Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 49

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

JTF Shoot Protesting Youths In Port Harcourt

Sporadic shooting sent people scampering for safety on Tuesday in Port Harcourt around the premises of the Niger Delta Development Commission, as over 1000 youth from the Niger Delta states stage a peaceful protest over alleged abandonment as the NDDC has reportedly failed in its promises of equipping them after the 2005 Skills Acquisition Training. The leaders of the youths said some of them sustained gunshot injuries and have been rushed to the hospital.

Man Butchered for Making Phone Call

A young man, Christian Azebeye, has been killed in Calabar because he was alleged to have made a phone call that “disturbed the peace” of one Okon John, who is currently in police custody. Okon is said to have confessed that his provocation was based on the ‘noisy phone call’ which the 29-year old man was making. The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Etim Dickson (ASP), confirmed the incident, and said the suspect will soon be charged to court.

DPR Negotiates to Boost Gas Production

The director of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr Billy Agha, has said the DPR has commenced negotiations with gas firms in the country to get them do more exploration and exploitation in order to boost gas reserves and production. According to Agha, Nigeria’s gas reserves declined slightly in the third quarter of 2009, going down from 87trillion cubic feet to 85 trillion cubic feet) owing to a lull in gas exploration. He also disclosed ongoing audit of gas well and facilities to ensure proper documentation and validity of data submitted by operators.

Explosion Rocks Petrol Station in Bayelsa

A substance suspected to be dynamite reportedly exploded in the early hours of Monday at a filling station, Ebilade Oil in Yenagoa, belonging to the State Deputy governor, Peremobowei Ebebi. Residents said the blast was later followed by gun shots, but no casualty was recorded. But the State Commissioner of Police, Onuoha Udeka, said that he was not aware of such incident. In another development, business and commercial activities were brought to a halt as members pro-Ebebi political group, took to the street, calling for the removal of Governor Timipre Sylva over his alleged incompetence to handle the security situation in the state.

Nigeria’s Oil Output Soars to 2.4m Barrels

The nation's daily oil production has slot up to 2.4 million barrels per day as against the less than 1 million per day before the amnesty. According to the Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Amnesty, Maj Gen Godwin Abbe (rtd), this trend is as a result of the current peaceful atmosphere in the Niger Delta, due to the amnesty programme. The minister solicited the cooperation of the major oil companies in the implementation of the post amnesty package for the entire region. According to him, the second stage of the post amnesty package would entail huge financial commitment.

Civil Defense Rescues 17 from Illegal Maternity Home

The Abia State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), said it has rescued about 17 young ladies held against their will, in an alleged illegal maternity home at Obingwa LGA of the state. The young ladies were said to have been kept behind closed doors in the maternity until they conceive and deliver babies, who are eventually put up for adoption or sold. According to the Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Mr. Soji Alabi, the proprietress of the home, Ngo Michael, who claimed to be a pastor of a Pentecostal church, was alleged to have been earlier accused of child trafficking, illegal adoption and sale of babies.

South-South Leaders Warn against Undermining of Constitution

South-South and ex-militant leaders in the Niger Delta have warned against taking actions that would undermine the constitution of Nigeria should President Yar’Adua be unable to carry out his duties as president of the country. They condemned alleged attempts by some groups to intimidate Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan into resigning his position. The leaders added that such an attempt would be considered a coup against the Constitution, and warned that Niger Delta freedom fighters would resist it.

S/Korea to Help in Niger Delta Development

South Korea has offered to help build new towns and develop infrastructure in the Niger Delta, the presidency has said. Their offer could help improve relations with Nigeria following their legal dispute over the exploration rights of two major offshore oilfields. A Federal High Court ruled in August that Nigeria illegally revoked South Korea National Oil Corp’s (KNOC) rights to the oilfields awarded in 2005 by the previous administration. The delegation, which included officials from South Korea’s state-run Land and Housing Corporation and government representatives, met Vice President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday in Abuja.

