Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 4

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Abducted British, Colombian Hostages Regain Freedom

About a week after four expatriates were kidnapped on their way to the Shell Afam VI power station, they have been released. They were kidnapped at Owaza Junction on their way to Imo River road enroute Afam, penultimate Tuesday. Although the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Suleiman Abba confirmed the release, he however said he had no details about the release. The captors had demanded N300 million as ransom for their release. It is not known if the ransom was paid or not.

Checkpoint Killings: Rivers Police Sack Two Cops

The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed two policemen involved in the fatal shooting of two passengers in a commercial bus, penultimate Sunday night in Port Harcourt. They are to face prosecution after the command receives autopsy report on the incident. The trigger-happy policemen had fired at a bus for allegedly failing to stop at a check-point, killing two passengers on the spot and wounding one other person. But eye-witness account alleged initial disagreement over demand for money. Police spokesperson in the state, Mrs Rita Inoma-Abbey, confirmed this.

15, 000 Police Deployed for Anambra Poll

About 15,000 policemen are to be deployed into Anambra State for the February 6 gubernatorial election, the state Commissioner of Police Mr Philemon Leha has said. Leha announced that each of the polling units in the state would be watched by five police officers during the exercise. The police boss stated that security would be very tight during the election and warned politicians bent on perpetrating electoral malpractice to steer clear. He said that no policeman would be allowed to carry arms near the voting area as that would be against the electoral law.

Suspected UNICAL Cultist in Police Net

One Isaiah, suspected coordinator of Neo-Black Movement (NBM) aka Black Axe, University of Calabar chapter has been arrested by the police while preparing to commence his degree examinations. The suspect said he was initiated into the cult group in 2006, and later rose to the rank of coordinator in the campus. The Cross River state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Etim Dickson, said the suspect was arrested after a deadly incident, which allegedly took place at Ugep, Yakurr LGA, where about 18 students were reportedly taken for initiation into the cult group, and one allegedly died.

Man, Wife 5 Others Suffocate to Death

A man identified as Mr Sunday Eneh and his entire family in Enugu State died in a mysterious circumstance on the 8th of January. Some persons suspect that they may have been suffocated by generator fumes, but Eneh’s cousin, Philip Osondu Ani, said that he did not believe that it was fume from a generator that killed the seven persons, explaining that before Sunday gave up the ghost, he managed to come out to the porch to alert neighbours that something was amiss. He also explained that the dead wife and mother had vomited, an indication that they did not suffocate. A motorcycle rider in the area said that he believed the cause of death was not generator fume, saying that a substance suspected to be chemical was seen near the window of the late man’s wife’s room as well as the mother’s.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Oshiomhole, Groups Raise Alarm over Plot to Withdraw JTF Troops

Political tension heightened in Edo State Sunday, as Governor Adams Oshiomhole raised an alarm over alleged order by the Minister of Defence, General Godwin Abbe, to withdraw the soldiers involved in the Joint Task Force (JTF), which was earlier approved by President Yar’Adua. The governor alleged that the reason for the withdrawal was to enable the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) move arms and ammunition into Etsako Central LGA for the House of Assembly re-run election scheduled for the weekend. More protest, on Tuesday trailed the withdrawal of the JTF as Civil society groups, students and traders took to the streets, alleging that their removal was to enable politicians to bring arms and ammunition into the area.

Community Petitions VP over Sale of DSC

Udu community in Delta State has petitioned Vice President Good Luck Jonathan to investigate alleged dubious sales of the assets of the Delta Steel Company (DSC), Aladja running into billions of naira. The people also want the vice president to urgently intervene and revive the ailing Federal Government concerns from total collapse. The spokesman of Udu kingdom, Chief Sam Odibo, said it was worrisome that the entire transaction culminating in the sale of the company to Global Infrastructure Limited by the Bureau of public Enterprise (BPE) was shrouded in secrecy. While decrying the alleged gross mismanagement of the assets of the company, the people regretted that the company’s account has not been audited.

