Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 36

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Odi Militant Group Surrenders Arms, Accepts Amnesty

The group of late Odi militant leader, Ken Neweigha, made up of about 150 boys, last weekend, surrendered their arms to the Presidential Amnesty Committee. A total of nine arms, ranging from 2 FM rifles, 4 pump action rifles, 1 rocket launcher, 1 bomb RPG, 1 double barrel gun, 6 dynamites, 21 dynamite caps, 1 cartridge, 3 magazines, 2.9mm bullets and 700 rounds of ammunition were handed over to the Committee led by the state coordinator, Rev Obegha Oworibo.

Police Nab Kidnappers Wearing Priests’ Cassock in Enugu

The police in Enugu have apprehended a kidnap gang that wore priests’ white cassock as a disguise. The curiosity of the policemen was piqued when the suspects were discovered to have a middle-aged woman, who looked dishevelled in their vehicle at about 11.55pm. The woman, a petty trader was said to have been kidnapped at Obinagu Uwani in Akpugo, Nkanu West LGA.

Amnesty: Militants Assured Of Rehabilitation, Empowerment

A sensitisation programme on Amnesty and disarmament of militants in the Niger Delta conducted by the state National Orientation Agency has been held in Ikot Abasi LGA of Akwa Ibom State. The state Director of National Orientation Agency, Mr. Emmanuel Udoh, said that the agency owes the citizens the obligation of articulating and highlighting government plans and policies, as he traced the current criminal activities in the Niger Delta region to the neglect of the region by successive administrations. Udoh also stated that government has put in place rehabilitation programmes for repentant militants to learn trades of their choices free of charge and scholarship for those intending to go to school.

Robbers in Awka give Notice of Attack

Commercial bank workers in Awka, Anambra State on Wednesday fled their offices following alleged circulation of a letter by armed robbers announcing their plan to attack. Banks in the city have recently been shut to customers in protest against frequent attacks by armed robbers. The news, reportedly caused pandemonium as both staff of the banks and customers took to their heels.

Kidnappers Demand N3m as Ransom for 2 Girls

The kidnappers of two girls in Port Harcourt, recently, are demanding N300 million as ransom. Miss Abumena Ejoor, 5, and her cousin, Damlola, 7, were kidnapped from their bedroom in the night. The family of the girls has, however cried out that it could not offer the ransom. Abumena’s father, Nduka, appealed to the gunmen to consider the tender age of the innocent children and let them go.

FG Awards Road Contract In N/Delta

The Federal Government has awarded N1.01 trillion road contract in the Niger Delta, according to the Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Uffot Ekaette. Ekaette said the road project would run from Cross River to Ondo states. The minister also announced that the government had re-awarded the East-West road to another contractor since the project was abandoned by the previous contractor due to the militant attacks in the region.

Denmark, Others to Partner NDDC on N’Delta

Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway are desirous to partner the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on development in the Niger Delta Region. Sweden has announced some funds to assist in the Niger Delta process while also joining others to urge the NDDC to come up with a frame work and specific areas of collaboration with the commission. Nigerian Ambassador to Sweden, Dr Boladei Godknows Igali, said the Nordic countries are gearing up for massive investments in the Niger Delta with the NDDC as the flagship.

5 Killed in Anambra Communal

At least five indigenes of Nkerehi community in Orumba South Local Council Area of Anambra State have lost their lives and 15 others injured in a communal clash, penultimate weekend, over change of name of the community from Nkerehi to Umuchukwu. While some members of the community agreed to the change of name, said to have been gazetted by the State Government, others objected, leading to the violent clash.

Windstorm Victims in Cross River Get Govt Aid

About 200 victims of the April 17 windstorm disaster in Bekwarra LGA of Cross River State have received relief materials worth millions of naira from the state government. Director-General, Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Vincent Aquah, said concrete plans were on the way to strengthen partnership with the Metrological Department of the Federal Government, so as to monitor weather with more intensity and precision.