Militants Confront Presidency over Contract Award for N/Delta

Key militants in the ongoing talks aimed at restoring peace to the Niger Delta have kicked against the manner in which contractors for the development of the zone are being chosen, while the militants have warned the Presidency of an imminent confrontation on the issue.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Militants Threaten Secession if VP Resigns

The Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC), umbrella body of militant groups in the Niger Delta, has threatened to secession of the region from Nigeria should the alleged attempt at pressuring Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan to resign sail through. There had been allegations that certain some northern interests had been mounting pressure on Dr Jonathan to resign, following the health issues of President Yar’Adua. Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said it is not aware of any pressure being mounted on the Vice-President to resign. But the Action Congress (AC) said the health of President Yar'Adua and the succession debate it has generated have brought to the fore the need to urgently review the 1999 Constitution to remove the in-built confusion in its current state.

Armed Robbers Kill Student in Edo

A fifteen year-old secondary school student in Benin, Edo State was last weekend murdered by a gang of armed robbers who invaded her family home. The girl whose name was given as Vivian Ogu was allegedly taken away by the robbers after robbing the family of many valuables and inflicting various injuries on some family members. It was learnt that the robbers who took Vivian and her elder sister into a bush close to the house made an attempt to rape her but following her resistance she was shot dead while the sister escaped. Police is still investigating the incident.

Pastor Abducted in Benin

A pastor with Deeper Life Bible Church, Tada Ehondon, was on Tuesday abducted by kidnappers in Benin, Edo state. His kidnap came on the heels of the reported demand of N20 million by kidnappers for the release of the General Manager of the Rapid Response Agency, Isaac Osahon, who was abducted penultimate Sunday and a Special Assistant to the state Governor's wife, Mrs. Omheme. Osahon and Omheme were abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers at different locations.

Edo Oil Producing Communities Allege Exclusion from Post-Amnesty

Oil producing communities in Edo State have condemned what they described as deliberate exclusion of their people from the post-amnesty committee set up by the federal government. The communities warned that such attitude may derail the amnesty programme, particularly when it is perceived that only a particular ethnic group was being favoured.

MEND Wants Amnesty Panel Disbanded

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has called for the disbandment of the amnesty committee, which it accused of inflating the number of militants that accepted the amnesty offer of the Federal Government. But the committee spokesperson, Dr. Timi Agary, has described the allegation as baseless, since MEND was never part of the disarmament exercise. MEND spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, said the disbandment of the committee had become imperative before it has been turned into a moneymaking venture. Gbomo said MEND would disarm its fighters when it saw concrete evidence that the government was resolved to address the Niger Delta crisis.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Armed Robbers Besiege Lagos-Badagry Road

High level of insecurity and crime has returned on Lagos-Badagry Expressway. Earlier in the year, Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, reinforced the state security outfit Rapid Response Squad (RRS) with a detachment from the army, but for a better part of last week, commuters on the road faced daily attacks by bandits. An eye witness lamented that commercial and private vehicles were at various points and time attacked at gun points, leaving commuters scampering for safety, while the police patrol squad are busy searching commercial bus and motorcycle operators at distance from the troubled spots.

Five Die in Lagos Road Accidents, Robbers Kill One

Five persons including a police inspector were killed in separate accidents in Lagos penultimate weekend. The Inspector, Daniel Nze, was crushed to death by a vehicle under the bridge in Iyana Ipaja. Lagos State Police Command spokesman, Mr. Frank Mba, also confirmed the death of some accident victims. One person was also killed by robbers after he had withdrawn about N800, 000 from a bank. According to the driver of the deceased, the robbers, numbering five, trailed them from the bank on motor cycles from Apapa to Mile Two and attacked them with guns.

Motorcyclist Shot Dead by Policeman

A group of youths at Ado-Awaye, Oyo State, have protested the killing of a motorcyclist by a policeman. The incident happened when some motorcyclists, travelling to celebrate the id-el-kabir, got embittered when two policemen kept asking them questions, which they responded to, but did not wait for further directive before continuing on their journey. Enraged by the motorcyclists’ action, one of the mobile policemen fired a shot into the air, but this aggravated the situation, as the motorcyclists alighted from their motorcycles and moved towards the mobile policeman. The other mobile policeman shot one of the motorcyclists who died on the spot. One of the policemen has been arrested, while the killer-policeman is still at large.

Kwara Police Apprehend Robbery Suspects

The Kwara State Police command has arrested six armed robbery suspects alleged to have been terrorising commuters on major roads. The state deputy police commissioner, Mrs Bosede Dawodu, who paraded the men alongside an herbalist, said the suspects were arrested following a tip off. Seven vehicles and car parts were recovered from them, while the leader of the gang has confessed to series of robberies.

