Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 3

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

JTF Arrests Leader of Regrouped Militants

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF), Wednesday, arrested a notorious militant in Bayelsa State, Commander Keith Sese, aka Commander Noumukeme, who voluntarily surrendered. The arrest of Keiti Sese followed a search by the JTF since November, 2010 when the JTF invaded the Foropa community of the Southern Ijaw Area of Bayelsa State over the alleged cases of rape, intimidation, kidnapping and sea piracy. Keiti Sese was also accused of recruitment of youths for the alleged purpose of setting up a new militia camp. The JTF Commander, Major General Charles Omoregie encouraged other criminals who are still hiding in the creeks to emulate Keiti Sese and turn themselves in to avoid unpleasant consequences. Also arrested in Rivers state is one Charles Amadi, who had fake uniforms of the JTF. He was accused of alleged extortion, illegal escort duties and other criminal acts.

Police Kill 3 Kidnap Suspects

Three suspected kidnappers, Thursday, met their waterloo in Port Harcourt following a failed bid to abduct a woman after robbing her of her belongings. The suspects allegedly died while escaping arrest after they drove into a police team in the outskirts of the Rivers State capital. The dead kidnappers and including one now at large, were alleged to have attacked one Mrs. Sandra Umoh at her residence. The attack was reported to the police and in a swift move, the state Command alerted nearby police formations of the incident. The hoodlums on their way out of the area soon ran into a police team and sensing that the game was up, ran out of the vehicle leaving their victim behind.

Force Intercepts Illegal Ammunition

The National Task Force on Recovery of Illegal Firearms and Ammunition (NATFORCE) has arrested four persons in Enugu State in connection with illegal importation of firearms and ammunition. The suspects were arrested along Obollor Otukpo Road while attempting to lift 1,929 live cartridges to Benue State. Chairman of the task force and former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, disclosed that the two owners of the ammunition were arrested when they were called to pick up the cartridges. The two suspected owners of the containers said the cartridges were meant for members of the vigilance associations, insisting that their intension was not to sell them, while the two drivers said they were not aware that what they were carrying live cartridges as the owners packaged in Cusson Baby Soap cartons.

Kidnapped Party Chieftain Regains Freedom

The Ebonyi State police command has rescued a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Mike Okoro, recently abducted by unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers in his home town, Itim Edda, Afikpo South LGA. Similarly, no fewer than 10 youths suspected to be arsonists have been arrested by the command for their alleged involvement in the destruction of property and other violent activities at Amasiri, Afikpo North LGA. The state Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ayeni, said that the victim was held by his captors for five days before regaining his freedom and no ransom was paid before securing his release.

Gunmen Shoot Anambra Cleric, Kill Driver

The police in Anambra have launched a manhunt for four suspected kidnappers, who shot a Bishop and a bus driver in the state, last weekend. The bandits rained bullets into the car of Bishop Adol Paul Obinwogu, the General Overseer of Redeemed Pillar of Fire Praying Mission Worldwide. But he survived, unlike the bus driver who was killed. According to eyewitnesses, the Bishop was passing by the market about 7.30pm, when the kidnappers fired several shots into his car. As soon as they found out whom he was and immediately apologised, while pleading for forgiveness. The cleric sustained various degrees of bullet wounds in his chest and legs, while his police orderly had his legs shattered with bullets. Police spokesman, Emeka Chukwuemeka, confirmed the incident.

Police Arrest 31 Suspects in Attack on Alaibe

The Bayelsa State Police Commissioner, Mr Aliyu Musa, has confirmed the arrest of 31 suspects, following the attack on the former Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Timi Alaibe. Alaibe was attacked at his residence in Opokuma, Bayelsa State penultimate Friday. The police commissioner vowed that the police would get to the root of the matter. Meanwhile, the leadership of the Labour Party (LP) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has condemned the attack, which left about 6 people dead. The attack caught Alaibe and his numerous supporters off guard, leading to the killing of some youths and the smashing of over seven cars.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

6 Killed in EDO ACN Primaries

At least 6 persons were killed in various parts of Edo State on Thursday while trying to protect their votes during the ACN primaries. Police Public Relations Officer, Ahwara Ejiroro, who confirmed the incident, said the DPOs in the affected areas have been instructed to fish out the culprits. The state chairman of the CAN, Chief Thomas Okosun, who also confirmed the violence, said the election would be cancelled in areas where violence was reported. Trouble started when some party members suspected that the leadership of the party and the state government were bent on rigging the primaries in favour of some National Assembly members, who decamped from the PDP to the ACN.