Arms Surrendered were Seized from Cameroonians -MEND

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger-Delta (MEND) alleged on Monday that some of the weapons surrendered by militants in Bayelsa State were those seized in a November 12, 2007 raid on Cameroon gendarmes after 21 of them were killed by Nigerian soldiers. Spokesman of MEND, Jomo Gbomo, said that when the incident occurred, MEND blamed the Nigerian Army while the military blamed the militants. It called for an independent armament expert to verify the origin of the weapons which is simple to do”.

FG Strategises to Crush MEND's Threat

Federal Government on Monday advanced its plans to crush any move by militants to alter the amnesty deal it has with them, which could cause embarrassment to the country. This follows threats by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) to resume attacks on September 15. Minister of Defence, Major General Godwin Abbe, had earlier warned the group against the decision. The government, according to Abbe, is taking the threat seriously.

Amnesty: Nigeria Records Increase in Crude, Gas Production

The presidential amnesty to militants in the Niger-Delta has reportedly led to increase in Nigeria’s crude production. Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo, on Tuesday at the Utorogu Gas Plant in Delta State, disclosed that “production level has risen to over 1.7 million barrels per day (bpd), the highest in 16 months. Gas production also recorded increase as the Gas Plant now produces over 300 million standard cubic feet of gas, hitting its target for the last quarter of the year, ahead of projection.

Okah to Sue Angolan Govt

The leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Henry Okah, who was recently granted amnesty by the Federal Government, is reportedly planning to sue the Angolan Government for what he called “illegal arrest and detention in Angola”. Okah was, last year, arrested and detained for five months in Angola before his extradition to Nigeria. The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Yar’Adua, Olusegun Adeniyi, said the FG had informed the authorities of Equatorial Guinea and Angola before granting Okah amnesty.

Gets New CP to Tackle Security Situation

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, Mr. Uzor Amakulor, has been transferred, just after two months on the job. He was immediately replaced by Mr. Philemon Leha, who until his new appointment was Commissioner in charge of the Mobile Unit at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. Amakulor had admitted on Monday that the security situation in the state was challenging, but not insurmountable. Amakulor also announced that the command had arrested two suspects believed to have actively participated in the recent bank robberies in Awka.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Amnesty: Clark Calls for Withdrawal of Soldiers

Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, Tuesday, said that if the Federal Government amnesty programme must succeed; taking the finger-prints of the militants must stop. Clark stressed that for the programme to succeed, there must be dialogue and good jobs for the repentant militants. Clark, who also called for the withdrawal of soldiers from the region to be replaced with mobile policemen, said the government should involve elder statesmen, community leaders and other stakeholders from the region in the peace process.

Militants Surrender Arms, Ammunition in Edo

A Militant group, Niger Delta Freedom Fighters, in Edo state, on Wednesday surrendered arms and ammunition to the Presidential Committee on Amnesty. Over 60 of members of the group, led by their leader, Robert Okobo, surrendered six AK 47 rifles, three Dane guns, 11 magazines. 115 live ammunition, four dynamites and camouflage army uniforms which were received by Squadron Leader, Idowu Ayo, on behalf of the Amnesty Committee. Okobo warned the Federal Government not to renege on its promises to the people of the region, as the consequences of doing so would be too great for the region and the country.

NDYF Warns MEND against Resuming Hostilities

The Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) has been warned against its recent threat to resume attacks on oil installations. The warning handed down by the Niger Delta Youth Forum (NDYF), comes barely 11 days to the militant group’s threatened resumption of attacks. NDYF’s South West Co-ordinator, Mr. Daniel Perela Ezekiel, said youths in the region were tired of violence. According to the youth leader, the government’s gesture was worth considering towards ensuring peace, which is much needed for development of the zone.