Police Search for Robbers of Petrol Tanker

The police in Ogun State have launched hunt for one Alhaji Garuba, who allegedly snatched a full load of 33,000-litre Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) tanker at gun point. After successfully disposing the content, Police said that the culprit and those involved in the crime, with went ahead to sell the tanker before the lead was blown open. The tanker was traced to an artisan’s workshop where he had begun retouching to facilitate its sale. Meanwhile, five persons, comprising three auto artisans and two spare part sellers have been arrested for their alleged conspiracy in the tanker theft saga.

Youths Clash in Oyo

A dusk to dawn curfew has been imposed on Igboho, headquarters of Oorelope LGA of Oyo State following a clash among militant youths in the area. The Secretary to the State Government Chief Layiwola Olakojo said the curfew came on the heels of a communal crisis involving militant youths of Modeke and Obaogo agrarian communities who had engaged in a superiority contest. It was gathered that the clash which became noticeable Monday left more than 50 of the embattled youths with gunshot wounds.

Irate Youths Kill Policemen

Protesting youths in Ijebu North East LGA of Ogun State, during the week, killed Police Area Commander, Mr. Omolodun Oladokun, and two other officers. The victims were said top have been killed while trying to quell a riot said to have been triggered by the killing of a youth by a vigilante group. The slain youth died after he was allegedly beaten by the men of a vigilante group in the town while returning from work on Tuesday. The State Police command spokesman, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident.

GENERAL

Ambassador Lament Rising Crime Wave by Nigerians in China

The Nigerian Ambassador to China, Aminu Wali, has disclosed that Nigerians account for about 90 per cent of the crimes committed by Africans in China, lamenting that the development portrays Nigeria in bad light. He added that the embassy is sensitising the Nigerian community on how to adapt to the laws of the land, while urged Nigerian Government to do security checks on people wishing to visit China. Wali denied reports that 23 corpses awaiting cremation are of Nigerians who died in jail, but said that embassy has applied for an extension of time to contact the relatives of the deceased back in Nigeria.

Revenue, Expenditure to Rise in 2011, 2012 -FG

The revenue of the Federal Government will hit the N7.59 trillion-mark by the 2012 fiscal year while the aggregate expenditure will hover around N4.65 trillion. These are government’s projections for the 2011 and 2012 fiscal years as contained in the 2010-2012 Fiscal Framework, as an addendum to the 2010 budget proposal submitted to the Federal Legislature penultimate week. The profile indicates a steady growth in revenue with the federally collectible revenue for 2009 standing at N5.305 trillion; 2010 and 2011 projected at N6.211 trillion and N6.716 trillion respectively.

PENGASSAN Writes Minister over Proposed Mass Retrenchment

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has petitioned the Minister of Petroleum Resources over the proposed retrenchment of over 70 per cent Nigerian employees by management of Conocophillips Nigeria Limited in the coming weeks, and failure of the company to negotiate the appropriate terminal benefits due to staff under the circumstance. The General Secretary of PENGASSAN, Bayo Olowoshile, explained that the management of ConocoPhillips had earlier this year informed the union that they had reached a decision to disengage as many as 70 per cent of national employees.

Nigeria Gets IMO Council Seat

Nigeria has won a seat on the governing council of a United Nations organ, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The council is the decision and policy-making arm of the world's maritime regulatory body. The country emerged victorious at the weekend at the keenly contested election into Category C of the council membership. Nigeria scored a total of 121 of the 169 votes cast to clinch the eighth position and thus became the second African country to join the prestigious IMO council.

CNPP Tasks IG on Police Woes

The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has called on the Federal Government to address the problems of the police identified by the Inspector General (IG) of Police, Ogbonna Onovo, as a way of making the police regain the confidence of the citizenry. Onovo had recently canvassed the overhaul of the police to be able to earn the credibility of Nigerians. Secretary General of the body, Willy Ezeugwu, the CNPP urged the Police Service Commission and the Ministry of Police Affairs to keep politics and self-interest aside and bring about the changes needed in the Police Command.