Uduaghan Sworn-in, Pledges Good Governance

Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan was on Monday, sworn-in as governor of Delta State by the Chief Judge, Justice Abiodun Smith. Uduaghan, who was sacked by an Appeal court judgement that nullified the April 2007, was declared winner of the re-run election, which took place penultimate Thursday. Meanwhile, a protest match allegedly organised by the faithful of the defeated Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) governorship candidate in the election, Chief Great Ogboru, to register their displeasure over the conduct of the election, were dispersed by a team of policemen in Warri. Uduaghan pledged to run a corruption free government. Earlier, his deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN), was sworn in.

Gunmen Invade Delta PDP Primaries

Gunmen unleashed terror on the supporters of some aspirants and reportedly snatched away ballot materials in Aniocha South LGA of Delta State; while in Ndokwa-East Council, protests over the venue and outstanding ward delegates’ congress stalled the primaries. Hell was let loose when the returning officer, Mr. Kenneth Afejukwu, announced that there was no result sheet, infuriating some aspirants and their supporters. The three aspirants to the seat could not agree on the procedure the election should take.

Oshiomhole Warns against Violence

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Tuesday, warned aspirants and thugs to desist from any act that could mar the process, which is set to involve all card-carrying members of the party instead of the conventional delegates. He gave the warning at a meeting with all the aspirants in the state. The governor said policemen, State Security Services (SSS) operatives and other units have been deployed to all the 192 wards in the state to ensure law and order. Oshiomhole said the party was not for those seeking self-enrichment but for those who want a better Nigeria. He therefore called on losers at the primaries to work with the winners to ensure the party’s victory in the general elections.

67 Arrested over Electoral Malpractices in Delta

Sixty-seven suspected hoodlums were arrested in Delta State in connection with the January 6 rerun governorship election. It was gathered that the suspects were apprehended in different parts of the state for electoral malpractices. It was learnt that their offences ranged from ballot box snatching to willful disruption of electoral process in some polling units. Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Charles Muka, confirmed the arrest of some suspects but said he was yet to confirm their actual number.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

16 Killed as Bush Fire Causes Road Accident

Bush burning along the Ibadan-Abeokuta Road, Oyo State, penultimate Sunday, caused an auto-accident that claimed 16 lives. According to reports, the victims were on board two buses, whose drivers were blinded by the hazy weather and smoke from the burning bush. The only survivors were a three-year-old boy, and three other unidentified persons. Mr L.A. Lawal, who led men of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to rescue the victims, described the accident as very horrible. Adding that it would have been avoided if people had not put fire by the sides of the Expressway, Lawal appealed to people to desist from burning bush close to the road.

50 Vehicles Destroyed as Rival Cults Clash in Lagos

Some people were, penultimate Sunday, injured, while about 50 vehicles were destroyed as two rival cult groups clashed at Palmgroove area of Lagos State. The clash, threw the entire residents of the area into panic. Spokesperson of the state police command, Frank Mba, confirmed the incident, adding that the police in the state were on top of the situation in the area.

N1.1b Cocaine Intercepted at Tin Can Island Port

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), with the support of the United States Drug Administration (USDEA), has uncovered a large consignment of concentrated cocaine, weighing 110 kilogrammes, at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos. The drug was concealed in 25 packs of floor tiles. The discovery was made during a physical examination of a 20-feet container of floor tiles and cement originating from Bolivia. A total of 100 parcels weighing 110kg with an estimated street value of N1.1 billion were found in the container.