MEND Gives Fresh Condition for Negotiations with Govt

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) said it would resume dialogue with the Federal Government on the condition that it commits itself to the full implementation of the Niger Delta Technical Committee report. MEND’s spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, said the group remains disposed to negotiation if the cores issues affecting the region are to be addressed. Meanwhile, a militant leader, Government Ekepemupolo, a.k.a Tompolo, has declared that the amnesty offer may not work if the FG fails to withdraw the Joint Task Force (JTF) from the Niger Delta.

Okpe Women, Youths Protest Acquisition of Community’s Farmland

Hundreds of Okpe women and youths from Ughoton village in Okpe council area of Delta State on Monday protested the acquisition of over 150 acres of their community farmland without adequate compensation by the state government, and accused the community leadership of collecting gratification of N10million. The government allegedly acquired the land for the building of an Independent Power Project. The protesters lamented that the land was too much by all standard and that the community leaders concealed the land deal from the women because they allegedly got N10 million from the government.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

SSS Arrests 2 Kidnap Suspects in Ekiti

Two members of a gang believed to be behind series of kidnappings and threats to lives of various prominent personalities in Ekiti State in the last few months have been arrested and detained by the State Security Service (SSS), in Ekiti State. The arrest was said to have been the result of the determination of the new Director of SSS in the state to nip kidnapping activities in the bud in the state.

Bribery: Police Kill Varsity Student

Tragedy struck on Wednesday in Festac Town, Lagos, when a student of Lagos State University, Michael Egwu, was allegedly shot dead by some policemen. An eyewitness said that the deceased was going home in company of his friend in a car when the policemen numbering about five demanded for the documents of the car which was promptly produced, but the policemen further asked for money, an action that resulted in a hot argument, during which, Egwu was shot twice by one of the policemen who later disappeared from the spot.

Kwara Sets Up Police Special Squad on Ilorin-Jebba Road

Kwara State Police Command has set up a special squad to combat incessant armed robbery cases on the Ilorin-Jebba highway. The road that is a link between southern and northern part of the country, is prone to armed robbery incidents and loss of lives. State Commissioner of Police, Mamman Sule, expressed confidence that the route would soon be rid of activities of the hoodlums.

Lagos Police Dislodge Kidnappers Gang

Police in Lagos have apprehended a four-man kidnap gang. The gang is suspected to be behind the abduction of a 14-year-old boy in Ikotun area of the State in July. Investigations also revealed that the gang was responsible for the kidnap of a nine- year-old boy, who was abducted in Okota area of the state, last year.

Police in Ogun Arrest 176 Suspects

The Ogun State Police Command, Wednesday, announced the arrest of 176 suspected hoodlums in Abeokuta, during a raid of suspected criminal hideouts. The command's spokesman, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi who confirmed the arrests, warned that henceforth the command would embark on "aggressive policing" in the state.

Doctors Want Tighter Security

Medical doctors in Ondo State have urged the government at all levels to tighten security in the country. The state Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Mathew Ayodele Adeyeri stated against the backdrop of reported attacks and kidnappings of doctors in the hospitals. He said that there have been several instances where doctors were assaulted and wounded both in government and private sectors. Adeyeri who stated that no doctor has been kidnapped in the state, however, expressed fears over Niger Delta crisis, lest his colleagues in the state fall victim of the kidnappers.

NDLEA Destroys Cannabis Plantation

The Osun State command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed a cannabis plantation in a forest reserve bordering Ayedaade, Isokan, Irewole and Ife South LGAs of the state. The destroyed farms measured 24 hectares. The Chairman/Chief Executive of the agency, Ahmadu Giade, has advised against cannabis cultivation, warning that the agency has perfected plans to frustrate drug barons.

Trailer Crushes Woman to Death

A trailer, Thursday, crushed a young lady simply identified as Comfort to death at Ring Road junction in Ibadan, Oyo State. The lady, said to be a staff of Visafone Limited, was mangled by the trailer which, in an attempt to avoid a collision with a Jeep making a turn at the roundabout, swerved off the road, crushing the girl. Aggrieved youths at the scene went on rampage by burning the trailer and were later dispersed by the tear gas of the police.