PSC Put Burden of Litigation on Policemen

The chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Mr. Parry Osayande, has said any policeman or woman who involves in any misconduct which results in heavy fines from any courts of law competent jurisdictions will henceforth pay such costs. Osayande said the PSC took the decision in view of heavy fines which the police had been made to pay through garnishee as a result of recklessness of some its officers and men.

Policeman Shoots Wife, Self Dead

A police sergeant in Borno state on Wednesday shot his wife dead and turned his official rifle on himself. It was gathered that the couple had been having misunderstandings over the behaviour of their son, said to be involved in theft, drug abuse and other crimes; and the father attempted to call the son to order, the mother would prevent him from taking any action against him. A source said the disagreement when they engaged in a fight, which attracted the attention of their neighbours.

PENGASSAN Threaten Strike over PIB

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has threatened to shutdown the country's oil and gas operations indefinitely if the National Assembly proceeds to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into law without making the authentic version of the bill public for national discussion. PENGASSAN also said a situation where some oil and gas companies act with alleged impunity and in total disrespect for the extant labour laws, principles of natural justice and equity in their approach to labour and industrial relations matters, would soon plunge the nation's oil and gas industry into a series of avoidable crises with huge implications for the economy.

57 Army Officers Promoted

The Nigerian Army during the week announced the promotion of eight brigadier-generals to the rank of major generals while 49 others were moved to the rank of brigadier-generals. The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Chris Olukolade, said those promoted were considered worthy by the various promotion boards. The decoration of the senior officers with their new ranks will take place shortly, the report said.

Oil Royalties, Taxes Generate N1.8tr for Govt

The Federal Government has received over $13 billion or N1.82 trillion in taxes and profit from exploration activities in the country's deepwater oil blocks since the start of the Producing Sharing Contract (PSC) partnership four years ago. Managing Director, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Andrew Fawthrop, disclosed this on Monday, stating that the deepwater operations had boosted Nigeria's crude oil production and reserves and contributed to the nation's economic growth. Fawthrop also disclosed that multinational oil companies operating in Nigeria have invested about N2.9trillion in deepwater developments under the PSC. But the Federal Government has described the oil industry as performing below its resourceful standards.

Six to Die in China for Shipping Fake Drugs to Nigeria
…NAFDAC Canvasses Death Sentence for Offenders

The Director-General of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Paul Orhii, recently disclosed that China has sentenced 6 of its nationals to death for shipping fake anti-malaria drugs to Nigeria. In view of this, the NAFDAC boss has canvassed for a life sentence for all drug peddlers in Nigeria, adding that the agency was tightening the noose round drug traffickers as part of efforts to reposition the agency for more efficiency. Dr. Orhii lamented that while other countries were in the vanguard of waging war against drug traffickers, Nigeria, which had assumed the toga of a “dumping ground” for fake drugs was fighting the war with levity, due to weak legislation.

Intercepted Oil Tanker Returns to Nigeria after Pirate Attack

A hijacked Nigerian oil tanker that was intercepted by the Ghanaian navy is being escorted back to Nigeria. The ship was hijacked off the Nigerian coast penultimate week and captured by the Ghanaian navy after a chase. All but one pirates got away and one of the 29-member crew, a chef, was found dead. The tanker, the African Prince, belongs to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company and was thought to be carrying more than 5,000 tonnes of refined oil. Ghana’s defence ministry says the ship is being escorted back home by the Nigerian navy.

Fire in Taraba College

Fire on Friday razed the female hostel of Taraba State College of Agriculture. The incident was said to have been caused by high voltage of electricity from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). The students called for the immediate removal of the college's Academic Secretary, Mohammed Jalingo, whom they alleged failed to act swiftly as at the time of the incident. No life was lost, but credentials, foodstuffs and clothing materials were burnt in the inferno that lasted for several hours.

Fuel Scarcity Hits Abuja, Lagos

Socio-economic activities were disrupted on Tuesday in Abuja, owing to the scarcity of petroleum products. Although the real cause of the scarcity was difficult to be ascertained, stakeholders, including the major, independent marketers and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) traded blame as to why the problem persisted. The scarcity was worse in Lagos following threats by petroleum tanker drivers to down tools in protest over bad roads and other contractual agreements, which they said the government had not fulfilled. Minister of State for Petroleum, Odein Ajumogobia, has assured that the Federal Government would do everything possible to ensure that fuel supply eases in the metropolis.

