Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 24

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Amnesty for Kidnappers in Abia Sabotaged

A repentant kidnapper in Abia state was, last weekend, gunned down by soldiers on his way to the camp for surrendering of arms and registration of the repentant criminals for rehabilitation in line with the amnesty offered by the state. The Commissioner for Justice and chairman of the amnesty committee, Chief Umeh Kalu, expressed disappointment, saying that the amnesty programme was sabotaged by highly placed persons in the society. The public relations officer of the state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Soji Alabi, who was on the team that went to receive the kidnappers, also confirmed the development, saying that the mission has therefore been called off.

Robbers Threaten Aba Banks

A rash of security beef up has commenced at commercial banks in Umuahia, the capital of Abia state, following a threat letter allegedly sent by armed robbers asking the banks to prepare to be invaded like it happened in Aba recently. Similar letter and subsequent armed robbery attacks on commercial banks in Aba caused the banks to close shops. Banks in Umuahia have beefed up security around their premises, even to the discomfort of their customers, who are subjected to serious security scrutiny before being allowed into the bank halls. It would be recalled that when the criminals allegedly wrote some banks in Aba informing them that they were coming for a nefarious visit the threat letters were ignored and the armed robbers eventually invaded the banks, carting away huge sums of money.

Students Want FG to Relocate Ex-Militants Camp

The National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) has issued a one-week ultimatum to the FG to relocate the rehabilitation camp for ex-militants at Aluu community, near the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, in order to avert unpleasant consequences. NANS also called on government to release, without further delay, some students of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, whom they said were being unlawfully detained by police at the prison in the state. The National President of NANS, Mr. Jude Imagwe, condemned the high level of atrocities allegedly committed by some of the ex-militants against female students and lecturers living close to the rehabilitation centre.

Police Nab Suspected Cultist in Rivers

Rivers State Command has arrested three youths suspected to be members of notorious cult groups in Mgbede community in Ogba/Egbema Ndoni LGA of the state. The suspects were arrested with pump action and AK-47 rifles. Due to their activities, it was gathered that the traditional chiefs and some residents have fled the community for safety. The state police command invaded the area on Monday and arrested the suspects. The State Police spokesperson, Mrs. Rita Inoma-Abbey, confirmed the arrest and said that the police were still investigating the matter with a view to arresting more suspects. She warned youths to desist from violent acts and harassing innocent persons or face the wrath of security agents.

Navy Nabs Oil Thieves in Calabar

A gang involved in the theft of petroleum products has been smashed in Calabar by the Nigerian Navy (NN) Victory. Two of the suspects were arrested with two big wooden boats loaded with 200 drums of 200 litres per drum, 55 Jerry-cans of 50 litres each and a small boat loaded with a tool box, 200 metres long hose and a small pump engine. The Commanding Officer NNS Victory, Commodore Jeremiah Jatau explained that the navy had an intelligence report on the activities of the suspects and followed it up, penultimate Saturday to make the arrest.

FG Deploys 1000 Mobil Police in Abia

The federal government has stepped into the insecurity problem in Abia state with the Nigeria Police high command launching “Operation Ihe” (operation light), flooding the state with over 1,000 additional mobile policemen. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of Operations, Mr. John Ahmadu, said that the reinforcement was necessitated by the worsening security situation in the state. According to him, the over 1000 armed policemen would team up with those already on ground to pacify Abia and restore peace.

Police Parades 5 Suspected Kidnappers in Enugu

Enugu State Police Command, Tuesday, paraded five suspected kidnappers that allegedly abducted the South East Regional Manager of  a bank, Mr. Uba Anichebe,  in December last year. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mgbakor Ogugua, who paraded the suspects, said the gang had been involved in ransom kidnapping within the state. According to him, items recovered from them included one cut to size single barrel gun. But one of them, Dominic Owoh, confessed to journalists that that he was misled by his friend who pushed him into the business.

Akwa Ibom Police Parade Kidnap Suspects, Others

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command on Wednesday paraded 20 suspected kidnappers, armed robbers and Internet fraudsters. The Police also rescued one a lecturer who was kidnapped by gunmen on his way to the office. The state Police Commissioner, Mr. Walter Rugbere, revealed that one locally-made pistol was recovered, alongside the sum of N2.7 million from a gang of armed robbers. The suspects were said to have been arrested by the Police in collaboration with the vigilance group in the community where they robbed.  Others paraded were six members of a gang who raped a lady in Orua Anam Local Council.