Tompolo Shuns Meeting with US Envoy

Ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, has turned down a request by a United States envoy to meet with him in Warri, Delta State, on grounds that the purpose of the visit was shrouded in secrecy. The issue of the visit of some foreign envoys to the state, purportedly to discuss matters concerning amnesty with ex-militants raised dust in security circles within and outside the region. It was learnt that Tompolo was inundated with calls by some top government officials and security chiefs, seeking to know the purpose of the meeting and why it was holding at such a critical time.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

One Feared Killed as Police, Robbers Clash

Police in Abeokuta killed a suspected armed robber and injured two others as they clashed with robbers during an operation last weekend. The incident occurred along NEPA Road, Isabo where the robbers attacked a cold room. A swift response from the anti-robbery squad led to a gun battle. The state Police Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi confirmed that one of the robbers was killed and two others were injured. Meanwhile, the state Police Commissioner Hashimu Argungu has been redeployed and a new police commissioner is expected to resume duty in the state Thursday.

Lagos, Nigerian Eagle Airlines Raise Funds for Haiti

The Lagos State Government on Monday launched an appeal fund with $1million in response to the global appeal for aid for the earthquake victims in Haiti. The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, said the fund will be lodged at the Skye Bank Plc for subsequent transmission to the on-going aid programmes, adding that members of the State Executive Council have also made individual donations of N150, 000 each in support of the fund while all well meaning members of the public and corporate organizations are also encouraged to support the fund. Meanwhile, Nigerian Eagle Airlines, formerly Virgin Nigeria Airways, is to introduce special on board envelopes on flights across its route network, to raise funds to support the ongoing humanitarian and rescue activities in Haiti.

Daniel, Amosun Supporters in Violent Clash in Ibadan

Supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and rival All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in Ogun State, on Monday engaged themselves in a fight shortly after the Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan adjourned for judgment in the election petition filed by Senator Ibikunle Amosun against the victory of Governor Gbenga Daniel in the 2007 polls. Some vehicles parked close to the scene were damaged while scores of persons were injured. Police Public Relations Officer, Olabisi Okuwobi said nobody was arrested.

13 Killed in Road Accident

No fewer than 13 persons were killed in an auto crash that occurred at Oka area on the outskirts of Ondo town in Ondo State on Monday morning. It was gathered that the accident happened due to alleged recklessness of the driver of the 18-seater bus involved in the accident. Eye witness added that the driver of the bus overtook other vehicles which were moving on the same lane with it before it swerved to the other lane where the truck which was loaded with building materials was coming from and had a head-on collision in the process. The Divisional Police Officer at the Enu-owa Police Station, Mr. Oyibo Shuaibu Suleiman, confirmed the incident, adding that those who sustained injuries had been taken to the hospital.

Undergraduate, Others Nabbed for Armed Robbery, Impersonation

Oyo State police command has arrested three boys including an undergraduate student of the University of Maiduguri for alleged armed robbery. The suspects were said to have on January 15 attacked residents of Tinuoye Estate, Ojoo area of the state capital. Also arrested was 52-year-old Adebare Balogun for allegedly impersonating the commissioner of police. The state commissioner of police, Baba Adisa Bolanta, said items recovered from the suspected robbers included two locally-made revolver pistols, six 9mm expended ammunition, two 9mm live ammunition, jewelry, three army belts, facial mask, and N13,000.

Military Officers in Custody over Illegal Arrest

Three military officers from the 2nd Mechanized division of the Nigerian Army, Ibadan, have been arrested for invading the residential quarters of the University of Ibadan on 4 January, 2010 to arrest a student whom they alleged had raped a girl-friend of their colleague. The officers, of lieutenant rank, allegedly breached all protocols as they refused to book their arrival at the security office of the university. When the officers got to the flat, they did not meet the suspect. The officers attempted to pick the person they met in the flat and lock him in the boot of their car, but he resisted. The security officer of the university immediately alerted the Police that in turn called the Commander of the Military police, Lt. Col. Dawaidan, who came with a patrol team to take the officers away.