DPR Warns Against Gas Flaring, as Senate Sets New Deadline

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has flayed the activities of International Oil Companies (IOCs) that had led to continuous gas flaring in the country. The DPR alleged that about 92 per cent of gas flaring is done by just six oil producing companies, as about 204.37 billion cubic feet were currently being flared. It warned that it would no longer tolerate the act. Meanwhile, the Senate has set December 31, 2010 as the new deadline for the prohibition of gas flaring in Nigeria. This was disclosed by the Chairman, Senate Committee on gas, Osita Izunaso, as the senate commenced reading for the third time on the Gas Flaring Prohibition and Punishment Bill 2009.

Military will Defend Constitution –Abbe

Minister of defence, Maj Gen. Godwin Abbe, on Tuesday warned that the military is ready to defend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Abbe boasted that the country’s military now has the finest men and women, who are resolved to defend the country anytime. He further called for enhanced public private partnership in the military for better service delivery.

INTERNATIONAL

World May Face Food Crisis in 2010

The World Bank and the United Nations World Food Programme, Tuesday, warned that the world could witness yet another food crisis in 2010. The World Bank is particularly concerned that low food stocks and shortages could force food prices up in 2010. It urged countries of the world to take actions now to prevent possible food crisis. World Bank president, Robert Zoellick, noted that some of the elements that drove up food prices two years ago were still in operation.

Russian Nightclub Inferno Kills 112
…20 Killed at Disco in Indonesia

At least five suspects in an explosive inferno at a Russian nightclub that killed at least 112 people will face charges Monday, authorities have said. The fire broke out Friday night in the Ural Mountain area industrial city of Perm, sweeping through a party in full swing at the Lame Horse, a nightclub celebrating its eighth year in business. An estimated 300 people were in the club.  In a related incident, a fire outbreak at a discotheque in Medan,Indonesia killed at least 20 people on Friday night. At least two people survived. Mohammad Zein, a fire official, said the blaze started around 10 p.m, but firefighters were able to extinguish it within a half-hour. He said the cause of the fire was not known.

Pakistani Taliban Claims Attack on Mosque

The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for Friday's bombing of a mosque in Rawapindi and vowed to carry out more attacks. The assault targeted a mosque frequented by Pakistani military personnel, and killed 36 and wounded 75, the military said. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan took responsibility for the action. Four militants armed with guns and grenades stormed the mosque in Rawalpindi, and most of the victims were children.

Kidnappers Relocates Spanish Hostages

Three Spanish aid workers kidnapped in Mauritania are reportedly being taken by their captors to Mali, an official said. The official said the hostages were headed to a camp run by al-Qaeda of the Islamic Maghreb. Spanish officials fear that the hostages were taken by al-Qaeda of the Islamic Maghreb. The group operates mainly in Algeria but is suspected of crossing the country's porous desert borders to spread violence in the rest of northwestern Africa. Military teams have been searching for the three hostages, who were seized after their vehicle became separated from an aid convoy. The group was attacked while delivering supplies to impoverished villages.

Rwanda, France Restore Cordial Relations

After three years of strained relations, Rwanda and France have agreed to normalise ties. Claude Gueant, chief of staff at the French presidency, met Rwandan President, Paul Kagame, in Kigali where they agreed to resume relations. Rwanda cut diplomatic ties with France in 2006 after a French judge accused Kagame and several officials of assassinating former president Juvenal Habyarimana.

Obama, Brown Unfold to Send More Troop to Afghanistan

United States President, Barack Obama, may have taken the steps to stop the recent gains of the Taliban insurgents in the Afghanistan war as he announces plans to send about 30, 000 U.S troops there, while seeking further troop commitments from NATO allies as part of a counterinsurgency strategy to wipe out al Qaeda elements and stabilise the country. Also, the United Kingdom will send an additional 500 troops to Afghanistan in early December, bringing the British contingent there to more than 9,500, Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced Monday.

French, Spanish Nationals Kidnapped in North Africa

A French national and three Spaniards were abducted in the Sahel within days of each other by Al-Qaeda's North African branch, according to reports. Both kidnapping incidents have been attributed to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). The coordinator of counterterrorism at the U.S. State Department, Daniel Benjamin, said AQIM is financially strapped, particularly in Algeria, and unable to reach its recruiting goals, thus it relies on kidnapping Westerners.