Ekiti ACN Chairman Escapes Death as Thugs Invade Secretariat
…Police Arrest 2, Intercept Vehicles with Arms

Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ekiti State, Chief Jide Awe on Tuesday escaped death and was rescued by policemen, after the secretariat was attacked by armed men. Awe disclosed that some miscreants had invaded the ACN chieftain’s office to protest the cancellation of the party primaries in Ekiti Central Senatorial District, held on Monday. He alleged that the miscreants were led by a factional leader of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) who was recently released from detention. Some of the office materials at the secretariat were vandalized. Security was, however, beefed up at the secretariat to prevent further attack on the chairman. The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Adamu visited the chairman and assured him and the people of adequate security. Security operatives on Thursday arrested two persons and intercepted two vehicles loaded with dangerous weapons at the party’s secretariat.

Gunshots Prevent Voters Registration in Lagos

Registration of voters, which had been scheduled to commence yesterday throughout the country, did not take-off as planned in some parts of Lagos, as threats of violence forced the suspension of the exercise to today. Minutes after an assurance by the Electoral Officer (EO) in charge that the exercise would start as planned, sporadic gunshots rent the air. The shots later increased in frequency, forcing people to scamper for safety. No sooner had the shots subsided than corps members started leaving the school in groups, prompting the EO to close the exercise until Sunday, when it is expected that calm would have returned.

PCRC Emphasizes Need for Community Policing

Chairman, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), FESTAC Division, Lagos, Albert Omisore, said an effective community policing is a veritable tool to arrest crime waves in the country. According to Omisore “The simple logic is the establishment of a platform of co-operation and understanding between the police and the community to stand as a bulwark for crime prevention within the community. He asserted that the relationship between the PCRC and Police on regular basis to identify crime prone areas and proactive monitoring of the areas has greatly reduced the crime situation in FESTAC division.

GENERAL

Jos Killings escalate, Over 20 Killed

The cycle of violence in Plateau State continued on Tuesday as, Wareng, in Riyom LGA was attacked leaving 18 people dead. Two other villages were also attacked, Monday, in Barkin-Ladi LGA during which seven people were killed. This came as the Igbo community in Jos said 40 of its members were killed in the penultimate Saturday’s violence, while several others were missing. The State Commissioner of Police, Abdulrahaman Akano, confirmed the attacks and said investigation had begun. The attack was reportedly carried out by “strangers,” who were allegedly assisted by Fulani herdsmen and soldiers deployed in the area, according to the villagers. Meanwhile, four persons have been arrested in connection with the clashes. Items recovered with the suspects include; two pistols with magazines, one locally made single barrel, a Russian double barrel, nine knives, two spears, 10 empty cartridges and three live cartridges, among others.

Nigeria Remembers Fallen Heroes

Nigeria sets aside every January 15 to remember her fallen heroes in the Armed Forces Remembrance day celebration. President Goodluck Jonathan, amidst tight security, on Saturday led top government officials to lay wreaths at the tomb of the unknown soldier in commemoration of this year’s armed forces remembrance day. The armed forces remembrance day celebration, to appreciate the efforts of thousands of military personnel who died in the cause of fighting to defend the nation and keep it as one, was observed with a ceremonial parade jointly formed by officers of the Nigeria Army, the Navy, the Air force and men of the Legion.

Jonathan Flags-off Voter Registration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday began registering an estimated 70 million voters for the April general elections. President Goodluck Jonathan flagged-off the exercise at his home town, Otuoke in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State. Meanwhile, the INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega, has called on Nigerians to exercise patience during the exercise as initial challenges bothering on deployment of men and materials would be addressed before long. Jega said the exercise would take place in 120,000 polling units across the country, adding that the commission was able to deploy 98,000 Data Capturing Machines for the commencement of the exercise. The coordinator of the National Think Tank, Professor Steve Azaiki, has also call on the citizen to come out in their numbers to participate in the registration exercise.

Police to Withdraw Mobile Force from Banks, Individuals

Following the determination of the current Police administration to restructure the Police Mobile Force (PMF), the Police hierarchy has concluded plans to withdraw all Mobile Policemen from banks, corporate organisations and individuals. Consequently, the Police authorities have directed all banks, corporate organisations and individuals, who hitherto have been making use of mobile policemen, to seek other means of security arrangement for their organisations. Towards this end, only few conventional policemen that are armed will be deployed to such banks and organisations to oversee the operations of other security agencies that they might engage.

