Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 31

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Abducted Boy Reunites with Parents

A 7-month-old baby, Chukwuka Eze, on Thursday reunited with his parents in Enugu state after four day in captivity, after a ransom was paid. The baby was abducted from his home on Monday. Police spokesman, Ebele Amaraizu, said the kidnappers were trailed to Nsukka through the telephone signals used in contacting the parents of the victim for a ransom, adding that security operatives were still on their trail.

Anambra CP Parades 11 Robbery Suspects

Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Uzor Amakulor, on Tuesday paraded 11 members of different robbery gangs said to have been terrorising the state. Most of the robbers are natives of neighbouring states and live mostly in Lagos. Amakulor said their confessions point to the fact that they participated in different robberies in which seven persons, including two policemen were killed. He also confirmed the death of a dreaded member of the gangs, Chika Ogbodo. Amakulor further appealed to the public to come forward with information that could lead to the arrest of criminals in the state.

10 killed, Soldier Missing in Communal Clash

The crisis in Ezillo-Ezza community in Ishielu LGA of Ebonyi state has claimed 10 more lives, while a military peace keeper has been reported missing in a renewed conflict over the weekend. The Chairman Ishielu LGA, Chief Onwa Ali Onwa, said that the missing military man was abducted by the armed men. He said that four suspects from Ezza community were arrested in connection with the killings and stressed that efforts were being made to locate the military officer.

FG to Build a Gas Processing Plant in A’Ibom

Information and social re-orientation commissioner, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, has disclosed that the Federal Government has approved Akwa Ibom State as a gas processing hub. Umanah, said the decision which would come into being on January 3, 2010, was disclosed by the General Manager (upstream), of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. David Ige.

Senate Confirms 13 NDDC Nominees, Rejects Edo Rep

The Senate, Wednesday, cleared 13 out of the 17 nominees sent by President Yar'Adua for screening and confirmation for appointment into the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission. Those cleared are Larry Koinya from Bayelsa state as Chairman, amongst others from Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Delta, and two from the non oil producing northern states. The Senate however, rejected the nomination of Honorable Jude I. Ise-Idehen from Edo State on accounts of his present position as member of the Edo state House of Assembly.

Kogbara Resigns from FG’s Oil and Gas Committee

The only member of the Rilwanu Lukman-led Oil and Gas Implementation Committee (OGIC) from the Niger Delta region, Donu Kogbara, has resigned from the committee over alleged “lack of protection of the interests of Niger Deltans”. Kogbara regretted that her views were not respected the way she took the professional views of other members of the committee. Kogbara's resignation has not been accepted by the Federal Government.

4 Killed in Port Harcourt Cults’ Clash

A least four persons have been killed in renewed inter-cult clash in Port Harcourt town. Sources said the problem started as little skirmishes penultimate Thursday but developed into full clash weekend when reprisal attacks were reportedly carried out. Police authorities confirmed the shootings but did not give casualty figures.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Petroleum Monitoring Panel Impounds, Burns 1,000 Jerry Cans

Edo State Petroleum Monitoring Committee on Thursday stormed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)'s mega filling station in Benin City and impounded over 1,000 jerry cans suspected to be those used in siphoning kerosene by women involved in products hoarding and black market trading in the state. Chairman of the committee, Lord Osunde, who said the committee which acted on information, ordered the jerry cans to be burnt. Osunde said the women purchase kerosene in connivance with some workers of the filling station at night at the approved price, only to sell to other women the following morning at N95 per litre.

MEND Denies Having Team to Negotiate With FG

Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) on Thursday denied insinuation that it has put together a team to negotiate on its behalf with the Federal Government. MEND also deplored the wanton destruction of life and places of Christian worship in the North by Islamic fundamentalists, just as it also condemned the executions by government forces of religious extremists who had already surrendered.

Delta Elders, Decry Govt Actions, Threaten to Join Militancy

Delta Leaders and Stakeholders Forum has supported the rejection of the federal government amnesty initiatives, and has threatened to join the militants in their armed struggle over the relocation of the federal University of Petroleum and other related issues. The forum accused the northern elites of being very deceptive, unreliable. The elders, on Tuesday, met to discuss the decision to relocate the federal University of Petroleum Resources, the down-grading of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) and the petroleum development reform bill. Most of them wondered why the north wanted Niger Delta youths to attend management training in a Petroleum School in Kaduna when they would eventually return to the Niger Delta where the petroleum resources are located.

