Weekly Security Report Weekly Report week 3 week 3
PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS
Gunmen Kidnap 4 Expatriates in Niger Delta
Gunmen in Nigeria kidnapped three British workers and one Colombian on Tuesday in an attack on their convoy near the oil hub Port Harcourt, a government spokeswoman and security sources said. A Nigerian security officer was killed in the incident. The kidnapped expatriates are all contract staff of NetcoDietsmann working at Shell’s Afam V1 power plant. The Kidnappers are said to have demanded a N300 million ransom for their release. A security source said investigations on the movements of the kidnappers revealed that they were sighted by members of Ogwunabo community in Abia State, while trying to escape, with an expatriate. The Rivers State police command made a N2 million reward offer for anyone with information to apprehend the hoodlums and the release of the hostages.
Enugu: Family of Seven Found Dead
A family of seven was found dead penultimate Saturday at Amori community in Nkanu West LGA of Enugu State. The deceased were found dead by neighbours who became suspicious when no member of the family was seen or heard long after dawn. Mr John Ene, his wife, three of their children as well as two other relations with them in the house had reportedly gone to bed after dinner only to be found dead the next morning. The Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the story, said there was no clue as to what led to the death of the entire family.
Senator Urges Security Agencies to Act Fast on IG’s Report
Senator Annie Okonkwo has enjoined all the security agencies in the country to commence investigation into the report of the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ogbonna Onovo on massive arms build-up, enlistment of mercenaries, and voters’ card merchandising by some candidates in the February 6 governorship election in Anambra state. The senator described the development as a category “A” national security alert that must not wait to be proved, before full and total mobilisation is commenced to checkmate it.
SPDC Backs Out Of Security Contract with Ex-militant
The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) on Tuesday declined the decision to appoint a former militant commander in Bayelsa State, Eris Paul popularly known as Commander Ogunboss to secure oil facilities in the Southern Ijaw areas of the state. The SPDC spokesperson, Precious Okolobo described the appointment as a ruse and that the only surveillance contract awarded in the Southern Ijaw area was to a company named Fanus Koki & Sons Ltd covering Diebu Creek Field. Eris Paul was a commander in the Niger Delta Vigilante Force and commanded a troop of about 250 youths.
MASSOB Leader Detained for Alleged Kidnapping
The leader of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has been detained by detectives in Umuahia, Abia State over alleged kidnapping. Uwazuruike was picked up last Tuesday, following a petition by a friend of a kidnap victim. The victim, Mr. Pascal Okorie, was said to have been held captive for four days at Uwazuruike’s residence, Okwe, Onuimo LGA of the state. The zone 9 Police Public Relations Officer (ZPPRO), Mr. Kingsley Iredibia, confirmed this, saying that the police authority was investigating the matter to know what actually happened. It was gathered that the victim, Mr. Okorie, was a former member of MASSOB before their differences.
Bank Manager Slain in Port Harcourt
A bank manager in Port Harcourt was on Tuesday evening shot dead by unknown assailants who allegedly trailed him to the Garrison junction killed him. The man was alleged to have left his office at Trans Amadi road and drove to Garrison where police always mount checkpoint before a power bike allegedly drew level with him and sprayed his car with bullets at about 7.30 pm before zooming off. The incident drew the Commissioner of Police in the State, Mr. Suleima Abba, as he visited the crime scene.
BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS
Chevron Shuts in 20,000bpd Facility
United States oil major, Chevron, has shut down its Makaraba-Utonana pipeline in Delta State. Chevron said the closure was sequel to the attack on its 20,000 barrels per day (bpd) facility by suspected militants last weekend. Oil production, in Nigeria had increased to about 2.2 million following the October 4, 2009 implementation of the amnesty to thousands of militants who laid down their weapons. But the latest attack comes five days after four Chevron workers in Delta State were killed in a shooting incident involving the military.
MEND Reviews Ceasefire on January 30
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta said on Sunday that it was set to review the indefinite ceasefire it announced on October 9, 2009 and that it will make its new position public on January 30. The MEND also commended the attack on the Makaraba pipeline of Chevron Oil Company in Delta State on January 8. Its spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, said that although its fighters did not take part in the attack, it saluted the courage of those who carried out the operation. Gbomo said the attack had exposed the vulnerability of the oil industry infrastructure and the resolve of the people of the Niger Delta to fight for their land.