17000 Policemen Deployed for PDP Presidential Primaries

About 17, 000 policemen made up of regular, anti-riot and anti bomb units, were deployed to provide adequate security and ensure there is no security breach during the presidential primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party, which held on Thursday at the Eagle Square, Abuja. The party has put up an electoral panel saddled with the responsibility of conducting today’s Presidential primaries with former Minister of Education, Professor Tunde Adeniran as the Chairman. There was no record of security breach at the primaries, which was concluded at about 6.am on Friday.

Military Arrests 5 Soldiers for Alleged Laxity in Jos Killings

Military authorities handling the peace operations in Plateau State have announced the arrest of five soldiers over Tuesday’s attacks on Kuru-Tasha village in Riyom LGA of the state. The arrested soldiers shall be Court-Martialled if found truly culpable,’’ the spokesman for the Special Task Force (STF), Captain Charles Ekeocha, said. Ekeocha confirmed that the soldiers were just few metres away from the scene of the attack, but chose to be unconcerned and “refused to act as expected.” Ekeocha, however, rejected the suggestions that the soldiers took part in the killings. He also denied allegations that soldiers were using maximum force on helpless civilians and also dismissed as “simply impossible,” allegations that the soldiers were biased in the handling of the crisis.

Jonathan Gets PDP Ticket

President Goodluck Jonathan won overwhelmingly in 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory in the Thursday presidential primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to be rival former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar who won only four states. Jonathan promised not to disappoint Nigerians and the PDP by ensuring the unity of the country. He also paid tribute to his opponents Atiku Abubakar and Sarah Jibril and said he expected them to join him to build a virile nation. The president was presented alongside his deputy, to the delegates as winner by the PDP Acting Chairman, Haliru Bello Mohammed.

Troops get Order to Fire at Perpetrators of Jos Violence

Any one caught by the military in Jos, Plateau State for attempting to burn a house, church or mosque will henceforth be “brought down” on the spot by troops deployed in the state. The authorities have also taken steps to keep their house in order as five soldiers, who allegedly failed to avert an ugly incident recorded recently in the state are being investigated by the Special Task Force (STF). The STF has however condemned what it called inflammatory statements on the crisis by the major religious groups and other stakeholders in the state. STF Commander, Brig.-Gen. Hassan Umaru, confirmed that the authorities were looking into the conduct of the five soldiers because the attacks occurred at a few metres from their base.

Senate Leader, others Released as Murder Charges are Struck Out

An Iyaganku Chief Magistrate, Mrs Shakirat Badru, on Thursday in Ibadan, Oyo State, struck out the two-count charge of conspiracy and murder filed against the Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, and three others by the state Commissioner of Police and ordered their immediate release. Magistrate Badru also struck out the remand order she slammed on them and directed that the police should not re-arrest them based on the struck out charges. The striking out of the charges followed the withdrawal of the charges by the police. Folarin, and the three others were ordered remanded at Agodi prison on January 4 after they were fingered in the gruesome murder of the factional leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state, Alhaji Lateef Salako  (a.k.a Eleweomo).

NAFDAC Swoops on Fake Drugs in Benue

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), on Wednesday paid an unscheduled visit to various pharmacies and patent stores across Makurdi, in Benue state. The exercise, which the agency said was aimed at keeping it abreast of what happened at the drug stores, led to the discovery and impounding of several drugs from various shops believed to be fake and counterfeit. The director, Ports Inspections Directorate of NAFDAC, Mr Segiru Momodu, some of the drugs included Artesunat, Fansidar, Amalar, Lonart, Ampiclox, Lexotan, Ciprotab 500, Maloxine, Zinnat, Paracetamol, among others.

Police, Military Commence Joint Patrols in Plateau -CP

Police and military personnel are to begin joint special patrols to boost the security situation and restore confidence in Jos residents. Plateau Commissioner of Police, Mr Abdulraham Akano, who disclosed on Wednesday, said that the initiative would reduce the mistrust against the two security forces by residents. He advised Jos residents to ignore text messages being circulated, that six more villages would be attacked, and urged anyone who received such text message should forward it to the police for investigation. The commissioner urged residents to embrace peace through dialogue so as to end the misunderstanding among them.