Medical Doctor Abducted in Benin

As the Edo State House of Assembly passed a bill of life imprisonment for convicted, a medical doctor, Victor Akhabue, was on Tuesday kidnapped at his clinic, Narrow Way Hospital, in Benin City. The abductors have reportedly opened contact with his family and were demanding for a N20 million as ransom. A senior police officer at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) confirmed the incident, saying that the police were already investigating it.

10 Nabbed For Alleged Forgery

A syndicate which specialises in printing and issuance of fake revenue documents in Edo state has been smashed by the State Police Command, while 10 members were arrested. Police recovered during the raid, fake Delta State number plate, Drivers licenses and all forms of documents and receipts relating to vehicles and motorcycles registration in the state.

JRC Threaten Action In Kaduna

The Joint Revolutionary Council, an umbrella body of some militant groups in the Niger Delta, during the week, issued a 72- hour quit notice to AFREN Energy Resources, allegedly owned by the Minister of Petroleum, Dr. Rilwanu Lukman. JRC’s spokesperson, Cynthia Whyte, said the group was considering attacks on AFREN’s facilities and the Kaduna College of Petroleum Studies, following Lukman’s alleged role in the purported relocation of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) from Effurun Delta state to Kaduna. The JRC also commended the governors of the Niger Delta for standing up against the planned relocation, pointing out that if the governors continued to speak up, it would deal with an armistice committee set up by these governors. But the government authorities have denied plans to reverse PTI.

Okah Meets Stakeholders on Peace

There are reports that Henry Okah, freed by the government recently, has met key militant leaders in Nigeria‘s Niger Delta as he seeks to help the peace process. One of Okah’s lawyers said disclosed that Okah visited major stakeholders in the waterways and freedom fighters last week. Okah is said to be using his freedom to mediate between the militants and the government after the presidency offered a pardon to them and the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Violence Erupts in Ogun, 10 Houses Burnt

Violence erupted in Ijoko, Ogun State on Tuesday as attempts to execute a Supreme Court judgment in the town led to the burning of no fewer than 10 houses. The town in recent times had been embroiled in controversy over traditional rulership and land ownership. A family had, about three years ago, secured a judgment from the Supreme Court over ownership of a large parcel of land which covers Ijoko.   It was learnt that the attempt to enforce the judgment resulted in the violence. Witnesses said dangerous weapons; including guns and machetes were freely used by hoodlums involved in the clash. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident.

NSCDC Shuts Illegal Security Firms

Twelve security firms allegedly operating illegally in the South West states of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti have been sealed off and handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The Zonal Commander of the NSCDC, Alhaji Modu Bunu, said that 44 of such illegal firms were detected during a monitoring exercise. Bunu, warned that there was great risk in hiring criminals who might be parading themselves as security guards in uniforms.

Reps Order Withdrawal of Niger Dock License

The House of Representatives, on Thursday directed the Federal Ministry of Commerce to withdraw the license granted to SIMCO Free Zone Company, Formerly Niger Dock. The House also embarked on the investigation of N1.72billion proceeds allegedly paid by Niger Dock as core investor in the acquisition of the dry dock yard. Consequently, the House has urged the Federal Government to identify and prosecute those who violated the Presidential order on the closure of the jetties, as well as make the names of such violators public as a deterrent to other operators of private jetties in the country.

Police Kill 39 Robbery Suspects in Six Months in Zone 11

Police in Zone 11, which comprise Ondo, Oyo and Osun states, have disclosed that they killed 39 robbery suspects in the area between January and June 2009, while 222 were arrested. The Zonal Command Spokesman, Mr Babatunde Olorunbunmi, said that seven policemen also died during the said period in encounters with the suspected armed robbers. He further disclosed that Oyo State recorded the highest number of arrests with 139 suspects. Olorunbunmi noted that there was a reduction in crime rate in the zone.

Fake Police Arrested For Impersination

A team of policemen on patrol along Mile 2, Badagary road in Lagos, recently arrested a man who had been posing as a police officer and extorting money from motorists. The man, Ayoko Abidemi, 36, was also apprehended for allegedly posing as a member of the Nigeria Army. Abidemi was dismissed from the police force in 2002, for gross misconduct, but refused to do away with his service uniform. Apart from the police uniform, Abidemi was found with a soldier’s uniform as well as a forged police identity card.

