Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 21

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Abia Government Grants Amnesty to Kidnappers

The Abia State government on Monday declared amnesty for criminals who have been wrecking havoc in the state, saying that the kidnappers and armed robbers have 14 days to surrender with effect from May 17, 2010. Governor Theodore Orji said that he took the decision to follow the footsteps of the Federal Government in order to save the youths of Abia from wasting their lives in crime by giving them a new focus in life. He added that the state government has discussed with the relevant federal agencies on how to key them into the federal package with a view to rehabilitating them.

Vigilance Group Arrests 8 Kidnappers in Anambra

Eight persons suspected kidnappers have been arrested in Anambra State by the reorganised vigilance group in the state led by Chief Kenneth Okonkwo. Okonkwo, a retired Army officer, alleged while briefing newsmen in Awka that most of those in the service of the vigilance groups in the state were criminals. Okonkwo, who was newly appointed as the coordinator by the state government, said those arrested by his group would be handed over to the police for prosecution. He alleged that one of the arrested suspects abducted his two step-brothers and demanded undisclosed ransom from their father. He said he would work in liaison with the police to train the groups on how to handle fire arms, conduct and discipline.

Abia Govt Worried over Police ‘Revenge’ Mission

The Abia state government is worried by what it considered as “ill-advised vendetta mission” embarked upon by the policemen in the state resulting in molestation of people and destruction of properties. It was gathered that the police had, penultimate weekend, carried out a  reprisal attack at Osisioma, a day after a gang of armed  robbers had robbed some banks and businesses in the area, killing a police officer and destroying the  Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) stationed at the Osisioma junction. The secretary to the state government (SSG), Mazi Donatus Okorie, said that the government had invited the state Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr. Jonathan Johnson, for explanation, and the CP had assured that those who participated in the vendetta would be fished out and punished.

Kidnapped Lebanese Regain Freedom

Kidnappers on Saturday released four Lebanese seized last week in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom state. Lebanon's consul to Nigeria, Shawki Bou Nassar, confirmed that all four Lebanese nationals were freed on Saturday. Gunmen in military uniforms kidnapped the four on May 15, in an attack that left two persons dead, including a soldier and a gang member dead.

Governor Tasks FG on Security

Akwa Ibom Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, has called on the Federal Government to address the increasing security problem in the country as a priority to ensure that it does not truncate the 2011 general elections. Akpabio also advised President Goodluck Jonathan to bring the amnesty programme to a conclusive end. Akpabio charged the President to also address the issue of marginalisation in terms of resource allocation. He enjoined the FG to address the thorny issues so that the people could enjoy the dividends of democracy.

Trailer with Faulty Break Crushes 17

A trailer with a faulty brake, on Monday, crushed about 17 people to death at a police checkpoint in Awka, Anambra State. Eye witnesses said the trailer, carrying a feet container, had a faulty brake, and was running uncontrollably with its conductor shouting that the vehicle had no brake, and the driver blowing the horn relentlessly to warn of an obvious danger, but the policemen at the checkpoint with multiple barricades that turned the lane into a tiny strip could not bulge until the trailer approached the spot hitting some of the vehicles at the checkpoint. When the trailer finally pulled into a ditch, the casualties, including a policeman, lay there lifeless. The Police Public Relations Officer in the State, Emeka Chukwuemeka said only a policeman and two people died.

Gunmen Abduct Governorship Aspirant’s Mother

A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in the 2011 poll in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Iniekong Udonwa, narrowly escaped death last weekend when about six unknown gunmen shot him at his residence in Uyo and later kidnapped his mother. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Walter Rugbere, declined comment on the attack, saying he was not aware a governorship aspirant had been assaulted. However, the commissioner admitted that he was aware that a woman was abducted. Meanwhile, the state government has expressed concern over the recent spate of kidnapping in the state and condemned such acts of barbarism and kidnapping. The Assembly complex has been sealed off following the crisis.