Forcados Oil Export Faces Delay For February
Crude oil loadings from the Forcados oil terminal may have suffered another set- back for February schedule, as the facility tends to be producing below capacity for the month. At least four oil cargoes, amounting to 1.931 million barrels per day were delayed from Forcados export terminal in January. These were expected to be improved upon in February loadings until indications emerged that there would be further delay for production reasons. Sources, however, revealed that Nigeria's crude oil differentials have remained firm, supported by strong demand, which had largely cleared some programmes more quickly than expected.
Security Agencies Rescue Kidnap Victims
Delta State government has said that kidnappers would not go scot free despite the ransom paid to them by families of their victims. While congratulating the chairman of the state Post Primary Education Board, Mrs. Evelyn Aluta, whose daughter-in-law, was kidnapped on Monday, at Oleh, the state governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, noted that some family members were involved in the dastardly act of kidnapping. The state government had released operatives of the Joint Military Task Force, and other security agencies to ensure the release of the kidnapped lady as soon as the news of the abduction broke out. Some of the kidnappers have been arrested
LAGOSAND ENVIRONS
Court Sentences Human Traffickers to Jail
Three accused human traffickers have been sentenced to various jail terms by a federal high court sitting in Lagos. They were prosecuted in 2009 by the Lagos zone of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and other Related Matters (NAPTIP). Justice Tijani Abubakar sentenced three of them to 28 years imprisonment. They were accused of conspiring to induce, offer and allow a person less than 18 years to be in a brothel for prostitution. The brothel from where the victims were rescued was also forfeited to the Federal Government while the proceeds from its sale, would be paid into the Victims of Trafficking Trust Fund.
Banker Defrauds Customer of N3m
A 26-year-old female banker, who was arrested for allegedly stealing N3 million from a customer’s account has blamed ‘fear of the unknown’ for her action. Kemi Yisau, who is being interrogated at the Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Ikoyi, Lagos, said that with the present situation in the banking sector, no bank staff is sure of what fate has in stock for him or her. The commissioner of police in-charge of the unit, Mr. Saba Ndagi said the suspect stole the money from the customer’s account between January and November, 2009. He revealed that the scam blew open when the customer stormed the bank while she was not on duty and requested for his balance and was given the correct statement.
Man In Court For Issuing Dud Cheques
The police on Monday arraigned a 46-year old man, Mr. Adegboyega Adeyombo, for allegedly issuing five dud cheques worth N8.7 million to his creditors in Lagos. Police prosecutor, Steve Molo, told the court that Adeyombo issued the five cheques, knowing the money in his bank account was not enough. The offence is punishable under the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990. Adeyombo pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N1 million.
70-Yr-Old, 4 Others Paraded With Human Head
A seventy-year-old suspected ritualist, Hassan Ajala and four others were paraded, on Tuesday, at the headquarters of the Kwara State Police Command following the discovery of a fresh human head in their custody. Police spokesman, ASP Ezekiel Dabo said that the suspects were arrested by men of the state police detectives at Igbona town in Oyun LGA of the state last Sunday following a tip off.
Police Parade Two Found Children
The Police in Lagos on Tuesday paraded two children who were found wandering around Shogunle area in Oshodi. Their names were given as Adam Okuade (12) and Toheed Okuade (10). According to the Police, they had left their home in Oshogbo, Osun State, in search of their sister in Lagos but missed their way. Adam said that he and his brother had always wanted to visit their sister, called Jelila, in Lagos, adding that their mother had promised to bring them but that she was delaying. This prompted their decision to make a move on their own. Police spokesman, Frank Mba, a Superintendent, called on the parents of the children to come and take them.
Police Detain Pregnant Woman for Six Months
…want N400, 000 as Bail
For six months now, a pregnant woman identified, Iyabo Ojo, is reportedly being detained at the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Lagos for being an in-law to a suspected armed robber. Police sources said one Ibrahim who is an in-law to the woman, was arrested as an armed robbery suspect by detectives attached to the SARS, and part of the items allegedly recovered from him was a GSM phone which contained Iyabo’s number. The detectives promptly stormed Akure, where she resides and arrested her. However, sources revealed that detectives are convinced that she may not know anything about the robbery, but they are allegedly asking for a bail of N400, 000.00 before she is left off the hook. Source said the CP was aware of the matter and it was under investigation.