GENERAL

Over 300 Killed as Islamist Attack Spreads
…Police Rescue 180 Women, Children

Over 300 persons, mostly members of a religious sect, Boko Haram, led by Sheik Mohammed Yusuf have been killed in sectarian violence in Maiduguri, Borno state. The sect, opposed to Western education, also destroyed government buildings and churches. Security forces, Tuesday, attacked its stronghold and arrested Bukar Shikwa, deputy leader of the group. The state Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, called on residents in the area to relocate or stay indoors, as the sect uses civilians as human shields. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) Third Armoured Division, Maj. Gen. Saleh Maina, put a restraint on military offensive to allow civilians escape. The clash has spread to some other northern states. But several members of the group were arrested in Kano, Sokoto, Plateau and Adamawa states. Police authorities, Wednesday, confirmed the death of 8 police officers, 3 prison officials, and 6 soldiers, and the rescue of 180 women and children abducted by the sect.

Reps Condemn Killings, Demand Investigations

House of Representatives on Tuesday, condemned sectarian violence in the northern part of the country and ordered that the Inspector General of Police and Director General, State Security Services, conduct investigations into activities of the religious sect involved. The House members blamed the crises on failure of intelligence on the part of the security operatives in the area. Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) also blamed security agencies for allowing the crisis attain such magnitude, and called for urgent implementation of comprehensive and workable reforms of the nation’s intelligence community and the Nigeria police.

Oritsejafor Angry as Islamists Attack Christians, Blames Southern Govs

The National President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, in his reaction to the northern crisis, reminded the warring Islamist sect that nobody has a monopoly of violence. Oritsejafor, who wondered why anybody should extend a purely Islamic palaver to rival Christians and killing and burning churches, said he holds the southern governors responsible for their inability to defend Christians residing in the North. Oritsejafor is angered by reports of killing of Christians and torching of churches in parts of the North.

Boko Haram Leader Killed, Members Vow to Continue Fighting
…as Training School is Discovered in Taraba

After nearly two days of military bombardment of his Maiduguri, Borno State base, the leader of the Islamic fundamentalist group, Boko Haram, Mohammed Yusuf, was on Thursday killed in a shoot-out with security forces. Meanwhile, one of its leaders, Ibrahim Khalil Zarkawi, has said they are continuing their attacks against police in retaliation for the deaths of Muslims in Jos and Bauchi. Zarkawi also said that they were holding nine police officers and four soldiers. This comes as 43 members of the sect were killed in Yobe state, on Wednesday. Meanwhile, a Boko Haram training school has been found in Jalingo, Taraba State. Chairman of the state chapter of Moslem Council, Alhaji Inuwa Jauro Manu, confirmed the report. Special Adviser on Media to President Yar’Adua, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, said Yar’Adua had also directed that the security agencies should not relent until they fish out and arrest all its remaining members, just as it emerged that the sect had been in existence since 1995 and had operated under different names.

Assassins Kill Benue TUC Boss

The Benue state chapter chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Tony Udu was, penultimate Friday assassinated by unknown gunmen at his residence in Benue State. Benue State has in recent times been engrossed in spates of assassinations. Only recently, two men were also murdered in cold blood in their hotel rooms in Gboko town. The State police command has warned the people of Guma LGA and their Fulani neighbours not to take laws into their hands, following a clash between some Fulanis and Tivs, where families were killed. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Valentine Chukwu, said that the police will commence full investigation into the recent killings.

Nigeria Loses N28.3b In Three Days

Nigeria has lost about N28.275 billion ($195 million) accruable oil revenue in three days due to the shortfall in its production, as the commodity traded above $65 a barrel at the weekend. The loss climaxed the daily loss of about N8 billion since the attacks on oil installations in the Niger Delta crippled the country's exports below 1 million barrels per day. Minister of Petroleum Resources, Rilwanu Lukman, had confirmed that the country was losing an average of 1 million barrels of crude oil per day to the crises and "higher price at the international oil market means a higher loss in accruable revenue to the country.

Collapsed Building Claims Life in Abuja

A three- storey building under construction in Asokoro area of Abuja Thursday collapsed claiming the life of one of the site workers, while six others sustained serious injuries. In a swift reaction, the FCT administration ordered the police to immediately arrest the developer of the structure. Rescue personnel from the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Red Cross, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerian Police and the Fire Service were all busy trying to get to the basement of the collapsed structure.

House Passes N102.2bn Supplementary Budget

The House of Representatives on Wednesday accelerated the authorisation of the sum of N102.270 billion as supplementary budget from the consolidated revenue fund of the federation. Also, the House approved the request by President Yar’Adua for a loan of $10 million from Nigeria to Sao Tome and Principe. The approved supplementary budget is made up of N97.370 for additional recurrent (non- debt) expenditure, while the balance of N4.900 billion is for the contribution to the Development Fund for additional expenditure for the year ending December 31, 2009.