Suspected Kidnapper Arrested as Police Rescue Kidnapped Man

Police in Rivers State on Wednesday dislodged a gang of gunmen that abducted a retired permanent secretary in the state, Chief Solomon Ordu, on May 17. The victim was rescued and one of the suspects arrested. The arrested suspect, Samuel Igwe, is said to be a kinsman of the victim. Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Rita Inoma-Abbey, said that that the suspect had confessed his role in the kidnap.

Lawmakers Impeach Akwa Ibom Speaker, Deputy

The Speaker of the Awka Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ignatius Edet, and his deputy, Obong Okon Uwah, were on Wednesday removed from their positions, and Hon. Jack Udota was elected as the Speaker pro-tempore. Chairman, House Committee on Information, Obong Asuquo Darby Udo, said 21 out of the 26 members of the Assembly signed the resolution to impeach them. Udo listed the sins of the impeached officers to include total disregard and disrespect for the rules and standing orders of the House and the Constitution of Nigeria.

Anambra Doctors Stop Work to search for Kidnapped Colleague

Doctors in Anambra State, under the aegis of National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), have left their duty posts to search for their colleague, who, they said, was kidnapped on Tuesday. The doctors said that they would not be comfortable working in the hospitals while the safety of their kidnapped colleague could not be ascertained. According to the state chairman of NARD, Dr. Timothy Mbaeri, they went to the Government House to register their displeasure and seek government protection for doctors and the entire people in the state. Dr. Joseph Abialam was said to have been kidnapped at about 7pm on Tuesday on his way home from work by gunmen.

Shell to Stop Gas Flaring

The Shell Petroleum Development Company said on Sunday that the Gbaran-Ubie Integrated Oil and Gas Project in Bayelsa State would reduce gas flaring in the state and other parts of the Niger Delta. The Project Manager, SPDC, Mr. Okechukwu Elechi, disclosed this while announcing the commencement of phased inauguration of the gas-gathering project that commenced in 2007. Elechi said the technical inauguration was to test the seamless operations of the complex components of the project. When the project becomes fully operational, it would produce one billion standard cubic feet of gas and more than 70,000 barrels of oil per day, according to sources.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

NDLEA Arrests Edo Politician

An Edo State House of Assembly 2011 aspirant has been arrested by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos. After undergoing observation, the 52-year-old politician, Eme Zuru Ayortor, excreted 100 pieces of powdery substance that tested positive to cocaine weighing 2.120kg. The quantity also makes him the highest drug ingesting suspect since January 2010. Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, assured that the Agency is determined to expose anybody dealing in narcotic drugs under any guise.

Firm Finds Huge Gas Reserve in N’Delta

Conoil Producing Limited, an indigenous petroleum, exploration and production company, has discovered huge deposits of gas in the central part of its Oil Mining Lease 136 (OML-136) in offshore western Delta of Nigeria. The well was located in a water depth of 140 metres and reached a total depth of 2,710 metres, below mean sea level. The newly-discovered gas reserve has a gross thickness in excess of 160 metres. Reports say that the production test over the lower intervals of the new pay zones yielded an impressive volume of 24.2x MMScft/d on a 36/64" choke.

Ex-Militants Pledge Maximum Support to Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan, Wednesday, got unprecedented support from the entire leadership of ex- militants in the Niger Delta region as they told him to count on their support. The spokesman of the about 100 ex-militants leaders, and President of Ijaw Youth Council, Dr. Chris Ekiyor said that the leadership of the militants has resolved to be committed to the amnesty programme. The interaction, which was at the instance of the Presidential Adviser on Niger Delta, Mr. Timi Alaibe saw the ex- militants agreeing to abide by the non-violence principle training that would be given to them in the rehabilitation camps.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Gunmen Raid Oyo Politician’s Office

Some unidentified gunmen raided the campaign office of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Bisi Ilaka. Eyewitness account revealed that the four gunmen were said to have opened fire on two of Ilaka’s aides, Sikiru Owolafe and Sikiru Afolabi, in front of the office after identifying themselves as the senatorial aspirant’s aides, and zoomed off. Efforts to get the state Police Commissioner to confirm the incident proved abortive.