Chechen Rebels Own Responsibility for Russian Train Bombing

Chechen rebels have claimed responsibility for last week's Russian train bombing, which killed about 26 people and injured scores of others. The claim raises fears of a fresh wave of attacks outside the region after a five-year break, a renewal of violence that would mirror the growing unrest inside the region. Russian authorities have said the train's derailment was an act of terrorism and traces of explosives and a crater were found at the disaster site. Government officials were among those killed in the train bombing.

Blast at Graduation Kills Somali Ministers

A blast at a graduation ceremony in Mogadishu has killed at least seven people, including three government ministers. The graduation ceremony was being held at a local hotel for 43 students from the local Banadir University. Details of the explosion at the Shamo Hotel are still emerging, but witnesses told Reuters news agency it appeared to be an attack targeting government officials.

EU Warned Against Recognising Palestinian Claim to East Jerusalem

Israel, Tuesday, warned the European Union (EU) against recognising east Jerusalem as the Palestinian future capital, saying such a move would damage Europe's credibility as a Middle East mediator. This came as Jewish settlers in the West Bank clashed with government inspectors sent to enforce a ban on new construction on territory Palestinians claim for a future state. No major violence was reported. Sweden, the current EU president, is floating an initiative to recognise east Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital. In Stockholm, officials declined to confirm the proposal.

Iran Threatens Tough Action Against British Sailors

Iran warned on Tuesday that it will take strong action against five detained British sailors if it is proven they had "bad intentions" after the Iranian navy stopped their racing yacht in the Persian Gulf. The detention could heighten tensions between Iran and major world powers, including Britain. It could also flare up the longtime rivalry between Iran and Bahrain, since the yacht was the pride of a high-profile racing programme sponsored by the Arab Gulf nation's king. British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said that there was no malicious intent on the part of the five young people, and that the yacht strayed inadvertently into Iranian waters.

Pakistani Suicide Bomber kills Lawmaker

A teenage suicide bomber killed an anti-Taliban provincial lawmaker in northwest Pakistan on Tuesday after walking into the official's house along with guests and blowing himself up. Many people were wounded in the attack, police said. Pakistan is under growing U.S. pressure to crack down harder on militants in border areas to help it fight the Taliban in Afghanistan.

High School Gang Rape Suspects Plead Not Guilty

Six suspects accused in the gang rape of a 15-year-old girl on a California high school campus entered not guilty pleas on Tuesday, police said. A seventh person who had been arrested was released for lack of evidence. A date will be set on January 21 for a preliminary hearing, County district attorney's office said. Police say as many as 10 people were involved in the October 24 incident, which lasted more than two hours, while another 10 people watched, without calling 911, police say. The victim’s parents have issued a statement urging the community to work to ensure that such an attack never happens again.

Gunman Shoots 4 Officers Dead

Residents of an east Seattle neighborhood were asked to stay indoors late Sunday as police searched the area for a man wanted in the fatal shooting of four police officers. Authorities have not identified Maurice Clemmons as a suspect, but said they are looking for him as part of their investigation into the "ambush" Sunday morning at a coffee shop near Tacoma in Pierce County. Clemmons, 37, of Pierce County has an "extensive violent criminal history from Arkansas, including aggravated robbery and theft," the sheriff's department said in a statement.

Britain Wants Stiffer Action Against Al Qaeda

British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, has called on Pakistan to take tougher action against al Qaeda and step up its efforts to track down the group's leader, Osama bin Laden. A United States (U.S.) Senate report last weekend, said Bin Laden was unquestionably within reach of American troops in the mountains of Tora Bora but U.S. military did not pursue him with massive force. Bin Laden's escape laid the foundation for Afghan insurgency and inflamed the internal strife now endangering Pakistan, it says. Brown said the efforts of British and coalition forces in Afghanistan to tackle the Taliban insurgency needed to be matched by more effective action by the Pakistan government and forces on their side of the border.

Iran Earmarks $20m to Support Militants

Lawmakers in Iran have passed a law earmarking $20 million to support militant groups opposing the West and investigate alleged United States (U.S.) and British plots against the Islamic Republic. It was not immediately clear which groups would receive funding from Iran, but Tehran already backs the Islamic militants Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The bill also taps funds to sanctions by the US and Britain and to disclose "human rights abuses by the two countries." Iran also faces increasing international pressure over its nuclear programme, as the board of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), recently, passed a resolution demanding that Iran stops building its new nuclear facility and freeze uranium enrichment. This comes as Iran proposes to build 10 new uranium enrichment plants.