Meltdown: IMF Offers to Assist Nigeria

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), Wednesday, expressed its readiness to assist Nigeria overcome its economic challenges. This development came on a day the Federal Government said the Nigerian economy was growing at seven per cent, in spite of the global financial crisis. IMF’s Managing Director, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, said that if Nigeria makes a case for assistance to the Fund, the matter would receive due attention, and further endorsed the on-going reform of the banking sector by the new Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. Meanwhile, World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a $500 million Development Policy Credit to support Nigeria’s economic reforms in the financial sector and public financial management.

FG Appoints New MD, Directors for FERMA

The Federal Government has relieved the Managing Director of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Mr. Olubunmi Peters, of his job. The FG removed the executive directors of the agency in a major shake-up said to be in line with the desire to reposition the organisation. Chief Press Secretary to the Minister of Works, Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Lawrence Ojabor said President Yar’Adua further approved the appointment of Mr. Kabir Abdullahi as the new Managing Director of FERMA. Six new directors were also appointed.

Global Oil Demand Set to Inch Up

World oil consumption will rise next year as a recovery in the global economy boosts demand, according to a poll of analysts and organisations.  Oil demand is predicted to rise by 900,000 barrels per day to 84.9 million bpd in 2010, the poll of nine forecasters found. World demand has fallen by 2.5 per cent since hitting 86.2 million-bpd in 2007, as the dual impact of high prices and the economic crisis cut consumption.  The drop in demand saw oil prices crash from record highs of almost $150 a barrel last year, to below $40 a barrel this year.

Onovo Calls for Support in War Against Crime

The Acting Inspector-General of Police (IG), Mr. Ogbonnaya Onovo, on Monday acknowledged that the country is faced with persistent security challenges, and is seeking a collaborative effort in the battle to rid the nation of the violent wave of crime. Onovo, who was appointed to penultimate Thursday, said he was poised to confront the nation’s security challenges.

UN Moves to Check Corruption in Nigeria

The United Nations has commenced moves to check corruption and embezzlement of funds in the public sector through capacity building for project monitoring in Nigeria. Resident Representative of UN in Nigeria, Dr. Alberic Kacou said stakeholders must all work towards a zero corruption in the country as he identified corruption as the major cause of the country’s backwardness through failed contracts and abandoned projects.

Oando Gets Drilling Rigs from Shell

Oando Energy Services has acquired two inland barge rigs from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) for an estimated $43.5 million. Head of Corporate Communications, Oando Plc, Mr. Meka Niyi Olowola said that with this acquisition, the company has emerged Nigeria’s largest indigenous drilling contractor. He also said that this latest acquisition brings to five, the total number of rigs in Oando’s fleet.

Police Arrest 17-Year-Old Housewife with Stolen Baby

The Zamfara Police Command has arrested a 17-year-old housewife, Umma Yahaya, for abduction of a four-month-old baby. The state Police spokesman, Lawal Abdullahi, said the suspect was reported by her husband Alhaji Yahaya Umar Bakura on July 13, 2009 for possessing a baby older than a three-day-old baby which she had told him she delivered on July 10, 2009. According to the PPRO, the suspect confessed that she earlier conceived, but had miscarriage which she never told her husband but kept deceiving him by tucking rags in her underwear, leaving him with the impression that she was still pregnant.

Fake Certificates Discovered During Teachers Verification

Dr. Mohammed Modibbo, the Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), says many fake certificates possessed by teachers have been discovered in the ongoing verification exercise by the commission. Modibbo lamented that only 200 out of 700 certificates tendered were authentic. He said the commission would compile its report and forward it to the Minister of Education for further action.

INTERNATIONAL

China to Reduce Rate of Criminal Executions

China, often criticized for its liberal use of the death penalty, will reduce the number of criminal executions it carries out, as it was impossible for the country to abolish capital punishment under current realities and social security conditions. Zhang Jun, vice president of the Supreme People's Court, hinted. China will retain the death sentence, according to Zhang, adding that it should be applied to "an extremely small number" of serious offenders. Human rights groups estimate 1,700 to 5,000 people were executed in China last year for crimes such as spying, corruption and drug trafficking. The official number of executions is a state secret.

