nine of whom were killed. Under tremendous international pressure, Pakistan acknowledged much of the plot originated on its soil. Interior Minister Rehman Malik disclosed that Saeed was under investigation.
100 Feared Dead in Indian Chimney Collapse
At least 100 people are feared dead after a giant chimney under construction at a power plant in central India collapsed in bad weather, Vinod Kumar Sharma, General Secretary of the workers' union disclosed. He said the estimate was based on testimony from union members near the scene of the tragedy, who said workers were sheltering from heavy rain in and around the structure when it collapsed at about 3:45 pm (1015 GMT) local time.
U.S Imposes Travel Ban on Kenyan Officials over Electoral Violence
The United States (U.S.) has imposed travel bans on Kenyan ministers and prominent people who are not backing government reforms aimed at preventing another outbreak of violence. U.S Ambassador to Kenya, Michael Ranneberger, Thursday, said that 15 officials had received letters saying that the U.S. was reviewing its relationship with them. President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga signed a power-sharing deal in February 2008 to end violence over disputed presidential election results that claimed over 1,000 lives. Public frustration over poverty and corruption fuelled the violence.
Honduran Forces Besiege Brazilian Mission to Arrest Zelaya
Amid mounting international pressure on Honduras' de facto government to let the ousted leftist President Manuel Zelaya return to power, troops and police have surrounded the Brazilian Embassy where he has taken shelter. Zelaya had returned home in a daring challenge to the interim government that threw him out of the country at gunpoint in June. Most other Hondurans were trapped as well, cooped up in their homes since Monday evening by a government order to stay off the streets -an order ignored by some looters and pro-Zelaya protesters. Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva used the podium at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York to demand that Zelaya be reinstated as Honduras' president.
Oil Demand to Grow in 2010 -OPEC
Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is optimistic that world oil demand will decline slightly in 2009 but start growing again next year, according to its monthly report for September. The cartel said world oil demand this year is expected to contract by 1.56 million barrels per day (bpd) to 84.05 million bpd. Then, in 2010, global demand is forecasted to "return to growth following two years of consecutive declines. Improved economic activity in the United States last month was helping world oil demand to stabilise, OPEC said.
Ban Calls for Urgent Deal on Global Warming
Ahead of the United Nations (UN) special summit on climate change in December, UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, has called for an urgent deal to halt the melting ice in Greenland threatening to raise sea levels. Warning that global greenhouse gas emissions had continued to rise, he urged every country to do its utmost to reduce emissions from all major sources. He also urged industrialised countries to strengthen their mitigation targets, which are currently nowhere close to what the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said was needed to slow the rise in their emissions and accelerate green growth to reduce poverty.
UN Warns of Hunger in East Africa
The United Nations (UN) has said poor harvests due to lack of rain, combined with worsening conflict and the El Nino climatic effect, could leave millions more people in East Africa facing food shortages this year. A report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) said that from Uganda to Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, a drop in cereal production was likely to increase the nearly 20 million people already dependent on food assistance in one of the world's poorest regions. El Nino, an abnormal warming of the waters of the equatorial Pacific, unhinges weather patterns around the world.
Sudanese Army Confirms Clash with Rebels in Darfur
Rebels in Darfur have clashed with Sudanese soldiers, the army has confirmed. The clashes, in Korma in northern Darfur, were the first major battles since a UN commander said last month that the region was no longer at war. The joint African Union-United Nations Force (UNAMID) is investigating. The UN said 300,000 have died and 2.7 million have been displaced from 2003 to 2005, when the conflict was at its height.