GENERAL

NAFDAC Plans Stiffer Penalties on Fake Drug Dealers

To check the rising cases of fake drugs in the country, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has planned to ensure more stringent punishments on offenders. The agency's Director General, Dr. Paul Orhii, while disclosing this, also announced the seizure of 5,000 cartons of unregistered intravenous drug products worth N24 million in Jigawa State. Orhii reiterated that the Chinese authorities were collaborating with the Nigerian government to stop the importation of fake drugs by identifying 10 Nigerian firms involved in the act and arresting six Chinese citizens for their involvement.

AIG Seeks Constitutional Backing for Police, Community Relations

Assistant Inspector General (AIG) in charge of Zone 7, Ivy Okoronkwo, has called for a legislation to give legal backing to the existence of Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in the country. Okoronkwo stated that the inclusion of the committee in the Constitution would go a long way in strengthening the cooperation between the PCRC and the Nigerian Police.

Customs Uncovers N6.1bn Underpayment for Import Duty

The Comptroller General of Customs, Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi, on Monday announced that the Customs Service had uncovered a N6.1 billion underpayment in the value of import duty due to the Federal Government, and vowed to retrieve every kobo. Abdullahi, who disclosed that the service would commence the arrest of defaulters, identified nine banks that had deliberately withheld certain documents and information, which the customs needed to aid its investigation to further nail more defaulters who were still illegally holding on to government revenues.

Yar'Adua Rules out Amnesty Extension after Deadline

President Yar'Adua has warned that government would not extend the deadline of October 6 for amnesty for militants in the Niger Delta, calling on them to embrace the amnesty now. The President declared that the ultimatum would not be shifted, stressing that amnesty was one of the development plans for the Niger Delta region, and said the FG was sincere with the exercise. The region, he stressed, would soon experience massive development.

PENGASSAN Threatens Strike over Implementation of Deregulation

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has threatened industrial action if the FG does not meet the given pre-conditions before deregulation kicks off in October. The national president of PENGASSAN, Babatunde Ogun, listed the pre-conditions to include an expansion of jetties for local products, and that the four refineries in the country must be operational at 100% efficiency, with new ones built, to cushion the effect on Nigerians.

Six Policemen Dismissed for Taking Bribe to Release Suspects

Authorities of the Nigeria Police Force has dismissed and recommended for trial, six policemen in Lagos state over allegation of collecting $450 as bribe to release some suspects, who allegedly kidnapped and robbed a South African, Mr. David Baker, recently, few hours after his arrival into Nigeria.

Reps Summon Sanusi over N400b Bailout for Banks

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Lamido Sanusi, was summoned by the House of Representatives to explain the crisis in the banking sector and the bailout the banks with N400 billion from the Nations’ treasury. Sanusi had on Tuesday assured that the risk free bailout attracts only 11% interest, adding that the affected banks had shown signs of distress. There are also reports that the CBN spent over N100bn to print the bailout funds. Sanusi, saying that the CBN has the right to lend to banks without recourse to the National Assembly, vowed to repeat his actions if any other bank falls into trouble.

Ex-Bank Chiefs 131 Charges

Four of the five ex-bank chiefs sacked by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), were on Monday arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on five separate charges of 131 counts bordering on fraud, concealment and grant of loans without adequate collateral running into about N625.95 billion. The fifth person, ex-CEO of Intercontinental Bank, Chief Erastus Akingbola, remains at large. The matter was adjourned till September 4 for hearing of the bail applications. N66.7 billion debt owed the 5 banks has been recovered, according to the EFCC.