13 Killed in Niger Cholera Outbreak

The death toll from cholera outbreak in Lavun and Edati LGA of Niger State has now risen to 13. Some of the affected persons were still receiving treatment at the Danchitagi Rural Health Centre, but others in critical conditions were transferred to Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Bida. Chairman of Lavun LGA, Mr Jacob Majin-gana, said he came with drugs worth to curtail the deadly outbreak in the area. Majin-Gana however advised the communities to improve on their sanitation, to avoid further outbreak of the disease.

Police Train 2,000 for Anti-Terrorism

Not less than 2,000 anti-terrorist policemen resumed training at the Police College, Kaduna, on Monday as part of efforts to checkmate the growing cases of bomb explosion in some parts of the country. Already, the college has discharged about 300 anti-terrorist police squad that participated in the three months’ training exercise recently and they have since returned to their various duty posts across the nation. Commandant of the Police College, Kaduna, Mr. Saba Ndagi, said the school has secured the necessary expertise and workers to train the anti-terrorist police squad. Besides, other police training institutions, including those in Lagos and Maiduguri, have been scheduled for the training of anti-terrorist policemen.

Gunmen Kill Policeman in Attack on Church in Maiduguri

A police constable attached to Cocin Church in Maiduguri, was shot dead on Monday night by suspected Boko Haram members. According to witnesses, the gunmen who came in a vehicle, parked close to the front of the church, opened fire at the two policemen, who were assigned to guard the church, leaving two persons injured. They are currently receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Members of the church expressed dismay over the rampant killings and burning of churches in the state, and call on the state and the Federal Government to take a decisive action to address this ugly trend.

President Signs Amended Constitution

President Goodluck Jonathan, on Monday, signed the two amended copies of the 1999 Constitution into law. The ceremony, held at the conference room of the President’s office, was described by Jonathan as “unique.” With Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark; and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole; by his side, Jonathan signed the two bills into law, congratulating Nigerians because “from 1999 to date, this is the first time that we concluded amending any part of the 1999 Constitution.”

Delegate Killed at Yobe PDP Primaries

A ward chairman delegate at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary elections in Yobe State was killed on Tuesday during a clash between supporters of two aspirants in one of the constituencies in the state. Confirming the killing, the state’s police chief, Mamman Sule, said about 593 policemen were deployed to the PDP governorship primary elections to quell violence. The police chief urged party supporters to desist from carrying arms as the law shall take its course against all offenders.

3000 More Ghost Workers Uncovered in Police

The special panel on personnel auditing in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), has reportedly identified over 3000 more ghost workers. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Hafiz Ringim, upon assumption of office had vowed to plug every existing financial loophole in the Police. He thereafter, ordered personnel auditing, following a mind bugging over-head cost he inherited. In the first two weeks of its assignment, the panel revealed that there were over 500 policemen, with no personnel records, but were drawing salaries from the purse of the organisation. The panel had three months life-span within which to complete its mandate and submit the final report.

Obasanjo Named as Special Envoy to Cote d’Ivoire

Former Nigerian president, Olusegun Obasanjo, has been appointed the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) special envoy to Cote d’Ivoire. Presidential Spokesman, Ima Niboro, confirmed the appointment, saying it was to advance the quick resolution of the crisis arising from the November 28 presidential elections. Obasanjo has visited Cote d’Ivoire, and held a private meeting with the country’s defiant president Laurent Gbagbo in a final effort to get him to cede power after losing the recent election. Gbagbo has remained in office, insisting that he won, even after the electoral commission declared Alassanne Ouattara as the winner. The international community has been unanimous in recognising Ouattara as the winner.

15 Suspected Boko Haram Members Nabbed

The police on Monday night arrested 15 suspected Boko Haram sect members following their alleged attack on a church and killing of one of the two policemen at Gomari ward in north-east city of Maiduguri, Borno State capital. The arrests, which were made in various locations of the metropolis, were led by the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Abubakar. Parading the suspects, the police chief said some of the arms recovered from the suspects include two rifles, daggers and bomb making materials comprising nails and other chemicals allegedly used in setting churches and the Gamboru Police Station ablaze.