Over 130 Die in Congo, Bangladesh Boat Accidents

No fewer than 131 persons were killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Bangladesh as two boats capsized penultimate weekend. The mishap, which claimed 73 lives in a lake in Congo, occurred when a boat sank in bad weather. The boat had been transporting logs with no authorisation to take on passengers, according to reports. Dominic Lutula, of the Congolese Red Cross, said that they have rescued 272 survivors. In Bangladesh, a rescue ship righted a capsized ferry searching the submerged cabins for scores believed trapped after the boat sank in southern Bangladesh. So far, 58 people were confirmed dead, authorities said. Since there were no passenger lists, so it was unclear how many people were aboard the vessel.

980 Palestinian Prisoners May Regain Freedom for Captured Israeli Soldier

Indications emerged that Israel may release 980 Palestinian prisoners in a possible deal to win the freedom of an Israeli soldier, Cpl. Gilad Shalit, held captive by Hamas for three years. Israel and Hamas have been negotiating Shalit's release through third-party mediators from Egypt and Germany, but talks have started and stalled numerous times. Shalit's freedom has become a condition for the Israelis to consider ending a blockade that has economically wounded the Palestinian territory of Gaza. Speculation about a possible deal emerged recently after Israeli President, Shimon Peres, met with Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak, in Cairo and hinted that the talks could be at a critical juncture.

UN Deplores Violence Against Women in Afghanistan

A United Nation’s official has decried widespread violence against women in Afghanistan. In line with this, the world body is spearheading a 16-day campaign to eliminate violence against women, which is due to end on December 10, the anniversary of the universal declaration of human rights. Women were banned from public life under the iron fist of the Taliban regime from 1996 until 2001, but they women still struggle for their rights in the country.

Somalis, Islamist Rebels Flee into Kenya as Fighting Escalates

Hundreds of Somali refugees have fled to Kenya after rebels suspected of links to al Qaeda seized a Somali town near the border. Al Shabaab insurgents took control of Dhobley, penultimate Saturday, after chasing rival Hizbul Islam rebels out of town. Al Shabaab said a number of Hizbul Islam leaders had also sought shelter across the border in Kenya after the fighting. There were also fears among Kenyan residents that al Shabaab might carry the fight across the border. A senior al Shabaab official said in June the insurgents might "invade" Kenya unless it reduced troop numbers along the border near places such as Dhobley.

Somali Pirates Seize Greek Ship

Somali Pirates have seized a Greek-flagged oil tanker near Seychelles. Greece's coastguard on Monday said the vessel was sailing from Kuwait to the Gulf of Mexico with a crew of 28 when it was seized. A Greek navy frigate, taking part in the EU naval operation against piracy in the region, was shadowing the tanker, the Greek Defence Ministry said. Meanwhile, Somali pirates have warned that they would kill the crew of a Chinese bulk carrier if China's navy attempted to wrest control of the vessel from them. One of the pirates holding the 25 crew members of the coal ship De Xin Hai, seized in mid-October, said they had heard the Chinese navy was planning a rescue mission.

Tanzania Wants Apology over UN Allegations on Arms Supply

Tanzania has demanded an apology from the United Nations (UN) over allegations that it supplied arms to ethnic Hutu rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Bernard Membe, has described the accusations as a "concoction of evil intentions" contained in a UN report that his country was arming the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda. Experts working under the auspices of the UN reported that Tanzania was secretly sending weapons to the Hutu rebel group. Tanzania and Rwanda are active members of the East African Community.

Jose Mujica Elected President of Uruguay

A former left-wing militant who spent almost 15 years in prison during the country's military rule has won the presidential elections in Uruguay. Reliable exit polls give Jose Mujica, 74, just over 50% of the vote in a run-off poll. His main rival and former President Luis Alberto Lacalle has conceded. Mr Mujica succeeds a popular head of state, Tabare Vazquez, who has been in power for the last five years as Uruguay's first left-wing president. Mr Mujica's election is seen as an expression of the desire for left-wing continuity.