Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 34

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Bayelsa Militants Surrender 520 Guns, 14 Gunboats

About 32 Militants in Bayelsa state, who have accepted the Presidential amnesty, over the weekend, turned in a total of 520 guns, 96, 970 ammunition and 14 gunboats, according to the Bayelsa State Peace and Reconciliation Committee. This comes on the heels of threats by the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) to pull out of talks with the government and resume attacks on oil facilities next month. MEND has alleged bribery and insincerity of the Federal and State Governments as part of the reasons it is pulling out from the talks.

More Militants Surrender Guns in Rivers

At least 69 more militants in Rivers state, on Thursday accepted the amnesty programme and surrendered 38 rifles, including 35 Ak47s, and about 9,153 rounds of ammunition. While the Amnesty Media Coordinator in the State, Mr. Bestman Nnwoka, said they had dispatched a helicopter to take delivery of 200 rifles and equal number of repentant militants from Kula, in Akuku Toru LGA. The Assistant Inspector General of Police in Charge of Zone 6, Calabar, Mr. Azubuko Udah, who received the arms, lauded the programme.

Rivers Governor Tasks FG On Niger Delta

Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has identified the Niger Delta as a region with special needs that require special attention and urged the Federal Government not to leave any stone unturned in ensuring that the problems of the area were resolved. Governor Amaechi noted that the difficult terrain in the Niger Delta communities posed a serious problem to the development of the area.

 

Bayelsa PPRO Dies

The members of the Bayelsa State Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the state police command have expressed shock over the sudden death of the Police Public Relation Officer, Mr. Ibokette Iniobong, a deputy superintendent of police (DSP). Iniobong, died in a private hospital, penultimate Friday, after he complained of dizziness. The deceased officer had, a day earlier complained of not feeling too well and was subsequently taken to an undisclosed private hospital, where he died.

Maritime Academy Plans to Train Disarmed Militants

Repentant militants have been assured of a place at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) in Akwa Ibom State. Chairman, Governing Council of the academy, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, who unfolded the plan, said it was to make the Federal Government's amnesty offer a success. Lulu-Briggs said militants admitted into the academy would be equipped with skills that would enable them engage in meaningful ventures and be properly integrated into the society.

Actor, Ohakim’s Aide Abducted

Famous Nigerian actor, Pete Edochie, was, penultimate Sunday, kidnapped at Nkpor, Onitsha, Anambra state. His kidnap came as gunmen also abducted the Special Adviser to Imo State Governor on Due Process, Chief Cyril Anyanwu, at his residence, after being trailed from a village where he went to worship same day. Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Emeka Chukwuemeka (ASP), confirmed Edochie’s kidnap, saying detectives were on the trail of the gang, which had demanded N10m for his release. Edochie regained freedom on Monday evening, and according to the police, no ransom was paid.

Robbers Kill Two, kidnap 5-Year-Old Girl in Onitsha

Armed robbers raided Onitsha on Monday, killing two and abducting a five year old girl. The operation, carried out by a 10-man gang, who successfully sealed off the area, shooting sporadically, lasted for about two hours, according to a witness.

Five Feared Dead in Akwa Ibom Boundary Clash

The Paramount ruler of Obot Akara, HRM Okuku Uwa Umo Adiaka, has lamented losses in one of the bloodiest boundary clashes that claimed five lives, and destroyed four houses by assailants suspected to be from Abia state. Adiaka, stated that his people have been in peace, and bounded by the age-long natural boundary until the recent incursion into their farmland by the aggressors. The Chairman of Obot Akara LGA, Mr Shilling Paul, lamented that the insecurity caused by the attack and lack of access to farmland is threatening food security in the area. He called for the State government's intervention, and mentioned that the communities of Abiakpo Ikot Okum, Abam, and Esa Ikwem were suffering untold hardship, occasioned by the aggression from their Ariam neighbour.