Man, 33, Stabs 13-Years-Old Boy
Police in Lagos have stepped up manhunt for a 33-year-old man, who allegedly disappeared after using broken bottle to stab a 13-year-old boy in Lagos. Trouble was said to have started when the victim, Olisa Ibegbu, was washing his clothes just before Christmas. It was gathered that as he was washing the clothes, water spilled on the floor, and the assailant, Ikechukwu Ibeegbunam, also a tenant, was alleged to have complained that Olisa wet the floor, and stabbed the boy with a broken bottle as the boy attempted to get a broom to sweep the wet floor.
EFCC Arraigns 9 over Theft of Cheques Worth N188m
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Lagos on Thursday arraigned a nine-member syndicate for allegedly stealing Cheques worth N188 million. The accused persons, who were alleged to have stolen N165 million bank cheques belonging to African Petroleum Plc, and a cheque worth N23 million belonging to the Lagos State government, pleaded not guilty to the charges. Efforts to grant them bail failed, following the request of the commission for more time to respond to the bail application by their counsel. Justice Morenike Obadina ordered the suspects to be remanded in Kirikiri prison till February 2 when the bail application would be heard.
Truck Crushes Two In Lagos
Tragedy struck on Wednesday along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as a truck crushed two middle-aged men to death. It was gathered that the killer truck ran over the two young men who were attending to their faulty fuel tanker beside the road at about 9.00a.m. The Unit Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission, Ogere Unit, Mr. John Alhassan, confirmed the accident and explained that the truck lost control and rammed into the DAF fuel tanker.
Court Remands Man for Killing Mum, Sister
For allegedly killing his mother and sister, a man, Mayowa Durojaiye, 25, is to remain in prison custody till January 27, an order by an Oyo State Chief Magistrate’s Court. According to the prosecutor, Sergeant Sunday Ogunremi, the accused person allegedly on December 10, 2009 about 10pm, caused the death of the women by hitting them with a block on the head. With his plea not taken, Magistrate O. O. Ajadi ordered that Mayowa be remanded in prison custody.
Oyo Villagers Lament Armed Robbery Attacks
Armed robbers have sacked hundreds of residents of a community near Oyo town in Oyo State, leaving about 15 of the 40 villages deserted. Worst hit by the incessant attacks are women, children and students of the Oyo College of Education (Special) who have abandoned their accommodation in the villages for some safe places elsewhere. As the situation deteriorated, community heads and village leaders have protested to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, to swiftly contact the state Police Commissioner, and the Inspector General of Police to forestall further insecurity so that the fleeing residents could return to their homes.
GENERAL
Fake Customs Officer Nabbed
A man, identified as Mr. Bryce Umoh, 53, has been arrested by the police for allegedly duping eight people to the tune of N640, 000. The suspect who claimed to be a customs officer reportedly assured his victims of employment as customs’ officers if they pay some amount of money. After collecting the money, he allegedly issued them fake customs employment letters. The scam was blown open when one of his victims went to Abuja with his letter and was told that it was a fake. The matter was reported and the suspect was arrested. He confessed, saying that one AC Chibuzor, who is a senior customs officer at the Customs’ Kano Training School, told him that he has eight slots in the upcoming recruitment, adding that part of the money goes to him.
3 Policemen Arrested Over Missing Motorcycles
Three policemen in Abuja have been arrested over the disappearance of motorcycles belonging to those who violated the law against commercial motorcycling in the city. The policemen were said to have confiscated several motorcycles from their owners and instead of taking them to their office as exhibits resolved to keep them at a site in Maitama District Abuja. After some time all the seized motorcycles were taken away. A source said several motorcycles were seized but only one was recovered while the rest were taken to an undisclosed location by the 3 policemen and a civilian accomplice. The source said the detectives and two top officers accosted the civilian and after his arrest revealed their modus operandi.