Court Freezes Ibru’s N500bn Assets Worldwide

Justice Akinjide Ajakaye of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, on Wednesday, granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mareva injunction freezing all funds belonging to Mrs. Cecilia Ibru, former Managing Director of Oceanic Bank, which reportedly stand at over N500 billion. The order, according to a statement by the EFCC spokesman, Femi Babafemi, covers 103 properties, shares in 77 companies and other investments.

RTEAN Boss, Others Found Dead In Hotel

The Chairman of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Iyana Ilogbo unit in Ado-Odo/Ota LGA of Ogun State, Chief Risko and his lover were found dead last weekend inside his yet-to-be completed hotel building at Ilogbo-Ota. Risko as he is fondly called, according to a police source, went to the hotel with his lover and one of his bodyguards to pass the night, but were all found dead the following morning. According to our source, the three persons might have been killed by poisonous fumes from a generating set kept in the building. Police sources confirmed the incident.

3-Wheelers, NURTW Clash in Lagos

Five members of the Three Wheelers Beneficiaries Operators Association of Nigeria (TWBOAN) have been injured in a fresh clash between them and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) over control of the Cele Park, Okota. The clash started when members of the NURTW, led by their chairman, Lati Oluomo, invaded the tarmac of the Three Wheelers at Cele Bus Stop to take control. This invasion was resisted by the Three Wheelers led by their chairman, Taofeek Afeez, who insisted that the NURTW has no power over the association, as they are only an affiliate in relation to ticket purchasing. When the situation got out of hand, men of the state security outfit, OPMESA, intervened and arrested two members of the NURTW, while one of them, Afolabi escaped.

GENERAL

Fresh crisis in Jos

Fresh violence, penultimate Sunday and Tuesday, erupted in Jos North LGA, Plateau State. One account held that the violence snowballed from a disagreement between some youths in a football match, which degenerated into a full-blown crisis. Another account said the crisis had been simmering following the refusal of either of the ethnic groups in the community to allow its rival to reconstruct houses destroyed during the November 28, 2008 crisis in the area. Police confirmed that 51 people have been arrested and some have confessed to coming from Katsina State to fight. The state government declared a 24-hour curfew in area, while more soldiers and mobile policemen from other parts of the country are manning all major streets. Human Rights Writers’ Association (HURIWA) of Nigeria has described the killings as religious terrorism, and tasked the government to put measures in place to stop the constant religious riots in the North.

Death Toll in Jos Crisis Nears 300, Jonathan Orders Troops to Jos

Death toll in the latest violence in Jos rose to about 300 on Wednesday, as the riot spread to the neighbouring town of Pankshin. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has backed Vice President Goodluck Jonathan on the deployment of military troops and directive to the military and the police to stop the madness. Meanwhile Christian elders in the State allege that soldiers took sides in the riots, and called on the Federal Government and the international community to investigate the role of "mischievous soldiers" in the orgy of violence. But the Army insists that it is impossible for soldiers to be involved in the killings, especially when the Chief of Army Staff is supervising the operations.

Fuel Depot Owners Want Supply Decentralised

Petroleum products marketers and depot owners under the aegis of Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA) have called on the Federal Government to revisit the decision to restrict depots that receive and dispense fuel imported by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) so as to accommodate the distribution channels of all marketers. DAPPMA said the measure will help ensure that there is fuel at all petrol stations across the country. The association also gave conditions to make available all depots belonging to its members at Lagos, Port Harcourt and Calabar available for the receipt of fuel imported by the Pipelines Products and Marketing Company (PPMC).

Airport Police Arrest 250 Suspects

The Airport Police Command on Sunday said that it arrested no fewer than 250 suspects in the past two months at various airports in the country. The Police Commissioner in-charge of the Command, Mr Danazumi Doma, said that of the number, 40 had been convicted for various offences. He said that a South-African based Nigerian, alleged to have been unruly aboard an aircraft was also arrested. Doma stated that security had been beefed up in and around the airports, while the Command’s Strike Force had been deployed to strategic locations to contain criminals.