6 Killed as JTF, Police Clash in River Niger Creek

At least six civilians lost their lives, while about 15 others were injured as the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) and policemen exchanged fire on Monday at the River Niger creek in Onitsha, Anambra State. The incident, according to security sources, started when a team of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) went to the creek on a tip-off that militants had planned to attack the contractor handling the River Niger dredging project, but unknown to the policemen, the men in mufti were members of the JTF. This resulted in a shoot out. The Commander of 302 Artillery Regiment, Army Barracks, Onitsha, Col. Joseph Osuji, said he had posted soldiers to patrol the creek while investigations were still in progress on the incident.

Wife of Ifesinachi Transporter Kidnapped

Wife of transport mogul, Igwe (Dr) James Mamah of Ifesinachi Transport has been abducted. The victim, Mrs Grace Mamah was reportedly abducted at a private National College of Education, Nsukka, where she is currently studying. Eye witness account holds that two young men surfaced from nowhere and started shooting sporadically and attempts by some courageous students to protect her angered the kidnappers who reacted by opening fire indiscriminately on the students, some of whom were hit by bullets.

Oando Lifts Oil from Abo Fields

Oando Plc has begun lifting of its share of crude oil at the Abo fields, the aggregate of which amounts to 730,000 net United States barrels. The company, which is the first indigenous participant in a producing deep offshore oil block, has also commenced the monetisation of its investment in its recently acquired 15per cent stake in AGIP’s OML 125. The field's production, which has reached a plateau of 32,000 barrels per day of good quality oil, will be increased to 45,000 bpd.

NMA Chief and Family Escape, as Gunmen Invade Hospital

The President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Prosper Igboeli and his wife, Chidinma, escaped being kidnapped in Aba, Abia State, when suspected kidnappers stormed his three-storey residence which also houses his M&M Hospital. He was said to have escaped from the building when he heard the uproar at the reception.

Head of 18-Yr-Old Girl Exhumed in Imo

The Imo State Police Command has exhumed the head of an 18-year old girl, Miss Pepetua Chinwe Obieri, who was allegedly killed by her boyfriend for ritual purpose. The State Police Commissioner, Mr. Aloysius Okorie, disclosed this on Wednesday, while parading four suspects, including the deceased boyfriend that allegedly carried out the operation. Okorie said her parents raised the alarm after they lost contact with her on July 26, after she called that she had arrived at Ndia-kunwata Arodizogu, where she went to complete her last papers in the West African Examination Council’s (WAEC) Senior School Certificate Examination.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Father kill Son Over lost Money

A middle-aged teacher in Warri, James Omotete, has allegedly killed his six year old child over N35, 000. It was gathered that the angry man, last Tuesday, beat up the six- year old, Master Boristsefe James, and his elder Brother, Eworitse, on the allegation that they child stole his money. Eworitse who has several bruises on his back, indicative of a history of abuse by their father, narrated how his younger brother, Boritsefe was murdered by their father. James Omotete has been arrested and detained by security operatives.

Host Communities Youths Attack Utorogu Gas Plant

The attack on the Utorogu Gas Plant, operated by SPDC in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State, on Thursday, has been traced to the host communities. Security sources said that the communities had demanded for N1 billion as compensation for treatment and settlement of victims of February face-off with the military at the facility, which was refused. Youths from one of the communities, which claimed to be Ughievwen Youth Body Fighters, claimed responsibility for the attack. Security agents are on the trail of three key suspects, Messrs General Indiami, Commander Ogidi (aka Catchfire) and Commander Hotblood (aka Senior Lucifer) in connection with the attack.

Wife of Delta Gov’s Aide Abducted

Wife of Mr. Mike Diden, a Senior Special Assistant on Security Matters to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, was, on Wednesday, kidnapped at Okirigue near Sapele by unknown gunmen. The kidnappers were said to have driven their victim to Ogborikoko Water Front. The Police Public Relations Officer, Charles Muka, confirmed the incident and assured that the victim would be rescued alive.