Police to Tackle ATM Theft, Bombing
The Police in Abuja on Monday said they would collaborate with the custodians of Automated Tellers Machines (ATMs) to curb acts of bombing the machines in the country. Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), disclosed that men of the underworld used explosives to steal money from ATM in Abuja and some parts of the country. He said the use of explosives to blow off strong houses was not entirely new in the country. According to him, the force will check the crime by deploying policemen to monitor ATMs installed in banks’ premises
Anti-Terrorism Bill Scales First Reading
…As Senate Wants Security Lapses Investigated
Members of the House of Representatives have begun debate on ‘Prevention of Terrorism Bill’ forwarded to them in October last year by the Presidency. The decision to begin action on the bill followed alleged failed attempt by a Nigerian youth, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, to blow up an American passenger aircraft on Christmas Day. President Yar’Adua declared that the bill, when passed, would discourage the act and specify punishment for offenders. The bill passed the first reading on Wednesday.The Senate has also called for thorough investigation into how the nation’s security agencies glossed over vital information provided by father of the suspect. The senators urged the executive arm to initiate diplomatic steps aimed at having Nigeria removed from the list of countries on the terror watch list.
PPPRA to Pay N41bn Subsidy Arrears
Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) has secured another approval from the Federal Government to pay N41 billion subsidy arrears for the batches submitted during the last quarter of 2009 by petroleum marketers. The approval, granted seven days after the payment of N32.4 billion to fuel importers recently, will encourage full participation in fuel importation by members of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN).The major marketers discharged 18 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Lagos penultimate week, 45 days after the suspension of embargo on fuel importation to protest against non-payment of N72 billion subsidy arrears owed them.
Ex-Militants Lament Slow Progress of Post Amnesty Programme
The relative stability being enjoyed in the country’s oil sector following the Federal Government's amnesty programme to militants in the Niger Delta may suffer a serious setback. Some former militants in the region are said to be planning to back out of the amnesty initiative, owing to the stalemate being suffered in the absence of President Yar’Adua. A source disclosed that the situation where Vice- President Goodluck Jonathan has not been given the full power to act as President in the absence of Yar’Adua has been interpreted as another form of marginalisation against the South-South by some of the former militants, who said they will fight against any move that would relegate Jonathan to the background in the country’s power equation in the absence of Yar’Adua.
Nephew Plans Robbery on Uncle’s House
The police in Minna have arrested a middle-aged man, Zakari Mohammed, 26, for leading armed robbers to raid the house of his uncle, Shuabu Samina. According to the Niger State Police Commissioner, Mr Michael Zuokumor, Shuabu had assisted his nephew financially. However, Mohammed, believing that his uncle had lots of money in his house, led the robbers to dispossess him of his property and other valuables. The sum of N157, 000 was forcefully taken from the family and Shuabu was cut in the head when he initially declined to cooperate
Boko Haram Suspects Arraigned, Plead Not Guilty
Eighteen persons paraded on Monday before a Maiduguri Magistrate’s Court for alleged involvement in the Boko Haram crisis that engulfed Maiduguri and some northern states last year have all pleaded not guilty to the charges. The suspects who had been kept in police custody are allegedly members of a radical Islamic sect which abhors western education. They were charged for involvement in illegal possession and use of firearms, killing of policemen, burning of police stations and government buildings, disruption of public peace and accessory to the loss of innocent lives and property. Magistrate Waziri Wakili adjourned hearing till February 24, to enable the prosecutor prepare litigation against the accused persons in a court of proper jurisdiction.
Oil Price Hits $84
Oil prices rose one per cent on Monday to about $84 per barrel, hitting a fresh 15-month high as China's crude oil imports surged by nearly 25 per cent in December. The oil prices supported by the prolonged cold weather in the United States and Europe, continued to boost demand for heating fuel, coupled with a weakening dollar.
Nigeria, US Team Meet in Abuja over Mutallab, Terror List
Vice President Goodluck Jonathan, Tuesday, met with a delegation from the United States (U.S.) led by its Deputy Secretary for Homeland Security, Miss Jane Holl Lute at Abuja. Jonathan urged the U.S to de-list Nigeria as a "country of interest" in the global war on terror, expressing his sadness over the failed Christmas day bombing by a Nigerian, Umar Farouk AbdulMutallab. The Vice President further urged the U.S. to give assistance to Nigeria in order that any areas of perceived technical weaknesses can be strengthened. In her remarks, Miss Lute extolled relations between Nigeria, noting that the purpose of her visit was to examine the way forward for aviation safety. But the U.S. was silent on the demand across the country that Nigeria be removed from the list of high risk terror countries.