Alleged Missing NLNG Funds Traced to US

A whopping N325 billion belonging to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) has been discovered in a Nigerian bank and another bank in Chicago, United States of America, it was revealed. The fund is said to be part of the total amount of N500 billion proceeds accruing to the Federal Government from the multi-billion dollar gas venture. But it was allegedly missing from the Federation Account, according to information released by a House of Representatives committee on Monday.

3 Killed in Auto Crash

No fewer than three persons were killed on Monday by a trailer during a heavy downpour in Gwada Village, Kuta LGA of Niger State. According to an eye witness, the trailer, rammed into four vehicles parked along the roadside as a result of poor visibility caused by the heavy downpour.

Nigerian UN Staff in Darfur Abducted

Two international civilian workers of the joint United Nations/African Union (UNAMID) peace-keeping force were, Penultimate Saturday, kidnapped by some gunmen from their residence in Zalingei, West Darfur. Investigations revealed that the Nigerian was among the two kidnapped. Meanwhile, Gen. Patrick Nyamvumba of Rwanda has been appointed by the UN/AU to take over from Agwai as the Force Commander of UNAMID beginning September 1, 2009.

Flood Sacks Taraba, Benue Communities

Residents of some communities in Taraba and Benue States have lamented the damage caused by flood, occasioned by heavy rain. Amenities such as roads, bridges and hospitals have been out of reach of the people. The floods devastated farmlands and houses in the two councils. Residents call on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to quickly come to their aid.

Flood Kills 2, Destroys Houses Yauri, Zuru Emirates, as FCT Victims get Relief

Two persons were killed and over 300 houses and properties destroyed in Yauri and Zuru emirates, following two days of heavy down pour in the areas. The flood occurred as a result of collapse of the 38-year-old Yauri Towanship Dam, and overflow of Zuru Water Works. The state government has mandated the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to swing to action. Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory authorities have provided relief materials worth over N7m for residents of Gwagwalada, Kwali and Kubwa axis, who were displaced by heavy flood last Monday.

Policemen to Write Examination for Promotion -Minister

Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Yakubu Lame, has reiterated that no policeman will henceforth be promoted without going through relevant courses and passing prescribed examinations. He also promised that all policemen would be given equal opportunities for training. Lame further charged every policeman to acquire and study the police reform document in order to know governments’ desires for them.

Landlord Murders Tenant in Minna

A landlord, Mallam Isah Tsafo in the Kpakungu area of Minna, Niger State has reportedly beat his tenant, John James Enwerem, to death over a minor misunderstanding. Enwerem was said to have slumped and died when the landlord hit him on the chest while trying to rescue his (Enwerems’) wife as she was being beaten by the landlord. Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Richard Oguche, confirmed the story and said the Commissioner of Police had ordered that the case should immediately be transferred to the state CID.

N37bn Crude Lost to Niger Delta Conflicts

Nigeria has lost N37 billion worth of petroleum products to the Niger Delta conflict. Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Mohammed Barkindo, disclosed on Wednesday, adding that N18bn of the said amount, was the value of petroleum products lost as a result of the shut-ins, while the balance of about N19bn was spent on the repair of oil facilities destroyed during the attacks.

Boko Haram Trained Bomb Expert in Afghanistan

The Borno State Police Command has discovered a bomb specialist sponsored by fundamentalist Boko Haram sect for training in Afghanistan. Boko Haram, an anti-western education sect, caused an uprising in July that left some 700 people dead. Abdulrasheed Abubakar, aged 23, confessed that he was sent to learn how to manufacture local bombs for the group's use by the sect's late leader, Mohammed Yusuf, and was promised the sum of N5.5 million upon return, according to the State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdul. Arms including seven hand-made rocket propelled grenades, over seven locally made pistols, rifles and casting pistols were recovered from Boko Haram hideouts.