Kwara Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper

The Kwara State police command has arrested a commercial motorcycle operator, Ismail Ibrahim, for allegedly attempting to kidnap a five-year-old boy. The motorcycle operator was said to have been arrested by some other motorcycle operators at Gaa-Akanbi area of the state, following an alarm raised by the mother of the boy who together with the child boarded the motorcycle. The state Police Commissioner, Muhtari Ibrahim, while parading the suspect, said that the police investigation revealed that the suspect sped off with the boy while his mother had alighted from the motorcycle. However, the suspect said he did not intend to kidnap the boy, claiming that he did not know that the mother had alighted from the motorcycle.

American Jailed 26 Years for Currency Trafficking

An American woman was jailed for 26 years on Wednesday by the Federal High Court in Lagos, three months after she was caught with fake cheques at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos. Miss Sharon Denis Thorpe was arraigned on a 13-count charge of forgery and currency trafficking, alongside her Nigerian boyfriend and accomplice, Kehinde Musediku. Miss Thorpe pleaded guilty to the charge and was convicted accordingly. But her accomplice pleaded not guilty and was ordered remanded in prison custody. The trial Judge, while passing the sentence, noted that each of the counts carries a maximum of 21 years imprisonment, but because the convict was remorseful, she was sentenced to two years imprisonment in each of the 13 counts, to run concurrently from the day she was arrested.

Four Arrested over Attack on LG Boss

Chairman of Ise Emure LGA of Ekiti state, Mr Sesan Ariwaji, on Sunday narrowly escaped death, following a head injury he sustained during an attack on him and other members of the Peoples Democratic Party in the area by suspected party thugs. It was gathered that the incident was as a result of the factional crisis in the PDP in the area. However, luck ran against them when officials of the council accosted the hoodlums and demanded explanation, this incident led to minor scuffle, which led to the arrest of four. The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mohammed Jimoh, confirmed the attack and arrest of four.

Septuagenarian, 6 Others Nabbed by NDLEA

A 78-year-old man, Sanni Aratanya, and six members of his family have been arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ondo State for being in possession of Indian hemp weighing three tonnes. A 45-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Niran Adelagun, was amongst those arrested. Commander of the agency in the state, Walter Nicholas, urged the state government to act fast as a survey had revealed that the state was leading in the cultivation of Indian hemp in Nigeria as 60 percent of the drug currently being produced in the country. While Adelagun admitted ownership of some of the bags of the Indian hemp, Aratanya and other suspects, claimed they knew nothing about it.

Party Thugs Clash in Oyo Leaves 10 Injured

Oyo State Deputy governor, Taofeek Arapaja had to be spirited out of a rally of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan on Thursday as political thugs clashed, leaving about 10 of the thugs injured. Men of the State Security Services (SSS) in a white Peugeot mini bus had hectic time controlling the hoodlums and they had to fire several gunshots to dislodge the thugs. Dangerous weapons such as cutlasses, and broken bottles were freely used in the melee. The state police command confirmed the injury of only one of the thugs, while a young man was arrested.

GENERAL

Police Cannot Guarantee Security –Minister

The Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Adamu Mina Waziri, has raised the alarm on a possible breach of law and order during the 2011 general election, stressing that the Police might not be able to meet the challenge without adequate funding. The minister, who lamented that the police were yet to receive their allocation for the second quarter of this year totalling N26 billion, said that the situation, if allowed to continue, would lower the morale of policemen and affect maintaining of law and order during the next general election. The minister expressed delight that police had started undergoing a process of reform. He emphasised the need for a synergy of efforts between the police and the National Assembly in ensuring adequate security in Nigeria.

Auto Crashes Kills 6 In Zamfara, Kaduna

Eight people lost their lives, while 38 others sustained serious injuries in two ghastly motor accidents in Zamfara and Kaduna on Thursday. The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Unit Commander of Kaura-Namoda Zone, Mr Sani Abdulsamad, disclosed that 6 traders were killed in Zamfara on their way to Kaura-Namoda. He said the accident occurred when an articulated vehicle carrying 82 passengers skidded off the road and somersaulted. He said the driver, who was alleged to be over-speeding lost control after a burst tyre on reaching a narrow bend. Similarly, a petrol tanker killed two persons in Kaduna, a commercial motorcyclist and an Indian. According to an eye witness, the motorcyclist got frightened by a donkey and the tanker coming from their back hit them.