NNPC Plans Sea Vessels to Convey Crude to Refineries
Apparently overwhelmed by the spate of pipeline vandalism, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is set to use vessels and sea crafts to convey crude oil to the refineries. NNPC’s Group Executive Director (GED) in charge of Refining and Petro-Chemicals, Mr. Austen Oniwon said on Wednesday that the directorate was already putting finishing touches to the plan. Oniwon said the idea was to reduce the dependence on pipelines in the movement of crude to refineries due to incessant attacks. Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo, charged the management of the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC) and the refineries in the country to come up with practical solutions to end the perennial fuel supply and distribution challenge.
Minister Blames Child Trafficking on Porous Borders
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bagudu Hirse, has blamed rampant cases of trafficking and child labour on the porous security network at the borders. The Minister attributed the menace to greed, poverty and self-seeking interests. Ambassador Hirse complained that the unscrupulous persons along the international borders perpetuating the crime were causing serious damage to the economy of the country. According to him, the Foreign Affairs in collaboration with NAPTIP, Nigerian Immigration Service, the civil societies and other law enforcement agencies had resolved to address the menace to give Nigeria a better image.
Family of Three Killed in Gombe Inferno
A family of three died in a mysterious fire in Gombe state. It was gathered that the fire incident happened Monday night at the Federal Low-Cost area of Gombe metropolis. Efforts by neighbours to rescue the family of Mr. Femi Balogun who were said to be too confused to help themselves out failed due to the burglary proofs installed in the apartment. But their next door neighbors and owners of the entire five-bedroom apartment lost all their properties to the fire.
Ministry Director Kidnapped in Abuja
…Burnt Car Located In Yobe State
An Assistant Director in the Federal Ministry of National Planning, Abuja, Oluwole Adelana, has been abducted in Abuja shortly after returning from his home town, Ondo State. The incident has been reported to the Special Anti-Robbery Squads (SARS). Adelana was said to have been abducted by gunmen near his residence and later driven away to an unknown destination in his car. SARS operatives swung into action immediately by alerting their offices in the neighbouring states and succeeded only in locating the car, which had been burnt somewhere along Yobe-Maiduguri Road.
Protests over Yar’adua’s Absence Spread to Lagos, Europe, Us
Save Nigeria Group (SNG), a pro-democracy coalition, which marched through Abuja on Tuesday, has resolved to adopt a more spontaneous strategy in protesting the long absence of President Yar’Adua from the country. The change of strategy would also affect its pressure on the government to agree to the swearing in of the vice president as acting president by invoking Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution. In furtherance of the agenda, members of the SNG in Nigeria and the Diaspora have resolved to decentralize the protest marches by spreading them across Africa, Europe and North America. Following Tuesday’s march, the SNG leaders were of the view that the bicameral National Assembly would not have debated the health of the president without the mounting pressure from the civil groups.
Igbo Group Cautions against Military Takeover in Nigeria
A socio-cultural organisation based in the South-east zone, Igbo Youth Movement (IYM), on Thursday warned that any attempt at taking the country back to military rule would spell doom for the nation. The group is apparently reacting to speculations that some top politicians are currently toying with the idea of inviting the military to take over governance in view of the uncertainties trailing the health of President Yar’Adua.
INTERNATIONAL
Thousands Killed as 7.0 Magnitude Quake Hits Haiti
A major earthquake struck southern Haiti on Tuesday, knocking down buildings and causing large scale deaths and pains. Heavy damage and bodies in the streets of the capital, Port-au-Prince, was reported. Death toll is estimated at tens of thousands. The magnitude 7.0 quake could be felt strongly in eastern Cuba, more than 200 miles away, witnesses said. In Washington, President Obama said the U.S. government would "stand ready to assist the people of Haiti." The headquarters of the UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti collapsed and a large number of UN personnel are missing, including the head of the UN peacekeeping mission. Gravely injured Haitians continue to plead for help. A contingent of the Nigeria Police officers serving in the UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti is safe, a UN official has confirmed. Aid planes have been arriving in Haiti, but the airport was ill-equipped to handle the extra traffic. The Air Force arrived Wednesday night to rehabilitate the facility, according to the commander of one of the Air Force's elite special operations units sent to Haiti.