JTF Refutes Withdrawal from Gbaramatu

The Joint Task Force (JTF) has refuted reports that it has withdrawn its troops from Gbaramatu, Warri South-West Council of Delta State, where it recently had confrontations with some militants. The JTF spokesman, Col. Rabe Abubakar, said that in line with the Presidential Amnesty and the resolve by government to return the displaced Gbaramatu indigenes to their homes, the security played a leading role in providing escort to the returnees.

Ijaw Group Alleges Plot to Scuttle Amnesty

An Ijaw group, Niger Delta Restoration Initiative (NDRI), Wednesday, said that officials of Delta State government and the Joint Task Force (JTF) have plotted to disrupt the fragile peace in Warri and its environs, with the aim of scuttling the ongoing amnesty process. President General of the NDRI, Mr. Pupagha Ekpedekumor, alleged that the plot included creating insecurity along the Warri waterways through attacks on Itsekiri boats, and blaming such on Ijaw militants, with the aim of halting the gradual withdrawal of JTF troops from Ijaw communities in the Niger Delta. The NDRI alarm is coming on the heels of media reports that the inhabitants of about nine Itsekiri communities in Escravos, on Monday staged a protest over alleged attacks on Itsekiri passenger boats.

Urhobo Group Threatens Fresh Agitations in Delta State

A hitherto unknown group, the “Urhobo Revolutionary Army," has said it would begin its own struggle in the Niger-Delta region. It said it had aligned itself with different militant groups in the region and advised all oil and gas companies, banks and other businesses operating in Urhobo-land to enter into working relationship with the group within 30 days.

Women Protest Govt’s Attitude on Niger Delta

Gender Action Group, a coalition of women’s right and development organisations, has condemned government’s attitude towards the demand of the Niger Delta people. It said until the Federal Government rebuilds the destroyed communities of the Gbaramatu Kingdom and the women adequately compensated, all talks about amnesty will have no support from the Niger Delta women. The women comprised groups from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers States.

Uduaghan Decries Attacks on Oil Facilities

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, on Wednesday, decried the series of attacks on oil and gas facilities in the state under the guise of agitation, noting that the state had lost fortunes due to this. Speaking during the Delta Central town hall meeting, the governor lamented that the revenue of the state had dwindled because of attacks on the oil and gas facilities.

Tompolo Returns to Gbaramatu

Leader of Camp 5, a militant group in Gbaramatu kingdom, Delta State, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, who fled his stronghold after in the wake of the assault by the Joint Task Force (JTF), is said to have returned to his base. Tompolo has refused to show up at any of the arms collection centre in Delta state to formally renounce militancy and accept amnesty, but, his colleagues declared that he was not against the amnesty programme.

Govt to Revive Comatose Power Plants in Delta

In pursuit of the 6,000mw of electricity generation for the country, the Federal Government has entered into negotiations with the manufacturers of comatose power plants in Delta State with a view to resuscitating them, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has disclosed. According to the governor, some of the plants had been seen as beyond salvaging before now. On closer study, however, it was agreed that if General Electric (GE), manufacturers of the plant in Sapele could be contacted, all the stalled turbines could be fixed or replaced.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Police Parade suspected kidnappers in Lagos

Four suspected kidnappers were arrested and paraded by the police in Lagos. The suspects allegedly abducted a 10-year-old boy and demanded N15 million as ransom from his parents. The suspects confessed that it was their third adventure into the business of kidnapping and that their victims were usually children of the rich whom they believe could meet their demands.

Nigeria Rescues Stranded Cameroonians on High Sea

Nigerian agencies on Thursday rescued about 400 Cameroonians from drowning in the high sea when their passenger vessels, conveying them to Cotonou, Republic of Benin to Gabon, ran short of fuel and drifted for several hours on the high sea. It took the vessel the whole of Wednesday to relay a distress signal to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), which later alerted other agencies for the rescue operation. The rescue operation lasted for at least six hours.