Gang Leader Murdered in Kaduna

A group of armed youths numbering about 50 have killed one Alhaji Yahaya, also known as Bala Dogo, believed to be leader of a rival gang known as ‘Yan Daba’. The deceased’s wife, Malama Yaya, disclosed that the rival group had earlier stormed his residence before heading to his farm where he was murdered. She also said that those that perpetrated the act are known faces residing in the area. Another victim who was injured on rushing to rescue the deceased alleged that members of Ababa group killed Dogo. The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the occurrence of the clash which it said it under investigation, while it denied any knowledge of casualties.

Hisbah Official Kills Girlfriend

A man believed to be a member of the Kano State Shari’ah police (Hisbah) allegedly killed his 35-year-old girlfriend in her parents’ home on Tuesday. The suspected killer, whose name was given as Dayyabu Mohammed, had been in a relationship with the deceased, Hauwa Ibrahim, popularly known as Delu. Mohammed who is said to be a volunteer in the Hisbah corps, had gained access to Delu’s room at about dawn, after her father had left the house gate open as he left for subh prayer at a nearby mosque, said the victim’s relations. The suspect, according to the deceased’s father, Malam Ibrahim Maitafsiri, stabbed her continuously with a knife, adding that her chest was severely pierced. Delu’s alleged that the suspect pushed her away and took to his heels as she attempted to grab him. An elder brother of the deceased, Malam Habibu Ibrahim, said the Mohammed may have been angered by Delu’s family’s refusal to allow him marry her.

Arrested Suspect Confesses to Drugging Victims

A 25-year-old man who allegedly specialises in robbing his victims of their belongings by first drugging them has been arrested by the police along Dei- Dei - Zuba road. Frank Okonkwo is presently being detained at the FCT Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) for interrogation. The suspect was reportedly driving a Jetta car when a team of policemen stopped him and discovered various kinds of ladies attires, wigs, brassieres after searching in the booth of the car. The suspect confessed that he drugs his victims by giving them fruit drinks or Power Horse drink before robbing them. The suspect said he makes his victims believe he wants to help them and later lures them to an eatery, where they are drugged.

INTERNATIONAL

Hostages Killed in Rescue Mission

Two French citizens who were kidnapped in Niger's capital were killed by their abductors during an attempted rescue mission, the French Defense Ministry said. “Two French soldiers were injured and many terrorists were killed". The two were seized by masked gunmen who burst into Le Toulousain, a restaurant owned by a French citizen, in Niamey penultimate Friday night. A witness said the bar was crowded and many people did not realize what was going on at first. A spokesman for the Ministry of Defense said it is believed that "those behind the kidnapping were probably part of al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM)." However, AQIM has not yet claimed responsibility.

Floods Claim over 500 Lives in Brazil

More than 500 people have died in floods in south-eastern Brazil. Heavy rain has brought massive mudslides down on several towns, where thousands have been made homeless. Police on Thursday, said the number of dead is likely to rise further. The death toll has now surpassed the number killed in mudslides in Caraguatatuba in Sao Paulo state in 1967, in which up to 430 people died. Many people spent Thursday scrabbling with their bare hands through debris. On her visit to the area, President Dilma Rousseff said the state would care for the victims but said stopping future tragedies would be a priority. In Sri Lanka, aid workers scrambled to help more than a million people in Sri Lanka suffering from massive flooding described by the government as the worst natural disaster since the 2004 tsunami. At least 27 people have died and 12 more are listed as missing, according to reports on Friday.

Bomber Kills 17 in Attack on Police Station

At least 17 people have been killed as a suicide car bomber rammed a heavily fortified police station in north-west Pakistan, officials say. Up to 20 others were injured in the huge blast at the Merian police station in Bannu district. Witnesses say parts of the building have collapsed, along with a mosque inside the compound. The Pakistani Taliban reportedly said they carried out the attack. Bannu is close to Pakistan's troubled tribal areas, which border Afghanistan. Police said the bomber had rammed the outer wall of the Merian police station with a car.