Niger Police Arrest Suspected Cultists

Four suspected student cultists have been arrested at the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) by the Niger State Police Command. According to the state Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Michael Zuokumor, the cultists were involved in bloody clash which left one member seriously injured. Mr Zuokumor said the suspects had made confessional statements and were subsequently taken to court where they were denied bail. The police commissioner also announced the arrest of a woman, Aisha Mustapha and two men, Lawal Mohammed and Sani Alto, over alleged attempted kidnapping and extortion. He said the suspects had sent text messages to one Tijani, demanding that he deposited N10 million in a new generation bank in Minna or he would be kidnapped and assassinated.

Mutilated Body of 15-Year-Old Dumped at Riverbank

The dismembered body of a 15-year-old boy, Mustapha Alhaji Bako, was discovered at a river bank along Lagos Street in Maiduguri, Borno state, in what is suspected to be a ritual murder. Mustapha was said to have gone to the river on Friday afternoon from his residence at Fizan ward in the metropolis to swim. However, his parents reportedly became worried when they could not trace the whereabouts of their son and had to lodge complaints at the GRA Police Station. Some residents of the area claimed the murder of Mustapha was the second of such killing in the recent times suspected to be for ritual purposes. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Isa Azare, confirmed the incident.

15 Suspects Arrested for Sectarian Killings

Fifteen suspects were arrested on Saturday after three people were killed in a fresh outbreak of violence in Jos, according to Colonel Kayode Ogundele, the operations director of a special military unit in central Plateau State. Three Muslim Fulani herdsmen died on Saturday in attacks believed to have been launched by Christian ethnic Beroms, just days after authorities lifted a curfew in the area. The three were reportedly searching for lost cattle when dozens of youths murdered them before setting the bodies on fire. Muslim Hausa-Fulani herdsmen in March launched a wave of attacks on five Christian Berom villages, slaughtering more than 500 people according to officials. Local rights groups say 1,500 people have died in sectarian violence in the region since the start of this year alone.

Kidnappers Abduct Russian Sailors, Demand Ransom

Two Russian sailors abducted from their ship off Cameroon are in good health and may have been taken by their captors to neighbouring Nigeria, according to the ship's owner and the Seafarers' Union of Russia. Unidentified gunmen attacked the Greek-owned cargo ship on May 16 while it was at anchor off the port of Douala, taking the captain and chief engineer. The pirates also attacked a nearby Lithuanian vessel, seizing that ship's captain and robbing its safe. Vadim Ivanov, spokesman for the Seafarers' Union of Russia, confirmed speaking with the captain on phone. It is alleged that the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) are responsible for the kidnap and are demanding a ransom for their liberation.

Car Crash Claims DPO in Katsina

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Faskari LGA of Katsina State, DSP Frederic Abutu, has died in an accident involving his car and a Bus, penultimate Saturday, along the Funtua-Sokoto road. It was gathered that the late DPO lost control and hit two pedestrians that sustained various degree of injuries before he had a head-on collusion with the bus. Eyewitnesses said it took the combined efforts of the Federal Road Safety Commission officers and other passers-by to rescue other persons affected by the accident. The Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Suleiman Isiyaku, confirmed the death.

IGP Approves Promotion of 46,220

The Inspector -General of Police, Mr. Ogbonna Onovo, has approved the promotion of 46, 220 police officers, who successfully completed a recent promotion course. A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, on Tuesday, explained that the promotion took effect from May 1, 2010. Onovo, who also ordered the state police commands in the South- East to crackdown on suspected kidnappers and other criminals, enjoined the elevated policemen to see their promotion as a challenge to re-dedicate themselves to the service of their fatherland.