Nigeria, UK Boost Bilateral Capacity on Oil Reforms

A bilateral capacity building workshop between Nigeria and the United Kingdom commenced on Monday in Abuja with a charge on participants to acquire requisite capabilities to drive and deliver the objectives of the proposed reforms in oil and gas sector, by Minister of Petroleum Resources Dr. Rilwanu Lukman. British High Commissioner, Bob Dewa, who was represented by Mr. Peter West, indicated the UK’s commitment to the provision of technical expertise for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector noting that the UK attaches great importance to the bilateral relationship with Nigeria.

Jonathan Vows to Punish Culprits in Jos Crisis

Vice President Goodluck Jonathan has described the sectarian crisis in Jos in which lives and property have been destroyed as products of "sheer wickedness and man's inhumanity to man" vowing that the culprits would be arrested and speedily brought to justice. He also warned all ethnic, political, and religious and opinion leaders in Plateau state and nationwide to desist forthwith from further inflaming the situation. The Human Rights Watch, the United States (U.S.) government and the United Nations secretary general, Ban Ki-moon have urged Nigeria to address the underlying causes of the Jos crisis. Meanwhile, two fake soldiers were on Thursday arrested have been arrested, and are suspected to have a base in Jos where they easily sneak out for their devilish plans. Jonathan during the week ordered the army to lead the forces to take over the entire security of the affected areas.

First Swine Flu Death Recorded in Nigeria

The Federal Ministry of Health on Tuesday warned the public to beware of the deadly HINI Influenza virus, commonly known as Swine flu, as Nigeria has officially recorded the first death from the pandemic. Special Assistant (Communication) to the Minister of Health, Mr. Niyi Ojuolape, advised people with associated symptoms to go for medical check-up without delay. He said Nigeria has recorded 11 laboratory confirmed cases. The most recent case was that of a 38-year-old woman in Lagos, who was said to have travelled to the US about three months ago. She fell sick six weeks ago and died on January 5, at a hospital in Lagos.

Fake EFCC Official Nabbed in Abuja

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested one Victor Osita Uwajeh for allegedly parading himself as a staff of the EFCC and extorting money from the public. According to the Head, Media and Publicity of EFCC, Femi Babafemi, the commission was tipped off when Uwajeh allegedly tried to extort $2 million from a suspect being prosecuted. He was subsequently picked up from his Abuja residence. Items recovered from his house included a pack of complimentary cards with EFCC logo and address bearing the suspect's name, fake EFCC letterhead papers and a petition with the agency's acknowledgement stamp.

No Deregulation Until Refineries, Infrastructure Challenges are Resolved

The Federal Government has again declared that there no date has been picked for the commencement of deregulation. Minister of Petroleum Resources, Dr. Rilwanu Lukman, declared that the Federal Government would not rush into deregulation without fixing the twin problems of refineries and other associated challenges. The FG contended that past administrations granted refining licenses to many companies, with the hope of increasing domestic production of refined products, adding that till date, no single refinery has taken off.

Benue Speaker Advises Boat Operators on Waterways Safety

Alarmed by the recent boat mishap that claimed several lives in Benue State, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr. Terseer Tsumba, has lamented the development and urged boat operators in the state to observe strict safety measures in order to avert further loss of lives at River Katsina-Ala. Tsumba who gave the charge, while donating 37 life jackets to the Tombo Maritime Association, urged the association to observe best practices in the discharge of their functions.

CBN Fixes 10-Year Tenure for CEOs

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has pegged the maximum tenure of commercial banks’ managing directors/chief executives at 10 years. Those who have already spent 10 years or more are to quit by July 2010. CBN’s Director of Bank Supervision, Mr. Sam Oni, explained that the policy was designed to enthrone good corporate governance in the banking sector, institutionalise the appointment of CEOs in banks and ensure that banks put in place a good succession plan and avoiding the personalization of institutions.