SSS, Islamic Group, OPC Brace Up for Boko Haram in Lagos

Following speculations that members of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, are regrouping in some parts of Lagos State, operatives of the State Security Service (SSS), some Islamic groups and the Oodua People's Congress (OPC) have braced up to nip in the bud any possible attack. It was gathered that the group stormed some places in Ondo State where they allegedly fine-tuned their strategies on a possible attack of Lagos. The Ogun State Police Command on Monday, paraded four people suspected to be members of the sect, arrested in Ibafo, on their way to Lagos State. The suspects were in possession of “inciting and incriminating materials”.

18 Nigerien Boko Haram Suspects Arrested in Oyo

Eighteen Nigerien men, ages 15 to 27 years, suspected to be Boko Haram members, were, on Wednesday, marked for repatriation to Niger Republic. The suspects, intercepted by men of the Oyo State Police Command along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Wednesday, were handed over to the state command of the Nigeria Immigration Service. According to the Oyo State Comptroller of Immigration, Mr. Chibueze Adike, the suspects had gained entry into Nigeria illegally through the Benin-Malaville-Kamba routes and were heading to Lagos state.

GENERAL

Freedom of Worship, A Settled Constitutional Matter -Aondoakaa

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, has said that freedom of worship is a settled constitutional matter and therefore no Nigerian will be discriminated against on the basis of his or her religious inclination. Aondoakaa stated this while speaking on the recurring sectarian crises in some parts of the country, and reiterated Governments’ commitment to constitutionally guaranteed rights of the citizens. He said Nigeria needs religious tolerance, adding that the constitution sufficiently guarantees the rights of the citizens irrespective of their faith.

Kaduna River Drowns Five

Five persons, penultimate Sunday, were reported drowned in a river in Chikum, Kaduna State. The river reportedly overflowed its bank due to persistent downpour. The incident occurred at a bridge linking Karatudu and Angwan Romi towns. Inhabitants had difficulty crossing to other parts of the LGA, as it was said that the bridge was removed by two persons, who have since been arrested. When contacted the village head of Karatudu, Malam Daniel Karatudu, stated his grievances with the youths for the removal of the bridge without his consent.

Bailout May Hit N1tr, as CBN Sacks 5 Bank CEOs

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is considering the injection of more funds into some of the five under capitalised banks whose managing directors and executive directors were removed, penultimate Friday. The CEOs – Barth Ebong of Union Bank, Cecilia Ibru of Oceanic Bank and Okey Nwosu of Finbank, Sebastian Adigwe of Afribank and Erastus Akingbola of Intercontinental Bank – were sacked on allegation of being “principal causes of financial instability in their banks and for acting in a manner that was detrimental to the interest of their depositors and creditors”.  The CBN appointed new CEOs to head management teams until the banks are resuscitated. The CBN had same day injected a total of N420 billion into the banks but it was learnt that the package may soon hit N1 trillion to put the banks on a sound footing and restore full confidence in them.

Fake Drug Importers to Face Life Imprisonment –NAFDAC

Indians who manufacture and export substandard food and drug products to Nigeria will be liable to life imprisonment. National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) which disclosed this said Nigerian collaborators of such dealers will face the same jail term. The Deputy Director (Public Relations and Protocol Unit) of NAFDAC, Abubakar Jimoh, added the agency has often had problems with fake drug and food substances believed to come into the country mainly from India.

EFCC Gives Banks Debtors 7-Day Ultimatum to Pay Back

All debtors of the five banks whose chief executives were recently sacked will face arrest, prosecution and seizure of their assets if they fail to pay up debts in one week. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) ultimatum was handed down on Wednesday by the Chairman of the commission, Mrs. Farida Waziri. She explained that the EFCC has to go tough on the debtors because of the urgent need to salvage the financial sector from total collapse and also restore discipline in all stakeholders in the sector.

DICON Wants Community, Schools Relocated to Avoid Catastrophe

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has warned that communities around its location were at great risk of sudden explosions. The new Director-General of the corporation, Brigadier General Sule Usman Labaran, on Wednesday warned that the communities and school close to it location were at a great risk. He warned that except the communities and the school were relocated, a disaster with grave consequences was looming. He recalled that when the corporation was set up at the present location, people were not living close to it, saying the situation had changed. He noted that the situation should not be allowed to go on, as there was urgent need to relocate the communities to a safer place.