NCAA Alerts Nigerian Travelers on Volcanic Ash

Nigerian Civil  Aviation Authority (NCAA), has urged  intending passengers  travelling  to Europe,   particularly  UK, Ireland  and some  Scandinavian countries  to  contact their travel agents who would advise them  on when to travel as volcanic ash has prompted European aviation authorities to close some airports and airspaces deemed dangerous for flight operations. Some aviation authorities in Europe have been closing airports in different countries in accordance to the movement of the volcanic ash which erupted from the Eyjafjallajokull Volcano in Iceland and have been spreading all over Europe.

Road Accident Claims 11 in Sokoto

No fewer than 11 people perished in a ghastly motor accident in Sokoto State on Monday, while nine others sustained various degrees of injuries. The accident involving a lorry and a bus, occurred when the bus was going to Gusau, Zamfara State had a head-on collision with the tipper that was heading to Sokoto. Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC Sokoto, Aliyu Datsama, confirmed the incident. According to him, the tipper driver disappeared from the scene of the accident

Jonathan Appoints New NNPC GMD, Others

President Goodluck Jonathan, Monday, relieved Alhaji Shehu Ladan of his duties as the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The corporation’s Group Executive Director, Refineries and Petrochemicals Mr. Austin Oniwon, was appointed as his replacement. Also, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe was named Chief of Staff to the President; Mallam Hassan Tukur, Principal Secretary, and Ima Niboro, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity. No reason was given for the changes in the statement issued by Niboro.

NCAA Stops Aero’s Fuel Surcharge Plan

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has stopped Aero Contractors airline from introducing fuel surcharge that would be added to the air fare of passengers. Aero had recently announced that it had introduced N500 fuel surcharge in response to the increase in aviation fuel prices by oil marketers, promising to withdraw the charges anytime the marketers review the cost of aviation fuel downwards. The airline said it had also introduced N300 cash handling fee for customers that book flights at the ticketing offices, thereby urging prospective passengers to book their flights online. The Director-General of NCAA, Dr. Harold Demuren, said the agency had summoned Aero to stop the surcharge forthwith, as the surcharge was considered arbitrary.

Sambo Resumes Office as VP

Vice president Namadi Sambo, Thursday, resumed office at the Aso rock presidential villa following his inauguration on Wednesday. Sambo was welcomed on arrival by a waiting delegation led by the secretary to the government of the federation, Alhaji Ahmed Mahmoud Yayale. Meanwhile, former deputy governor, Patrick Yakowa, was also sworn in as governor of Kaduna state by the state chief Judge, Justice Rahila Cudjoe, following the elevation of Sambo as Vice President.

Kenny Martins Remanded in Custody as Surety is Discharged

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, Thursday, remanded the National Coordinator of the Police Equipment Foundation (PEF), Kenny Martins, in prison custody. The court also discharged his surety, Dele Obaje Jacobs, who applied to be relieved from being Martins; surety. In view of the above, the court remanded the accused in prison custody until he provided another surety in the same condition with the one that was discharged. The court also ordered the release of title documents of landed property of the discharged surety to Jacobs.

Airlines Decry Infrastructural Decay at Airports

Airline Operators of Nigerian (AON) has condemned the infrastructural decay and incessant power outages at the airports in the country, noting that besides huge economic losses, the national embarrassment these obsolete facilities have caused, they are also a threat to safety. Reacting to the last week’s power outage that struck the nation’s busiest airport, the Murtala ­have wondered many times whether we are really serious about improving aviation in this country. Last week this country was embarrassed with the loss of electricity at Nigeria’s premier airport, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport for three hours. Air travel was completely halted for this period of time.

Customs to Shoot Fleeing Smugglers at Borders

Following constant refusal of smugglers on the borders between Nigeria, Cameroun, and Niger Republic to stop as requested by men of the Nigeria Customs service for checks, the Borno and Yobe states Area Command has said that those who refuse to obey stop orders would be risking their lives as their men are ready to shoot any fleeing smuggler. The Area Comptroller, Ikpebe Ataa Lawrence, said though his men would be cautious with using their firearms, they would use it when provoked as the last resort to demobilize the smugglers in order to arrest and arraign them before a competent court of law. He said the command was adopting the drastic measures because smugglers deliberately refuse to obey stop and search.