FEC Gives Approval of N24.3bn for Benin-Shagamu Road

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a total contract sum of N24.27 billion for the Benin-Shagamu express, following the concession arrangement for the road, according to the Information and Communication Minister, Professor Dora Akunyili. The completion period is put at 24 months. A contract also awarded by FEC is for the rehabilitation of the Akanu Ibiam Airport, Enugu, at a cost of N4.13 billion. Completion period was put at 12 months.

Nigeria, E'Guinea Sign MoU on Defence, Trade

Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea have taken steps to address security lapses in and around the contiguous maritime boundary between them. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on joint military cooperation in the area has been concluded, according to Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, who also said that issues on science and technology, health, transport, environment and tourism would be addressed.

Yar’Adua Tasks Navy on Collaboration on Security

President Yar’Ádua, Monday, called on the Nigerian Navy to evolve strategies in ensuring effective inter-service and agency collaboration of naval forces and maritime authorities in the Gulf of Guinea. The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ishaya Ibrahim, also called on officers to always be alert to avert any incursion by militants and check other sea crimes. According to him, naval commanders should be proactive in their different commands, as no officer would be spared if found wanting after investigations. Ibrahim dismissed as unfounded, insinuations that characterised the bombing of the Atlas Cove that the navy was not ready, adding, however, that the command has set up a panel of enquiry to ascertain this claims.

WHO Alerts on Polio Outbreak in Plateau

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Supervisor in charge of the council, William Wazingi, has announced the outbreak of polio virus in Shendam Council, Plateau State. Following the outbreak, the state government has started an immunisation programme in the area. However, no casualty has been reported.

Robbers Raid Bank in Kogi, Injure 20

Armed robbers, on Wednesday, attacked an old generation bank in Dekina LGA of Kogi State, and injured about 20 people. According to an eyewitness, the robbers, numbering about 15, opened fire at the entrance of the bank and the surroundings as passersby scampered for safety, while many were said to have been hit by stray bullets. The robbers were said to have carted away an undisclosed sum of money from the bank.

INTERNATIONAL

Ethiopian Troops Capture Somali Insurgents Strong Hold

After fierce hostilities with insurgents, Ethiopian troops have crossed into central Somalia, taking control of Baladwayne town and advancing on Islamist militants' positions in the area. The town is a stronghold of the militant group, al Shabaab, which the United States accuses of being al Qaeda's proxy in the country. Battles have been raging across central and southern Somalia in recent weeks as pro-government militias try to seize territory back from al Shabaab and another rebel group, Hizbul Islam.

NATO Airstrike Kills 90

NATO launched an airstrike on two fuel tankers hijacked by Taliban militants in northern Afghanistan, killing up to 90 people, including 40 civilians, Afghan officials said Friday. Militants seized the two trucks, which were delivering fuel to NATO forces, around midnight near the village of Omar Khel in Kunduz province, and the alliance launched an airstrike when the Taliban fighters stopped the vehicles at a river crossing, Police Chief Gulam Mohyuddin said. NATO confirmed an airstrike, but gave no details. A spokesman said the coalition was investigating the incident.

Indian Minister, Aides Killed In Helicopter Crash

The Chief Minister of a southern Indian state, YS Rajasekhara Reddy, and four others were, Wednesday, killed in a helicopter crash, according to India's Home Minister, P. Chidambaram. Chidambaram said the helicopter had crashed on a hillock in Kurnool district but "it is not possible to say why it crashed. Federal officials ruled out the possibility that Maoist Naxalites, who are active in the region, shot down the helicopter.

Swine Flu Recorded in 21 African Countries

The World Health Organisation (WHO) at the weekend reported 3,872 laboratory-confirmed human cases of pandemic (H1N1) Swine flu virus, including 11 deaths in 21 African countries. Nigeria is yet to report any case officially. Stockpiles of relevant medicines have been dispatched to all countries in the region as well as mapping laboratory and human resources capability at country and regional levels to enable WHO to support member states to respond rapidly to any suspected outbreaks, the agency said.