FG Changes Troops in Liberia

Nigerian Army on Monday in Abuja commenced airlifting of troops of 231 Tank Battalion, Biu, to Liberia, to replace Nigerian 11 Field Engineer Regiment (11FER). The Directorate of Army Public Relations said that the 11 FER is returning to Nigeria after six months of UN Peacekeeping mission in Liberia. The rotation exercise will last till August 26. Army headquarters has advised the public not to panic at the sight of the troops in Abuja, as the event will occasion movement of troops and equipment in and outside Abuja.

CBN Staff Arrested for Illegal Diversion of Mutilated N13m

The Niger State Police Command has arrested seven staff members of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in Minna for diversion of N13 million mutilated currency meant for destruction by burning. It was gathered that six of the suspects were arrested in a bush after successfully sharing the money among themselves. The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Richard Oguche, confirmed the story.

FG Warns Navy against over Illegal Oil Bunkering Allegations

Following the allegation by some militants that the Nigerian Navy was assist them for illegal oil bunkering; the Federal Government has warned the Nigerian Navy to correct that impression. Minister of Defence, Major General Godwin Abbe (rtd), who gave the warning, however, also advised that the Naval dockyard be commercialized to generate funds to aid the Navy projects. He further charged the Navy to set aside a percentage of whatever funds are available for maintenance and salaries before anything else.

Niger Police Withdraws Men from Private Services

In compliance with the directives by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mike Onovo, the Niger State police command has withdrawn all it men from illegal private duties. The Public Relation Officer of the command, Mr. Rechard Oguche, said that the command had less numbers of such policemen in the command, and that they have all been asked to report back to the command.

Killing Of Boko Haram Leader in Order, Islamic Cleric Declares

The National Chairman for the council of Jamatul Izatil Bidiah Waikamatil Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Mohammad Sani Yahaya Jinjir, has expressed relief that the leader of Boko Haram, Mohammad Yusuf, has been eliminated. He said that for the past seven years, he had been preaching about the un-Islamic activities of the Boko Haram sect, and had informed the Government about their plans to throw Nigeria into crisis. Jingir noted that the first chapter of the Holy Qur’an is the permission to read and write, and that nobody should hide under Islamic umbrella to terrorise others in the name of wanting to avoid western education.

3 Ex-Bank Chiefs Arrested

Three ex-bank executives recently sacked by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are reported to be in custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). It was reported that Messrs Okey Nwosu, Barth Ebong and Sebastian Adigwe, the ex-managing directors of Finbank, Union Bank and Afribank respectively had been picked up by EFCC officials, following allegation of practices that led to problems in their banks.

Police Confiscate Fake $1m in Kogi

The Kogi State Police Command has announced the seizure of over $1 million fake currency recovered from a Honda car involved in an accident along Ganaja-Ajaokuta road. The state’s Acting Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Magaji, stated that the occupants of the vehicle escaped before the police could get to the scene of the accident. Magaji disclosed that the police went after the vehicle after receiving a tip-off.

Court Orders Arrest of 4 Lawyers for Forgery

Chief Magistrate Court, Wuse II , Abuja,  has issued warrants for the arrest of four lawyers hired by some Labour Party (LP) candidates in the April 14, 2007 House of Assembly Election in Ondo State and a party candidate in the same election over alleged falsification of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Form in respect of some constituencies. The action of the court was sequel to petitions written by the four members of the Ondo State House of Assembly who were returned by INEC as winners of the April 14, 2007 election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but had their returns nullified by the Election Petition Tribunal that sat in Akure.

Heavy Rains Destroy 150 Homes

A heavy rainstorm has destroyed 150 houses in Yuli Ward, Wase LGA of Plateau State. Traditional ruler of Yuli, Alhaji Armayau Shuaibu, said that residents had to seek shelter in neighboring villages, due to the flooding. He said Wase was prone to flooding during the rainy season, and appealed to the state government to come to their aid. Chairman of the local Council, Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed promised that the council would assist the victims.