Kebbi Awards Earth Dams Contract to Curb Farmers, Nomads’ Clashes

Kebbi State Government has awarded 13 earth dams contract in order to prevent frequent clashes between farmers and cattlemen in the state. Senior Special Adviser to Governor Saidu Dakingari on Fulani and Nomadic Matters , Alhaji Nasiru Masama,  who disclosed this, said the earth dams  contract was awarded at a cost between N60 million and N250 million depending on the size. According to Masama, government believed that without earth dams, the fight between farmers and cattlemen in the state will continue.  The senior special adviser also revealed that the state government has awarded the contract for 68 additional nomadic primary schools across the state in order to encourage their children to go to school.

Pharmacists to Prosecute Unlicensed Medicine Vendors

The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) has said it will continue to prosecute unlicensed medicine vendors. The PCN Registrar, Ahmed Mora, said this, penultimate Saturday after a two-day training programme for pharmacists in Yobe State. Mora said the action would be to check the proliferation of fake drugs and unauthorised medicine vendors in the country. According to him, the Council has directed that all vendors must register with it while their businesses must satisfy all guidelines before they are issued license to operate, adding that the Council had entered into dialogue with various government agencies to protect licensed vendors from harassment.

INTERNATIONAL

Opposition Leader, Journalists Arrested in Sudan

Authorities in Sudan have arrested Islamist opposition leader Hassan al-Turabi and closed his newspaper, sparking a furious reaction from the country's opposition. Also, the paper's editor-in-chief, Abuzerr Ali al-Amin, said that he had been detained, alongside two other journalists from the paper. A coalition of 17 opposition parties has threatened to take to the streets to demand freedom and bring down the regime of President Omar al-Bashir. Turabi, once Al-Bashir's mentor but now one of his fiercest critics, had denounced last month's elections as fraudulent and said his party would not join a future government. Al-Bashir was declared winner in Sudan's first multi-party polls since 1986 which were marred by an opposition boycott, logistical problems and accusations of fraud.

24 Die in Somali Battles

Insurgents, last weekend, pounded heavy shelling on Somalia's capital, killing about 24 people and wounding dozens, as lawmakers passed a vote of no confidence in the government. Speaker Sheikh Aden Madobe said he had called on the country's president to form a new government. Islamist insurgents, who have fought a three-year war against the fragile interim government, launched their attack from their stronghold in Mogadishu's main Bakara market, triggering return shellfire from African Union peacekeepers, ambulance services coordinator Ali Muse said. He added that the death toll was expected to rise.

15 Killed as India Braces for Fierce Storm

Heavy rains and strong winds killed at least 15 people on Wednesday in India, including four workers, authorities said. Cyclone Laila slammed into the south Indian coast on Thursday, battering the region with heavy rains and winds up to 90 kilometres per hour, and uprooting trees and electric lines. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, K. Rosaiah, said that the cyclone appeared to be weakening, though it still could cause widespread damage. The state had evacuated more than 50,000 people as it braced for its worst storm in 14 years. At least 55 fishermen were reported missing. More than 10,000 people died when Andhra Pradesh was struck by its worst cyclone in 1977

Gunmen Rain Bullets on British Family in Pakistan

A British couple and their daughter were, on Thursday, shot dead at a cemetery in Pakistan as part of a family feud while visiting the country for a wedding, Pakistani district police officer, Tariq Abbas Qureshi, said. Five gunmen opened fire, killing the couple and their daughter in a hail of bullets at Mararian village. One of the gunmen was also killed and one was arrested, but three others were on the run. The British High Commission in Islamabad confirmed that three British citizens were killed on Thursday, saying it was offering consular assistance to the family and was in touch with Pakistani authorities.

Uniformed Men Behead Cleric in Iraq

An Iraqi police official says assailants wearing Iraqi military uniforms beheaded a Sunni cleric and displayed his head on an electricity pole in the town where he preached against al-Qaida. The police official says four gunmen stormed the house of Abdullah Jassim Shakour Monday morning and beheaded him in the town of Sadiyah, north of Baghdad. The cleric's son Mohammed says the gunmen took his father into a room and killed him, before walking away with his head.