UN Calls for Signatures for Action on Climate Change

One hundred days to its crucial summit on climate change in December, the United Nations (UN) is calling for millions of online signatures for a climate petition and is launching the first-ever Global Climate Week as part of its 'Seal the Deal' campaign. A source at the UN Information Centre (UNIC), Lagos informed that the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, would be leading the call for communities around the world to take advantage of Global Climate Week from September 21-25 to encourage leaders to seal a fair, balanced and effective agreement on climate change.

17 Killed as Gunmen Invade Drug Rehab in Mexico

Gunmen broke into a drug rehabilitation centre in Mexico and shot 17 people dead. The attackers on Wednesday broke down the door of El Aliviane centre in Ciudad Juarez, lined up their victims and opened fire, said Arturo Sandoval, a spokesman for the regional prosecutors' office. Five others were injured. Authorities had no immediate suspects or information on the victims. Earlier the same day, gunmen ambushed and killed a senior security official in the home state of President Felipe Calderon.

French Filmmaker Slain in Salvador

A French filmmaker, Christian Poveda, 52, who recently made a documentary about the lives of members of El Salvador's street gangs was shot dead Wednesday in El Salvador, authorities said. His body of was found inside a car, police said. Salvadoran Public Safety Minister, Manuel Melgar, deplored the killing and vowed police would find the killers.

Killings in Southern Sudan May Affect 2010 Polls -UN

Tribal violence in Southern Sudan has killed about 1,200 people this year and could mar the country's first multi-party elections in two decades if it is not stopped, according to the United Nations (UN)'s peacekeeping coordinator. Annual death tolls from such incidents in recent years have been about 20 people.

Violence as Ali Bongo Wins Gabon's Polls

Violent protests erupted in two major Gabonese cities, following the declaration of Ali Ben Bongo, son of late president, Omar Bongo, as winner of the country's presidential election. He scored 41.73 per cent of the total votes cast to beat his opponents, according to results announced. Some of the demonstrators set a French consulate alight in Port Gentil.

Pakistani Authorities Reject U.S Allegations on Missile Modification

Pakistani authorities have rejected United States' claims that it illegally modified American-made missiles and said the accusations were part of a campaign to "malign it and its armed forces". This comes as Pakistani soldiers killed about 45 Taliban militants in gun battles across the northwestern Swat Valley after a suicide bombing on a police station killed 17 cadets. A southwestern border crossing with Afghanistan reopened after an administrative dispute culminated in an attack on a line of waiting the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) fuel tankers. One driver was killed and 16 trucks destroyed when the fuel caught fire. The al-Qaeda-linked insurgents have vowed to avenge the army's recent offensive to retake the Swat Valley and the death of their top leader in a U.S. missile strike.

UN Warns Global Recession will Threaten African Children

The global recession will increase child mortality and cause more students to drop out of school in Africa, UNICEF has predicted. Droughts in Africa and the 1990s Asian financial crisis have showed that the poor cope with drops in income by cutting back on food and medical treatment and withdrawing their children from school to avoid spending money on tuition and supplies, said Anthony Hodges, UNICEF's social policy adviser for west and central Africa. A one percentage point drop in a country's GDP is linked to a one per cent increase in infant deaths, said Mohammad Farooq, a UNICEF official in Lesotho.

Vietnam Grants Pardon to over 5,000 for National Day

The government of Vietnam has released more than 5,000 prisoners as part of an annual prison amnesty, to mark its National Day anniversary. Vice Minister of Public Security Le The Tiem, disclosed this, but said that Catholic Priest, Nguyen Van Ly, who was convicted in 2007 for anti-government activities after he helped organize a pro-democracy party, would not be released this time for lack of "sincere repentance." In July, 37 U.S. senators sent Vietnam's president a letter asking that the priest be released, saying he had no lawyers during his four-hour trial and was silenced by a security guard who put his hand over the priest's mouth.