INTERNATIONAL

Bomb Explosions Kill 95, Injure 500 in Baghdad

At least 95 people were killed and more than 500 injured when a series of explosions targeting government and commercial buildings struck Baghdad, on Wednesday. The Associated Press (AP) reports that the blasts in the capital came on the heels of a string of attacks in Iraq this month that have claimed hundreds of lives and raised concerns about the ability of Iraqi security forces to keep the lid on violence in advance of an American withdrawal.

Scotland Defies Frees Lockerbie Bomber

The Scottish government has released Lockerbie bomber, Abdel Baset al-Megrahi, on compassionate grounds to allow him to return to Libya to die in defiance to United States (U.S.) call not to do so. Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill, Thursday said that there had been a significant deterioration in the health of al-Megrahi, who is suffering from terminal prostate cancer. MacAskill further said that he was conscious that there "were deeply held feelings and that many may disagree." Al-Megrahi was convicted in 2001 of taking part in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 on December 21, 1988. The airliner was blown up as it flew over Scotland, killing all 259 people aboard, mostly Americans and 11 on the ground died.

1,300 Chinese Children Sick with Lead Poisoning

More than 1,300 children have been sickened by lead poisoning in central China, the second such case involving a large number of children this month. The children tested - who lived near a manganese processing plant in Wenping township in Hunan province were found to have excessive lead in their blood. Local authorities shut down the Hunan smelter last week and detained two of its executives on suspicion of "causing severe environment pollution". General Manager Liu Zhongwu is reported to still be at large. The numbers are expected to rise as more children are tested.

US, Egyptian Presidents to Discuss Sudan, Middle East Peace

Egyptian and United States Presidents, Mohammad Hosni Mubarak and Barack Obama have planned meeting in Washington on the Middle East peace process and the Palestinian issue. Counsellor, Press and Information Officer at the Egyptian Embassy in Abuja, Mohamed Saber, disclosed that both leaders would also discuss the situation in Sudan, Iraq and the Iranian nuclear programme and its effects on the Gulf security. Mubarak would also seek ways to buoy bilateral cooperation, regional and international issues during the meeting.

North Korea Threatens South Korea, U.S over Sanctions

North Korea has followed recent conciliatory gestures toward United States and South Korea with a return to threats, warning them of "merciless retaliation" over sanctions imposed on it, and nuclear attacks in response to any atomic provocation. This comes as South Korea and the US plan to kick off annual computer-simulated war games during the week. North Korea sees this as preparation for an invasion, but the U.S and South Korea say the manoeuvres are purely defensive. Tensions continue to rise over the North Korea’s nuclear programme, while the U.S. is moving to enforce United Nations (UN) as well as its own sanctions against North Korea for its second nuclear test in May.

Pilot Dies, Five Injured in Russian Jet Midair Collision

Two Russian air force fighters, penultimate Sunday collided as they rehearsed for an air show near Moscow, killing a pilot and sending one jet crashing into houses below. Air force spokesman, Lt. Col. Vladimir Drik, said the jets collided near Zhukhovsky airfield, east of Moscow, where the air show will be held. Drik said rescuers found the other two pilots in satisfactory condition, while a resident in one of the houses and four others on the ground were injured. Meanwhile, a Russian-crewed cargo ship that vanished two weeks ago has been spotted off the Cape Verde islands, officials said, after indications emerged that the vessel had been attacked twice. The ship left Finland on July 23, and was due to arrive in Algeria on August 4 with a cargo of sawn timber worth more than a million euros.

Japan’s Economy Grows, Emerges from Recession

Japan has joined the growing number of major economies that are out of recession. Japan's economy grew 3.7 percent on an annualized basis from April to June this year, the first time the world's second largest economy has seen positive growth in 15 months. The announcement of preliminary figures by Japan comes after France and Germany surprised economists last week by posting 0.3 percent growth for the second quarter of the year. The news that Japan has rebounded gives economists cautious optimism that the worst of the global recession is over. The uptick marks the end of the worst recession in Japan since the end of World War II.