Turkish Coal Mine Explosion Traps 25

An explosion ripped through a coal mine in northern Turkey on Monday, trapping up to 25 workers, the country's labour minister said. The blast took place at the Karadon mine near the Black Sea port of Zonguldak. There was no immediate word on its cause. It was the third mine accident in Turkey in the past six months. Minister Omer Dincer, who gave the figure for the missing workers, said that authorities are trying to reach them. Engineer Husnu Unal said eight other workers who had been underground were rescued. Safety violations and outdated equipment have been factors in past mine accidents in Turkey.

Islamic Cleric Killed in Afghanistan

An influential Muslim cleric, his brother and a driver were killed in an ambush in eastern Afghanistan, authorities said Monday. Gul Rahman and the two men were killed Sunday evening, said Edress Gharwal, governor spokesman for Kunar province. They were killed by those who are against peace and stability, Gharwal said. Rahman is an ex-Islamic Party member and influential in the province. He joined the government and was instrumental in pushing for peace and stability in the country through a reconciliation program. The Interior Ministry is investigating.

Philippine Governor, 5 Others Killed in Air Crash

The governor of a northern province in the Philippines and five other people died Monday when their helicopter crashed south of Manila. The helicopter carrying Rafael Nantes, the governor of Quezon, and the others crashed in a residential area in Lucena City, burning two houses, an army official said. The preliminary cause of the crash is mechanical failure, reports say.

19 Killed in Kabul Suicide Bombing

A suicide car bomb that targeted a NATO convoy in the Afghan capital, Kabul, has killed at least 19 people, including six foreign soldiers, and injured 52 more. The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack. It is the deadliest attack this year on foreign forces in the capital. The ISAF (NATO-led) convoy was attacked on the Darulaman road, one of the main roads in the city. An ISAF spokesman confirmed that six of its soldiers were killed. NATO Chief, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, condemned the attack, but said the alliance remained "committed to its mission to protect the Afghan people and to strengthen Afghanistan's ability to resist terrorism".

German Hostages Freed by Saudi Forces in Yemen

Saudi security forces have freed two German girls kidnapped in Yemen last year. The two children were part of a family of five, kidnapped along with another four people, almost 12 months ago. Two German nurses and a South Korean were found dead shortly afterward. The girls were found in the disputed border region between Yemen and Saudi Arabia, a statement said. The condition of the remaining hostages is unknown. The girls were in relatively good health, German Foreign Minister, Guido Westerwelle, disclosed. They were kidnapped while on a picnic in the northern region of Saada in June last year.

Warship Destroys Pirate Boats

A Royal Navy warship on NATO anti-piracy operations has destroyed two pirate boats in the Somali Basin, NATO has said. HMS Chatham's helicopter spotted a larger vessel towing the two attack boats in the Somali Basin, on 14 May, it said. Ten Somalis surrendered and the two smaller boats were destroyed. Commander Simon Huntington, commanding officer of Devonport-based HMS Chatham, said the warship had "successfully disrupted a pirate attack group operating in the Somali Basin and prevented them from mounting attacks against merchant shipping".

France Releases Killer of Iran's Last Premier

An Iranian assassin who killed the country's last prime minister under its ousted shah was freed from a French prison on Tuesday. Ali Vakili Rad was convicted of killing Shahpour Bakhtiar in 1991. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast welcomed Vakili Rad's expected return. Vakili Rad is regarded as a hero by Iran's leaders for killing someone they considered a counter revolutionary. He is the second Iranian freed by France in less than two weeks, leading to speculation that France struck a deal with Iran in exchange for a young lady who was convicted by Iran of spying and jailed to 10 years in prison. French officials have denied any deal to obtain the liberation of Clotile Reiss, who returned to France on Sunday after her sentence was replaced with a fine of 3 billion rials ($300,000).