Car bomb Injures 40 in Spain

A car bomb exploded early Wednesday outside the Civil Guard barracks in the northern Spanish city of Burgos, injuring at least 40 people and causing substantial damage, an Interior Ministry official said. The official said the attack was likely orchestrated by the Basque separatist group, ETA. The official said the nature and location of the bombing pointed to the outlawed ETA, which is blamed for more than 800 deaths in its fight for Basque independence.

Venezuela Freezes Relations with Colombia over Alleged Verbal Aggression

Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez, froze diplomatic relations with Colombia late Tuesday, citing verbal aggressions from Colombia, as Colombian government Monday announced that anti-tank weapons purchased by Venezuela ended up in the hands of the guerrilla Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known as the FARC. In addition, Colombian President Alvaro Uribe said the guerrillas were trying to buy anti-aircraft missiles. Venezuela received a shipment of Russian SA-24 Igla shoulder-fired missiles earlier this year. Chavez also threatened to take over Colombian companies operating in Venezuela if Colombia offends Venezuela one more time. There was no immediate reaction from the Colombian government.

Woman Killed, Fetus Cut from Womb

Police have arrested two persons suspected of killing a woman, Darlene Haynes, 23, in her Massachusetts apartment and cutting an 8-month-old fetus from her body. The body was found in the closet of a bedroom, wrapped in bedding, and had been dead for several days, police said. During an autopsy, police learned that a fetus had been removed from the woman's body. Police also found the baby, a girl, in good health condition. Officers received tips from women who became suspicious of Julie A. Corey, a friend of Haynes who turned up with a newborn girl at the time that Haynes went missing.

Pakistan Angry over India's Launch of Nuclear-Powered Submarine

Pakistani authorities have expressed anger over India’s new nuclear-powered submarine, saying the launch was "detrimental" to the region's peace and stability and it would take "appropriate steps" in response. India launched the submarine, penultimate Sunday, and analysts say it is capable of launching nuclear weapons, but India says the project is for its defense and does not threaten anyone. Meanwhile, the United States (U.S.) envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan has urged European Union (EU) nations to boost aid to people who have fled fighting near the border, warning the crisis could undermine the fight against insurgents. Pakistan unleashed military offensive, after armed Taliban marched into the district of Buner in April.

Sanha Emerges as G'Bissau's New President

Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday elected Malam Bacai Sanha as its new president.  The West African nation had experienced many coups, counter-coups and a civil war. Sanha got 63.39 per cent of Sunday's presidential run-off vote, beating opponent Kumba Yala, who had 36.69 per cent. The race was to succeed President Joao Bernardo "Nino" Vieira, who was assassinated in March.

Britain, U.S. Defend War Effort in Afghanistan

Britain and the United States (U.S.) have vowed a sustained effort in Afghanistan. British Foreign Secretary David Miliband, in Washington for talks on Afghanistan, said it was a "tough phase" for all nations with troops in Afghanistan but he believed the British public supported the mission. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also underscored what she said was the strong commitment and resolve of both nations in Afghanistan. The number of British troops killed in Afghanistan has surpassed those who perished in the Iraq war, a statistic that has soured public support for the effort.

8 Killed in Auto Crash Outside New York

A three-vehicle crash north of New York killed eight people, including four children, state police said on Sunday. A fifth child is being treated for injuries suffered in the crash near Pleasantville, about 30 miles north of New York. The crash happened when a minivan carrying the five children and one adult was heading the wrong way on a northbound lane of the Taconic State Parkway, police said. It crashed head-on into an SUV carrying three adults.

Iranian Police Arrest Mourners in Cemetery Memorial

Police in Iran, Thursday, arrested mourners who gathered at a cemetery in the capital, Tehran to commemorate victims of the unrest that followed the country's disputed June 12 presidential election. It was reported that Iranian police prevented opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi from going to a graveside memorial as he, surrounded by hundreds of supporters, tried to reach the graveside of Neda Agha Soltan, a young woman whose shooting death at an anti-government rally last month was caught on video that became one of the iconic images of the upheaval.

U.S. Extends Myanmar Sanctions, Revokes Visas of Honduran Officials

United States (U.S.) has extended sanctions against Myanmar, including a ban on gem imports, as the military regime prepares a verdict for democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. Suu Kyi has been in jail or under house arrest for 13 of the last 19 years since the junta refused to recognise her party's landslide victory in Myanmar's last national elections, in 1990. The US also suspended the diplomatic visas of four Honduran officials a month after a military coup as it put pressure on the interim government of Honduras to accept the return of exiled President Manuel Zelaya. Zelaya, buoyed by the news of the U.S. action, quickly returned to prolonged negotiations for the release of his wife, mother and children into Nicaraguan territory. Honduras' de facto ruler, Roberto Micheletti, has also called for new talks to solve the country's political crisis.