FG to Sell 9% Equity in Oil Firms to Nigerians

The Federal Government has said it is floating an initiative to have 9% of its equity in Joint Venture (JV) oil companies thrown open for subscription by Nigerians, according to Special Adviser to the President on Petroleum Matters, Dr. Emmanuel Egbogah. The FG had earlier decided to cede 10 per cent of the ownership stake in the oil companies to host communities in order to ensure development in the areas. Egbogah said the shares to be allotted to oil producing communities would be managed on their behalf by a trust company that would be established by government, made up of representatives of the communities, including fund managers. The FG holds 60 per cent stake in all JV agreements.

Govt Harps on Global Safety Standards in Oil Sector

The Federal Government has said that it would no longer tolerate acts that contravene safety standards from oil and gas operators in the course of their operations. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Odein Ajumogobia, said that he has directed, through the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), that any person(s) employed/engaged to carry out any operations/services in the industry shall undergo all necessary and relevant basic offshore safety training(s) before embarking on such assignment. This, he said, would ensure the maintenance of high Health Safety Environmental (HSE) standards and practice.

Nine Killed in Okene, Ilorin Infernos

Nine persons were killed in two separate fire incidents in Okene, Kogi State and Ilorin, Kwara State on Tuesday. The Kogi incident was caused by a petrol tanker, which fell and spilled its contents in the early hours of Tuesday, resulting in the death of seven persons, while the one in Ilorin led to the death of two persons. It was learnt that there was no response from the fire services to curtail the inferno, because there was no fire station in the town. The Lokoja fire office was called at about 9.10am, but only responded around 10.25am after the fire had wreaked much havoc. The chief fire officer, Mr. Mohammed Shaibu, was said to have led two fire vehicles to the scene of the incident.

Police Strengthen Security to Avert Spill Over to Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command has strengthened security to avert a spill over of the Jos crisis to the state. It was learnt that stiffer security measures have been taken to ensure there is no reprisal by some Islamic militants who have vowed to avenge the death of their "compatriots" in the violence. According to the state Commissioner of Police, Atiku Yusuf Kafur, Policemen have been stationed at strategic locations and major towns. Meanwhile, Senate President, David Mark has charged Nigerian security forces to rise up to the occasion and curb the escalation of the sectarian violence in Jos.

Nigeria Donates $1m to Haiti as Fresh Quake Hits

Senate President, David Mark, announced on Wednesday that Nigeria had donated $1million to Haiti to ameliorate the pains of the massive earthquake that ravaged the country. The Senators also agreed that each of them would voluntarily contribute money to be sent to Haiti for further assistance. But even as the world attempts to help in the crisis, a fresh quake measuring 6.1 magnitudes hit the country on Wednesday. However, there were no reports of any casualties. Authorities said close to 100 people had been pulled from wrecked buildings by international rescue teams, while search and rescue efforts continue. Nigeria Police officers are among United Nations international troops and police officers helping out in the devastated Haiti search, rescue and relief efforts, the secretariat of the world body has said.

FG Pays N300bn Fuel Subsidy in 6 months

The Federal Government has spent N300 billion in payment of fuel subsidy to major oil marketers and other independent importers of petroleum products since August last year. Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulating Agency (PPPRA), Mr. Abiodun Ibikunle, who disclosed this on Wednesday, said the payment was part of the government’s efforts to ensure steady supply of fuel. Ibikunle however stated that the agency still has an outstanding N27 billion to pay the marketers. Government is concerned that huge amount of money, which should have been channeled to the provision of essential services are being spent yearly on payment of subsidy and is currently pushing for deregulation.

Korea Says no Security Threats in Nigeria

The government of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea said there is no need for big concern over security threats in Nigeria. The Charge d’ Affairs of its Embassy in Nigeria, Mr Han Man Hyok said that his country considers Nigeria safe by all standards, adding that Nigeria is an important partner to Korea and a key player in the international politics, going by its roles in global peace–keeping operations and its recent election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. He described the security concerns about the country globally as a gross misrepresentation of the situation.