Algerian Security Forces Ambush, Kill 10 Militants
Algerian security forces, penultimate weekend, killed 10 Islamist rebels in an ambush. The security forces, acting on a tip, Reuters claimed, mounted the ambush on Saturday in the region of M'sila and a "large quantity" of weapons were seized. Insurgents operating under the name al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb carry out sporadic bombings and kidnappings in Algeria. Officials said that they have killed or captured hundreds of the insurgents while many others have been persuaded to lay down their arms, leaving only a small hard core of active fighters. In a separate development, a Canadian construction firm said one of its Algerian employees, who was kidnapped in Algiers on January 4, has been freed.
McCain Wants Mutallab Tried in Military Court
The Nigerian man who attempted to blow up a commercial jet outside Detroit on Christmas Day should be tried in a military court, US Senator, John McCain, said. McCain said it would be a mistake to try Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, 23, in a civilian court where he would be afforded the right to withhold damaging information. The U.S. civilian justice system affords some protections not afforded by some military courts. Abdulmutallab is accused of attempting to ignite explosives on a December 25 flight from Amsterdam to Detroit. He was subdued by other passengers after trying to ignite it.
Rebels Regret Attack on Togolese Team
The rebels who ambushed a bus carrying the Togolese football team to the ongoing Nations Cup in Angola meant to attack only the accompanying security convoy, according to one of the leaders, Rodrigues Mingas, Secretary General of the Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda. Angola has arrested two people suspected of taking part in the attack on the bus in which two delegation members were killed. Provincial prosecutor Antonio Nito said in a statement the two suspects belonged to FLEC. Cabinda is an oil producing province geographically separated from northern Angola. FLEC, which has been fighting for independence from Angola for over 30 years, had claimed responsibility for Friday‘s attack.
Al Qaeda Threatens to Kill French Hostage in Mali
Al Qaeda's North African wing has threatened to kill a French hostage unless four of its members are released within 20 days. Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) made its demand in a statement penultimate Sunday. The group wants the government of Mali to free four prisoners in exchange for Pierre Camatte, who was kidnapped from a hotel in Mali in November last year. Camatte was abducted four days before the group kidnapped three Spanish aid workers from Mauritania. The Spanish government has said that it is working toward their release. In June, AQIM executed a British man after the British government did not yield to its demand to release Abu Qatada, a Jordanian considered to be al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden's right-hand man in Europe.
Acid Attacks in Hong Kong
Another mysterious acid attack took place last weekend in Hong Kong. It was the sixth such incident in the past year. The target is always a crowded street full of shoppers and the weapon of choice: plastic bottles filled with acid. The attacker(s) throw the bottles from an upper floor or roof of a building overlooking the crowded street. Police have no suspects and no motive for the attacks. Most witnesses believe the attacker was inside one of the old apartment buildings lining Temple Street.
Venezuelan Oil Auction on Amid Devaluation of Currency
Venezuela's plans to hold a drilling auction for several blocks of heavy and extra-heavy crude in the Orinoco region remain in place despite the recent devaluation of its currency, an official at state-run petroleum company Petroleos de Venezuela said. Venezuela, recently devalued its currency by half, setting a new fixed rate of 4.3 bolivars for $1, from the previous VEF2.15 for $1. It also set up a secondary official rate of VEF2.6 for $1, which would be used for authorised purchases of imports of essentials such as basic foods and medicine.
North Korea Warns South over Propaganda Leaflets
North Korea has again warned that it would retaliate against South Korea if the latter does not stop activists from launching propaganda leaflets across their divided border. The two Koreas agreed in 2004 to end decades of propaganda warfare across the Demilitarized Zone dividing them. However, the South Korean government says it cannot prevent activists from sending the leaflets, but has urged them to stop. The North demanded South Korea to immediately punish activists engaged in sending leaflets and disband their organizations, saying hundreds of thousands of propaganda leaflets were flown to the North on January 1.
Seven Killed In Stampede at India Festival
Seven Hindu pilgrims have been killed in a stampede at a religious festival on the Ganges River in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal. More than 20 pilgrims were injured in the incident, which occurred when hundreds of devotees tried to board a ferry to take them to the festival. Every winter, Sagar island hosts the festival, the Gangasagar Mela. Pilgrims bathe in the river. Tens of thousands of devotees also pray at the temple of the sage Kapil Muni.