Thai Ends Operation as Redshirt Leaders Surrender

The Thai army has declared an end to the operation against anti-government protesters, in a violence that led to the death of at least 83 people and injuring about 250 others in two months. Seven leaders of the Red Shirt protest movement surrendered on Wednesday after the army stormed their encampment, killing two protesters and an Italian photographer. The Red Shirt leaders said they are ending their sit-in to prevent more deaths. Soldiers have been shooting live rounds to keep protesters at a distance, as Renegade Thai General, Khattiya Sawasdipol, died on Monday, five days after being shot as he spoke to reporters about his backing for the protest movement. Thailand's prime minister promised an independent probe into the protests, and called for reconciliation to heal deep political divisions.

Insurgents Launch Assault on Bagram Air Field

Insurgents launched a brazen pre-dawn assault Wednesday against the giant U.S.-run Bagram Air Field, the second Taliban strike at NATO forces in and around the capital in as many days. At least 10 insurgents have been killed and seven U.S. service members have been wounded so far in the attack on Bagram, said Maj. Virginia McCabe, a spokeswoman for U.S. forces at Bagram. The attack came a day after a suicide bomber struck a U.S. convoy in the capital of Kabul, killing 18 people. The Taliban claimed responsibility for both the Kabul bombing and the attack at Bagram. Taliban spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, said 20 suicide attackers were involved.

Pirates Pleads Guilty to Seizing US Merchant Ship

A Somali man has pleaded guilty in a New York court to seizing a US ship and kidnapping its captain last year. Abdiwali Abdiqadir Muse now faces a minimum of 27 years in prison. Muse is the only surviving attacker of the Maersk Alabama merchant ship off Somalia's coast in April 2009. He was captured by the US Navy, whose sharpshooters killed three other pirates trying to escape on a lifeboat, saving the captain. Prosecutors described Muse as the ringleader of a gang of four pirates. A criminal complaint also said Muse was the first to board the vessel, firing his AK-47 assault rifle at Captain Richard Phillips. A senior Somali official says security forces in the Puntland region have arrested 12 pirates. Abdi Hirsi Qarjab, the governor of Nugal region, says the gang was arrested Tuesday in an operation to crack down on pirates.

44 Feared Killed in Afghan Plane Crash

An airplane with 44 people on board has crashed in the mountains of Afghanistan, an Afghan government spokesman said Monday. The plane was carrying 38 passengers and six crew members when it crashed en route from Kunduz to Kabul, said Raz Mohammad Alami of the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation. Several non-Afghans were on the plane, which has not yet been found, said Zemarai Basharay, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry. Minister of transport and aviation and his deputy went there to investigate, but the search has been hampered by rain and adverse weather conditions.

Arrested Al-Qaeda Member Admits Plan to Bomb World Cup

An alleged al-Qaeda militant detained in Iraq has given details about a plan he had to attack the World Cup in South Africa next month. The Saudi man, Abdullah Azam Saleh al-Qahtani, said that he had suggested an attack on the Dutch and Danish teams in revenge for cartoons drawn of the Prophet Muhammad. But he said senior al-Qaeda leaders had not yet approved the plan. On Monday, Iraqi police claimed to have prevented an attack on the World Cup. Mr Qahtani was arrested by the Iraqi authorities on 3 May. FIFA has said it will not comment on any specific or potential threats to the World Cup. South African police spokesman, Vish Naidoo, said South African police had only heard about the plan through the media that he had not received any information from the Iraqi authorities.

Bodies of Slain Men Found in Juarez

The decapitated bodies of two men, showing signs of torture, were found early Sunday in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Their hands and feet had been bound with duct tape, attorney general's office spokesman Arturo Sandoval said. Investigators were still working on identifying the victims, Sandoval said. The killings were the latest in a nearly four-year-old eruption of drug-related violence in Juarez and surrounding Chihuahua State. The body of another man was found Sunday morning dumped in front of a church in the Valley of Juarez two miles outside Juarez proper, Sandoval said. On Friday in the Valley of Juarez, six men were killed after they were shot by assailants and their van crashed into a kindergarten, municipal police department spokesman Jacinto Seguro said. At least 883 people have been killed in drug-fueled violence in Juarez this year, officials say.