FG Approves Development of New Towns in Niger Delta

The Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Godsday Orubebe, has expressed the determination of the ministry to develop a new town in each state of the Niger Delta region. According to the Special Assistant on Media to the minister of state, Mr Ekenwan Akwagbe, the plan was in furtherance of the ministry’s statutory mandate to fast track the growth and development of the long neglected region.

INTERNATIONAL

Japan, South Korea Reject North's Peace Proposal

Japan and South Korea have brushed aside North Korea's call for early talks on a peace treaty, saying they have no plans to lift sanctions unless it first makes progress in scrapping nuclear weapons. The move, according to reports, came after Japanese Foreign Minister, Katsuya Okada, met his South Korean counterpart, Yu Myung-Hwan. The two foreign ministers held their first meeting since North Korea on Monday last week called for talks on a treaty to formally end the 1950-53 war before it puts the issue of dismantling its nuclear programme on the table. North Korean leader, Kim Jong, warned South Korea it was ready to attack if necessary, in response to reports that the south had recently modified its contingency plans to handle any turmoil in the North.

Militants Attack Afghan Capital

Suspected Taliban militants launched an attack in the Afghan capital Kabul, setting off explosions and sparking a gun battle. The Taliban says 20 fighters, including suicide bombers, are involved. NATO forces say at least two insurgents have been killed. A statement on a Taliban website said the raid had specifically targeted government buildings. There were at least two explosions with a number of casualties. Earlier, NATO's ISAF force said it was working closely with its Afghan partners to aggressively contain the situation.

India Accused of 'Unprovoked' Border Fire

Relations between Pakistan and India suffered further setback after their forces exchanged fire across their border last weekend. Since India suspended a peace process with Pakistan after an assault on the Indian city of Mumbai by Pakistan-based militants in November 2008, relations between the South Asian neighbours have been strained. In the latest incident, Indian forces using automatic weapons opened "unprovoked firing" on Pakistani positions in the Sialkot area, north of the city Lahore, on Sunday night, a Pakistani paramilitary force spokesman said. Recently, Indian officials said one of their soldiers was killed in firing across the Line of Control, which separates the two sides in the disputed Kashmir region.

Greek Supertanker Regains Freedom from Somali Pirates

A Greek supertanker with its crew of 28 has been released after rival Somali pirates clashed onboard in an unsuccessful attempt to steal the ransom. The spokesman for the European Union (EU)'s anti-piracy force, Cmdr. John Harbour, said the pirates left the Greek-flagged Maran Centaurus on Monday morning. He added that a group of rival pirates had attacked the ship just before the ransom was being delivered, prompting the pirates onboard the tanker to call for assistance from the anti-piracy force. Harbour said the EU naval force did not intervene but declined to give details on the actions of other warships in the area.

Kenya to Deport Radical Moslem Cleric

Following deadly street riots in Nairobi, Kenya has announced plans to deport radical Moslem cleric, Sheikh Abdullah al-Faisal. Initial efforts to deport al-Faisal to his native Jamaica had been hampered by other nations' unwillingness to let him transit through their airports. Police earlier arrested a prominent activist, Al-Amin Kimathi, chairman of Kenya's Muslim Human Right Forum, in chaotic scenes as seven suspects appeared at Nairobi's High Court, for alleged involvement in the riots that rocked the capital on Friday. At the protest, some demonstrators carried black flags identified with Somalia's hard-line Islamist rebel group al Shabaab and there were reports of mobs attacking Somalis.

53 Haitian Orphans Airlifted to U.S

A group of 53 Haitian orphans landed in Pittsburgh on Tuesday morning, the first wave to arrive after the United States loosened its policy on visa requirements to expedite Americans’ adoptions of parentless children living in the postearthquake ruins.The new policy, announced late Monday, affects only 900 children whom the Haitian government had already identified as orphans, and whom adoption agencies had matched with couples in the United States. Tens of thousands of children are believed to have been orphaned in the quake, and their fate remains unclear. Catholic leaders in Miami are pushing both governments to have children who appear to be orphaned airlifted to temporary group homes in South Florida, but aid groups, however, say every effort should be made to reunite them with relatives.