Attack, Murder of Homosexuals in Iraq on the Rise –Rights Group

Hundreds of gay men have been tortured and killed in Iraq in recent months, some by security forces, Human Rights Watch said Monday. "Iraq's leaders are supposed to defend all Iraqis, not abandon them to armed agents of hate," said Scott Long, director of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights Program at Human Rights Watch. Iraqi officials acknowledged that the nation's culture stigmatizes homosexuality, but said the government does not condone such attacks, even as the authorities are unable to provide homosexuals with special protection, according to government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh.

Suicide Bomb Kills 20 in Russia

A suicide bomber exploded a truck at a police station in Russia's North Caucasus on Monday, killing at least 20 people and wounding about 60 others, officials said. The bombing was the deadliest in months in the restive southern region. The attacker rammed the gates of the Nazran city police headquarters, in Ingushetia province, and detonated his explosives as police officers were lining up for a morning check, said Svetlana Gorbakova of the regional branch of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Prosecutor General's office.

Kim Dae-jung, Former South Korean President Dies

Former South Korean President and Nobel Laureate Kim Dae-jung, died of heart failure on Tuesday, officials disclosed. He served as president from 1998 to 2003, and in 2000, he won the Nobel Peace Prize for fostering better relations between North and South Korea. Kim was admitted to Seoul's Severance Hospital more than a month ago for pneumonia.

Floods Destroy Refugee Camps in Sri Lanka

Flash floods have hit refugee camps in northern Sri Lank. Three days of heavy rains have destroyed nearly 2,000 shelters housing about 280, 000 refugees, , who were displaced in the final months of the nation's civil war, in the Vavuniya District and in Menik Farm, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The flooding came ahead of Sri Lanka's monsoon season, which typically brings heavy rains to the country's northeast from October till January.

Pakistani Taliban Spokesman Nabbed

The spokesman for the Pakistani Taliban, Maulvi Umar, has been arrested, intelligence officials announced on Tuesday. Umar was arrested on Monday night. Umar was recently in the media spotlight contradicting U.S. officials' contention that the Pakistani Taliban chief, Baitullah Mehsud, had been killed in a drone strike.

Tension in Sudan over Party Official's Death

Sudan's National Congress Party (NCP) has called for a speedy investigation into the killing of a woman party official in the semi-autonomous south that highlights rising north-south tension in the run-up to 2010 elections. The NCP alleges that members of a militia linked with the south's army had killed NCP official, Miriam Biringi, penultimate Friday. North-south fighting in the oil-rich Abyei region last year killed dozens. Meanwhile, clashes between rival militias, on Tuesday, broke out in south Sudan's Unity state. Paul Dhel Gum, an official with the Southern Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission said that the clashes may have spilled over into Gogrial County in adjoining Warrap state.

Israel Agrees to Halt Settlement Building in West Bank

Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has agreed not to invite tenders for West Bank settlement building in the coming months so as to advance the peace process. However, former U.S. presidential hopeful, Mike Huckabee, on Tuesday said there was no room for a Palestinian state "in the middle of the Jewish homeland and Israel should be able to build settlements wherever it wants. Huckabee's opposition to a Palestinian state puts him at odds with the accepted wisdom of both Democrats and Republicans.

Afghanistan Bans Media Coverage on Violence as Election Holds

As Afghans go to poll to elect a new leader, the government has called for a media blackout on reporting violence as fresh attacks threatened disruptions, in an effort to "ensure the wide participation of the Afghan people." The Taliban said it plans to disrupt the elections with continued attacks and threatened to kill Afghans who vote. The government request came as it was announced that seven Afghan election workers had been killed by roadside bombs as they travelled the country. Meanwhile Taliban spokesman, Maulvi Umar, was arrested on Monday evening. An intelligence official who interrogated Umar said on Tuesday that he had acknowledged that Mehsud was dead.