One Killed Policeman Shoots Christians in Egypt

A policeman fatally shot a Christian man and wounded five other Christians on Tuesday in an attack on a train in Egypt, officials said. The gunman allegedly walked up and down the length of the train, then walked back to two groups of people who were seated near each other and were both Coptic Christians, according to a witness, who was being treated for gunshot wounds to the leg and the chest. The man said in Arabic, "There is no God but God," and opened fire, she said. The shooter fled the train, but was captured later, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry said. The suspect, a deputy policeman, had boarded the train in Asiut and was en route to Bani Mazar, Menya province, where he works.

Suspect Charged in Shooting of Lawmaker

US authorities have charged a 22-year-old man over penultimate Saturday's Arizona shooting in which six people died and a congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords, was seriously wounded. Federal prosecutors charged Jared Loughner with trying to assassinate Giffords and killing two other government officials. Loughner could face the death penalty. Ms Giffords was shot in the head at a public meeting in Tucson, Arizona by the gunman, who then began shooting into the crowd. Among the dead were a nine-year-old girl and a federal judge. Local Sheriff, Clarence Dupnik, said a woman tackled the gunman as he tried to reload, snatching a magazine of bullets and two men then restrained him. Dupnik said Loughner was not cooperating and had said "not a word" to investigators.

3 Abducted in Darfur

Three helicopter crew members working for U.N. air services have been abducted by armed men in the Sudanese region of Darfur Thursday, a World Food Programme spokeswoman, disclosed. The incident happened at a landing strip in Um Shalaya, southeast of Nyala, the capital of South Darfur state. The three are Bulgarian airline employees who were contracted by the United Nations to fly humanitarian missions, Bulgarian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Vesela Tchernerva, said. UN Staff Union President, Stephen Kisambira, said that the Democratic Republic of Congo and Afghanistan "were, again, among the most dangerous areas for United Nations personnel in 2010."

Fire Outbreak Leaves 270 Homeless in China

A fire, penultimate Sunday, raced through hundreds of houses in a remote village in north-western China, leaving more than 270 people homeless in freezing temperatures, but no casualties were reported. A duty officer at the Zhouqu county government said the villagers’ houses were mostly made of wood. He added that local authorities sent tents, food and blankets to the victims to help them cope with temperatures forecast to fall to a low of 24.8 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 4 C). A county spokesman said that a short circuit in one of the houses may have started the fire and the village was without electricity.

20 Policemen Die in Attack in South Sudan

Arab tribesmen accompanied by a northern Sudanese government-backed militia killed 20 policemen and 10 civilians in the disputed region of Abyei, a southern military spokesman, Col. Philip Aguer, said. The attack came penultimate Sunday and Tuesday, as voting in Southern Sudan's weeklong referendum began. Aguer said that the Misseriya, an Arab tribe that moves its cattle herds through Abyei, attacked the village of Maker-Adhar with anti-tank weapons and artillery. Jubilant voters flooded polling stations in Southern Sudan to cast their votes. Southern Internal Affairs Minister, Gier Chuang, confirmed the attacks. At least 60 percent of registered voters needed to take part for the result to be binding. That point was reached just four days into the vote. Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir’s has offered to relieve the south from any debt burden if it votes for independence by assuming the whole $36 billion national debt.

Bomb Blasts Kill 4 Afghan Intelligence Workers

The Taliban took aim at Afghanistan's intelligence services on Wednesday, killing four people and wounding more than 30 in two separate attacks, officials said. In Kabul, a suicide bomber on a motorbike blew himself up next to a minibus carrying intelligence service employees to work, killing two and wounding 29, police and health authorities said. About an hour later in the troubled eastern province of Kunar, a remote-controlled roadside bomb killed an intelligence service colonel and his driver, and wounded two bodyguards, said Abdul Saboor Allahyar, deputy chief of Kunar's provincial police. The Taliban claimed responsibility for both attacks.