Authorities Record Over 72,000 Deaths from Haitian Earthquake

Authorities in Haiti have buried 72,000 bodies, about a third of the estimated final toll, according to Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive. But figure that did not include the unknown number of bodies buried by families or collected by the U.N. peacekeeping mission. Despite the growing death toll, aid workers focused Tuesday on the living. The United Nations estimated that 3 million people were in need of food, water, shelter and medical assistance, while others needed rescue. In all, 43 international rescue teams composed of 1,700 people have carried out some 90 rescues, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, disclosed.

Suspect in killings of 8 in Virginia Surrenders to Police

The suspect in the deaths of eight people in central Virginia on Wednesday surrendered to the Police, after an all night stand-off. Seven of the victims were killed in and around a home in Appomattox, and the eighth was found in the middle of a road, according to Tom Molinar of the State Police. The motive is yet to be known. The accused gunman was identified as Christopher Speight. The case began unfolding with a 911 call that reported a man lying in the middle of the road, but on arrival, police heard gunshots in the area. Officers were fired on by a man hiding in the woods, the authorities said, and a helicopter hovering overhead was hit four times in and around its fuel tank. No officer was hurt. A state police official said two of the victims were thought to be the wife and the son of the gunman.

100,000 Congolese Seek Refuge in Brazzaville

More than 100,000 Congolese refugees have crossed the Oubangui River since inter-ethnic violence erupted in Equateur province late last year, the United Nations (UN) refugee agency, UNHCR, reported. The UNHCR said that there was an urgent need for formal camps to be set up to house the refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). There is also need for housing a further 17,000 refugees who have crossed into the Central African Republic. The tensions have since spread to other parts of the province. The DRC army has launched an offensive against the Enyele militia.

Britain Tightens Anti-Terror Measures on Flights

Acting on intelligence failures exposed by the attempted bombing of a Detroit-bound airliner on Christmas Day, British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, announced a major tightening of British aviation security on Wednesday, including the creation of a new “no-fly” list of terrorist suspects. Brown announced an immediate suspension of the twice-a-week flights between London and Sana, the capital of Yemen, by Yemen’s national airline, Yemenia, while efforts are made to improve airport security in Yemen. A new focus on Yemen as a base for al Qaeda plots has been one of many consequences of the failed Christmas Day attack.

Pakistan Politician Injured in Explosion

A bomb detonated, injuring a provincial lawmaker and three others in northwest Pakistan on Wednesday, police said. The target was provincial lawmaker Aurangzaib Khan, police official Kalam Khan said. The lawmaker had just left his home with three companions when a remote-controlled bomb exploded as his car passed in Peshawar. Aurangzaib Khan is a member of the ruling Awami National Party in Pakistan's Northwest Frontier Province. The ANP is a secular party that has been an outspoken critic of the Taliban.

23 Feared Killed in Mexican Prison Riot

At least 23 prisoners were killed and 20 injured in a prison riot Wednesday in the northern Mexican state of Durango, officials said. Guards quelled the deadly fight and police were stationed throughout the prison. The motive behind the inmate riot was unclear, but tensions remained high inside the prison, Garcia Leal said. The riot appeared to have happened at a prisoner in-processing area, but violence may have simultaneously broken out in other parts of the building, he said.

Attempted Child Abduction Foiled

Authorities in Chicago are asking for help in finding a man who tried to abduct a teenage girl on her way to school. The attempted kidnapping occurred early Monday morning on the west side of the city. Chicago Police spokesman, John Mirabelli, said the 14-year-old was walking on the sidewalk when she was approached by an unknown offender, who was holding a gun and ordered the victim into the vehicle. The girl was able to escape by jumping out, and two bystanders also helped bring her to safety. Investigators are working very closely with her in hoping to find the suspect.