Authorities Investigate Human Trafficking in Mexico
Authorities in Mexico are investigating cases of human trafficking with women and children as victims. This follows the story of Maria, who, before she was 18 had been enslaved by a gang of human traffickers and held in captivity for four months in her homeland of Mexico. While a prisoner, Maria witnessed a sickening trade in human life and recalls how young girls were drugged, forced into prostitution and then murdered, but she was one of the lucky ones who were able to escape. Over the past decade, 450 women were killed and 3,000 went missing. Maria described a cross-border trade in young children and babies, with orders coming in regularly from the U.S. The U.S. State Department estimates that more than 20,000 people are trafficked into the U.S. each year, mainly destined for the sex trade.
Shooting Suspect, Wife Found Dead at Home
The man accused of fatally shooting State Trooper Paul Richey was found dead, along with his wife, in their Cranberry Township, Venango County home Wednesday night. It was learnt that the situation started as a domestic dispute followed by a shootout. Richey, 40, a veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police, was shot just after getting out of his patrol vehicle at a home along Bredinsburg Road just before noon. Officials said Richey was hit in the neck with a shot fired from inside the home by the suspect, Michael Smith, 44. Two other troopers were also fired at, but were able to take cover and were not injured, officials said. Smith's wife was identified as Nancy Frey-Smith.
Drug Lord Blamed for Violence in Tijuana Captured
The drug kingpin believed to be behind much of the violence in Tijuana, Teodoro "El Teo" Garcia Simental has been captured, according to officials in Mexico and the U.S. He was arrested in a fishing city on the Baja California peninsula. A spokeswoman for the U.S Drug Enforcement Administration in San Diego confirms Garcia was arrested before dawn Tuesday in La Paz. He is the second alleged major drug lord to be taken down in less than a month by President Felipe Calderon's government. Garcia is among Mexico's 24 most-wanted drug lords and the government had offered $2.1 million for information leading to his arrest.
U.S. Increases Missile Attacks in Pakistan
The United States (U.S.) has unleashed an unprecedented number of missile attacks by unmanned drones in northwest Pakistan over the last two weeks, including one that officials said killed 12. This signals the US’ intent to press ahead with a tactic that has killed scores of militants in the last two years. Meanwhile, the U.S. is said to be closely monitoring a "credible threat" from al Qaeda in Yemen against the U.S. homeland. A U.N. investigator said the surge added to the need for the cloak of secrecy to be lifted from the CIA-run programme, which has killed civilians as well as insurgents. The insurgents are behind attacks on American, NATO and Afghan troops in Afghanistan.
Israel Plans to Build Barrier Along Border with Egypt
Israel will build barrier along its southern border with Egypt to stop illegal crossings, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, penultimate Sunday. Israeli police estimate that 100 to 200 people infiltrate Israeli's 210-kilometer (130-mile) southern border weekly. Ninety percent of those crossing the border illegally are refugees from northern Africa, according to a rights group. The rest are thought to be migrant workers or traffickers of drugs and women. Construction of the barrier with Egypt is expected to take several years, according to the prime minister. No start date has been announced.
Teenager Gets Life Sentence For Killing Parents
The Adrian teenager who shot and killed his parents over an argument about his cell phone has been sentenced to life in prison. Marshall Sosby, 18, was convicted in November 2009 for the fatal shootings of his parents Carmen and Michael inside their Adrian home. The teen says he planned the murders because his parents took away his cell phone. He will first be eligible for parole after 33 years. Officials say Sosby confessed to the crime, but showed no remorse. Sosby's younger siblings were also inside the family's Division Street home when the killings took place.
Report Blames Hutu Radicals Over Death Of Rwandan President
A government report has alleged that Hutu extremists shot down the plane carrying former President Juvenal Habyarimana, whose assassination marked the start of the 100-day genocide in 1994. The probe, set up by President Paul Kagame, added that members of Habyarimana's inner circle planned his murder months before to scuttle a power-sharing deal with then-rebel Kagame and used it as a pretext for killing 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus. Habyarimana was returning from peace talks in Tanzania and was due to swear in a transitional government and begin integration of Kagame's forces into the national army, the report said.