Tunisian Protesters Killed in Clashes with Police

Five people were killed in renewed clashes in Tunisia on Wednesday, witnesses said, and protesters fought with police in the capital in defiance of a curfew aimed at stemming the worst unrest in decades. Facing his most serious challenge since he came to power more than 23 years ago, President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali offered an olive branch by firing his interior minister and police chief and freeing jailed protesters. People taking part in the unrest say they are angry about unemployment, corruption and what they say is government repression. Officials say the protests have been hijacked by a minority of violent extremists who want to undermine Tunisia.

Four Killed in Clashes Between Rival Ivorian Camps

At least four people were killed in clashes Tuesday between supporters of Ivory Coast's rival presidential candidates Alassane Ouattara and incumbent Laurent Gbagbo. Both men claimed victory after a disputed November run-off. Security forces loyal to Ivory Coast’s incumbent leader, who refuses to cede power, on Tuesday fired volleys of gunshots, leaving at least four people dead after they cordoned off a large section of a neighborhood known to be his rival’s stronghold. PK 18, where the early morning raid occurred, is part of Abobo, a district that supported Alassane Ouattara. Ouattara has been recognized as the president-elect by the international community.

Basque Militants Declare Permanent Cease-Fire

The militant Basque separatist group, ETA, declared a permanent cease-fire on Monday, calling it a firm step toward ending its bloody, decades-long fight for an independent state straddling northern Spain and southwest France. Masked ETA members announced the cease-fire in a video. But they made no mention of ETA dissolving or giving up its weapons. ETA said in Monday's statement it is open to dialogue and negotiation but it also reiterated standard ETA positions, such as its belief that the Basque people have the right to decide whether to remain part of Spain or break away.

Flash Floods Kill 4 in Australia

Flash floods swept through an Australian city Monday, killing at least four people, trapping others in cars and leaving some clinging to trees as relentless rains brought more misery to a region battling its worst flooding in decades. Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Assistant Commissioner, Tom Dawson, and other officials urged residents of low-lying communities downstream from Toowoomba to immediately move to higher ground as more flash floods were possible. Australia's worst flooding in some 50 years was caused by tropical rains that fell for days, starting just before Christmas. About 1,200 homes were inundated and almost 11,000 more have water damage. Nearly 4,000 people were evacuated.

Over 70 Killed in Iranian Air Crash

At least 77 people were killed in penultimate Sunday's passenger plane crash in northwestern Iran. The Iran Air Boeing 727 crashed while attempting to land in bad weather with 106 on board, officials said. At least eight of the injured were in a critical condition. Ahmad Majidi, head of the crisis management office said that the flight had taken off from Tehran in good visibility, but by the time the plane arrived in the city of Urumiyeh, in a mountainous area, there was zero visibility due to snow and fog. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad ordered an investigation while it was reported the plane's black box flight recorder had been found.

Iran Claims Arrest of Over 10 Suspects Linked to Mossad

Iran's intelligence chief, Heidar Moslehi, said on Tuesday that more than 10 people arrested in connection with last year's killing of a nuclear physicist were linked to the Mossad and he warned that Israel's spy agency was out to roll back scientific progress in Muslim nations. He did not say exactly how many people were arrested but accused "more than 10" of them of belonging to networks linked to the Israeli agency. Israel has refused to comment on the allegations. Tehran University physics professor Masoud Ali Mohammadi was killed by a bomb-rigged motorcycle in January 2010, and in November, a pair of mysterious bomb attacks in Tehran killed one nuclear scientist and wounded another -both of whom appeared deeply involved in the country's atomic work.

Iraq Probes Fishermen Shootout with Kuwaiti Coast Guard

Iraqi fishermen killed a Kuwaiti coast guard during a shootout in an incident between the neighboring countries, Iraqi officials said on Tuesday. Tensions between Iraq and Kuwait have been strained since the 1990 invasion of Kuwait by Saddam Hussein and the narrow body of water between the two countries has yet to be clearly defined making it a lingering flashpoint. Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said his men responded by sinking the Iraqi boat. Al-Dabbagh said four Iraqi fishermen were then detained by Kuwaiti forces. Iraqi authorities are questioning another five Iraqis involved in the incident. He gave no details about how the shootout began and said "such regrettable incidents" should not affect the good relations between the two countries.