Attacks on Africans in Russia on the Increase

Constant attacks have become the lot of Africans living in Moscow. Africans working or studying in the city live in constant fear of attack, according to the report by the Moscow Protestant Chaplaincy (MPC). A quarter of 200 people surveyed said they had been assaulted more than once. Many of the attacks on African were pre-meditated and extremely violent, the report found. Officially there are some 10,000 Africans living in Moscow, but far more are believed to live there illegally.

91 Nations Adopt Treaty against Illegal Fishing

About 91 countries have adopted a treaty to curb illegal fishing across the globe. Environmental groups estimate that one-fifth of all fish landed are from illegal, unregulated or unreported fishing boats, dealing a heavy blow to developing countries in Africa and Asia. Under the terms of the treaty, according to the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), foreign vessels will have to request permission in advance to dock at specially designated ports and will have to provide information on their catch.

AU Leaders Pledge to Tackle Conflicts in Africa

African leaders have pledged stiffer sanctions against war-mongers and spoilers of peace initiatives, and vowed to deal with state sponsors of terror, armed rebellion in Africa, and piracy. The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to dealing with the scourge of conflicts and violence on the continent, and called on African states to comply with the treaties to boost democracy and enhance good governance.

Fiji Suspended from Common Wealth

The Commonwealth has fully suspended Fiji over its refusal to call elections by 2010. Fiji’s leader, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, seized power in a 2006 coup and has said elections can only be reinstated in 2014, adding that he needs time to institute reforms that will end the ethnic-based voting system. But his critics charged that he has suspended the constitution, detained opponents and suppressed freedom of speech. The only other country to be fully suspended in the Commonwealth's history is Nigeria, during the rule of late Gen. Sani Abacha in 1995. Nigeria was reinstated after democracy was restored.

Indonesian Earthquake Kills 32

Earthquake in Indonesia on Wednesday killed at least 32 people and sent thousands fleeing for safety. Hospitals quickly filled with scores of injured people after the magnitude 7.0 quake struck off the southern coast of the main island of Java, where most of Indonesia's 235 million people live. The death toll was expected to rise. Disaster officials said hundreds of homes and buildings had collapsed or were severely damaged in three districts in densely populated West Java.

Spy Chief, 22 Others Killed in Taliban Suicide Blast

A Taliban suicide bomber killed 23 persons including Afghanistan's deputy chief of intelligence during a visit to a mosque east of Kabul on Wednesday. The bombing struck at the heart of Afghanistan's intelligence service and underscored the Taliban's increasing ability to carry off complex and targeted assaults. President Hamid Karzai and the United Nations condemned the attack.

South African Military to Dismiss 1,300 Soldiers for Violent Protest

Authorities in South Africa have planned to sack 1,300 soldiers who violently protested in an illegal march recently. Police were forced to fire rubber bullets and teargas to prevent the protesters from entering the seat of government at the Union Buildings. The action of the soldiers aligned to the South African National Defence Union (SANDU), a negotiating body which is demanding a 30 percent salary hike, has alarmed some military experts who fear disgruntled soldiers could undermine security in the country.

Chilean Judge Orders Arrests of 129 Soldiers, Police over Pinochet-Era Abuse

A Chilean judge has ordered the arrest of at least 129 former Chilean soldiers and police for human rights violations during the military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, between 1973 and 1990. Pinochet's military regime is blamed for human rights abuses including some 3,000 deaths and disappearances. Pinochet died in December 2006 at a military hospital in Santiago, at the age of 91, after he took responsibility for actions committed under his rule.

Opposition Unseats Japan's Ruling Party after 54 Years

After 54 years of nearly unbroken rule amid widespread economic anxiety, Japan's conservatives have been voted out of power. Prime Minister Taro Aso accepted defeat in the elections as opposition had won by a landslide. Aso said he would have to accept responsibility for the results, suggesting that he would resign as party president. Other LDP leaders also said they would step down.