U.S. Urges Sudan on Darfur Aid, UNAMID Cooperation

United States (U.S.) Ambassador to the United Nations (UN), Susan Rice, has urged Sudan to do more to allow humanitarian workers into Darfur and step up cooperation with the joint UN-African Union Mission in Darfur. Meanwhile, a Sudanese court has adjourned the case of a woman journalist, Lubna Ahmed al-Hussein, facing 40 lashes for wearing "indecent" trousers. Lubna waived the immunity given to UN workers and agreed to go ahead the trial. She wore the same clothes to court as when she was arrested -green slacks with a loose floral top and green headscarf. 10 women wearing trousers were summoned to a police station and were lashed 10 times each, according to Hussein.

UN Envoy Bemoans Slow Deployment of Force in Chad, CAR

The slow deployment of UN peacekeepers in Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR) has been identified as the main hindrance to deal with the poor security situation in both countries. United Nations (UN) special envoy to the countries, Victor Angelo, Said the situation in CAR has been extremely insecure over the last three months as armed groups continue to operate in the area. CAR is one of Africa's isolated countries, where a weak government is struggling to end several internal rebellions and is battling the spill over of instability from neighbouring Sudan and Chad.

Tainted Pain Reliever Causes Children's Deaths

A toxic chemical added to a pain reliever killed two dozen children in Bangladesh. Tests revealed that a drug company in eastern Bangladesh had added diethyl glycol to its Paracetamol syrup, according to Health Minister, A.F.M. Ruhal Haque. The chemical, which is used in textile factories and leather dying plants, causes renal failure. Twenty-five children, ages 1 to 5, have died in the past six weeks. The tainted medication killed most, if not all, of them, authorities said.

Scores Missing in Haitian Boat Mishap

Dozens of Haitians went missing after a boat carrying about 200 people capsized on Monday near the Turks and Caicos Islands, the U.S. Coast Guard said. Authorities said Tuesday that they had rescued about 113 persons. Rescue teams on Wednesday scanned the clear blue waters off the Turks and Caicos Islands with fading hopes of finding others missing. The death toll so far was 15 and authorities said that about 70 people were unaccounted for. The sailboat, crowded with about 200 men, women and teenagers fleeing Haiti's deep poverty, broke up as it tried to maneuver through treacherous coral reefs and was struck by heavy swells near West Caicos.

Ex-Boxing Champion, Vernon Forrest, Shot Dead

Former boxing champion, Vernon Forrest, has been shot dead in a neighborhood southwest of downtown Atlanta, officials said penultimate Sunday. Atlanta police spokeswoman said it appeared that Forrest, 38, was robbed. No suspects had been arrested. Forrest was International Boxing Federation welterweight champion in 2001, the World Boxing Council welterweight champion in 2002-2003, and the WBC light welterweight champion in 2007-2008 and 2008-2009.

Husband, Wife Convicted in Mumbai 2003 Blasts

An Indian court on Monday convicted a couple and another man for explosions that left 54 people dead in Mumbai in 2003. Public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam described the verdict as a "big blow" to the Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, a Pakistan-based militant group blamed for the attack. The court reserved sentencing until at least August 4, when prosecution will likely recommend execution. Monday's conviction came under what is now a repealed Prevention of Terror Act, which was in force in India when the bombings occurred at Mumbai's Gateway of India and Zaveri Bazaar gold market. The court examined 103 witnesses, Nikam said.

First Swine Flu Death Reported in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has had its first death from swine flu, its Ministry of Health said Monday. The deceased, a 30-year-old man, was admitted to a hospital on penultimate Wednesday with a high fever, cough and shortness of breath, but died 3 days after. Saudi Arabia has diagnosed more than 230 cases of the H1N1 virus this year.

Somali Rebels Attack Parliament, Clashes Kill 7

Attacks by Somali rebels disrupted a parliamentary session Monday as heavy fighting between the militia and African Union-backed government forces killed seven civilians, and wounded 18 others, officials disclosed. The parliament was meeting for the first time since the hardline Islamist Shebab and Hizb al-Islam militias launched an anti-government offensive in May. Police commander Mohamed Yusuf said the insurgents attacked their positions in the south of the city.