Varsity Probes Student’s Death

The Senate of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has set up a panel to investigate the death of a student, Joseph Bassey, following a brawl with members of the Man’O’War. The late Bassey had promised to offer admission to a prospective student and collected an amount of money but never delivered on his promise, and also failed to refund the money paid, prompting the intending student to involve the Man ‘O’ War. This resulted in a fight and Bassey was hit on the head with an object, resulting in his death. The second-in-command of the Man ‘O’ War has been handed over the Police for interrogation, alongside a fake policeman who accompanied the deceased to retrieve his phone seized by a Man ‘O’ War leader on campus, according to the University Spokesman, Williams Wodi.

Cultists on Rampage in Awka

Series of clashes by rival cult groups in Awka, Anambra state have allegedly led to the death of four persons in four days, last week. The state police command has dispatched police detectives to all areas of the town in order to fish out the suspected cultists. The Police Public Relations Officer, Emeka Chukwuemeka, who confirmed the activities of the cultists, could only confirm one death. Eyewitness account said the presence of cultists have caused pandemonium as people ran helter-skelter for cover as dangerous weapons including pump action guns, have been freely used.

Nnewi Residents Want Mass Transfer of Police Officer over Insecurity

Professional bodies and residents in Nnewi, Anambra State have appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ogbonna Onovo, to effect massive transfer of policemen in the state, if the battle against kidnapping is to succeed. Rising from a stakeholders’ meeting, the people alleged that many policemen have become collaborators in the unfortunate incidence of kidnapping. They added that only a set of policemen genuinely interested in fighting crime should be brought to the state. Meanwhile, the IGP has ordered the interrogation of two Police officers, who are said to be conspirators in kidnapping in Anambra State. It was gathered that the officers have also assisted kidnappers with useful information on the activities and plans of the Police to thwart their kidnappings.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

3 Killed in Edo as Farmers Battle over Land

Three persons were killed and 13 injured in Edo State on Monday as farmers from Orhionmwon LGA were attacked by their neighbours in Mosogar/Ovade community of Delta State. Trouble started when some indigenes from Ovade/Mosogar, armed with dangerous weapons, ordered the Edo farmers, who were working on a piece of land, to leave the land. But the Edo farmers resisted, insisting that they were the rightful owners of the land, serving as a forest reserve for the oil-bearing council in Edo State. A fierce fight erupted between residents of both communities. It took the intervention of some policemen and elders in Edo State to momentarily bring the tensed atmosphere under control.

Navy Arrests Illegal Bunkering Suspects in Warri

Nigerian Naval Ship (NNS Delta) has promised to make life uncomfortable for illegal bunkerers and saboteurs of oil and gas facilities in the Niger-Delta waterways. The Commanding Officer, Commodore Henry Babalola, gave the assurance on Wednesday, while parading some illegal bunkering suspects in Warri, Delta State. He expressed delight that the operation of the naval command meant to stem the tide of oil theft had begun to yield positive result. It was reliably gathered that suspected stolen crude could fill seven about 30,000-litre capacity tankers, that is, approximately 200, 000 litres lifted by the suspects. Babalola disclosed that the operation of the suspects was checkmated following intelligence report of suspicious movements around the Gbekebor creek in Burutu LGA.

MEND Claims Clash with JTF

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Thursday, claimed its men clashed with soldiers of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Ogulagha, Delta State. But JTF Spokesman, Lt. Colonel Timothy Antigha, dismissed the claim as lies, saying none of its personnel or unit clashed with any militant group. MEND’s spokesperson, Gbomo Jomo, said on their website that the firefight started when his men encountered a JTF patrol team, and that the battle lasted for over 30 minutes, during which, he claimed that they killed four soldiers and wounded others. MEND has declared that it doubts President Jonathan’s resolve to address the “injustice” in the Niger Delta and warned that it might resume hostilities due to alleged failure of the FG to continue negotiations with its nominated Aaron Team.

Oba of Benin Deploys Voodoo Priests to Curse Kidnappers

The fight against kidnapping and other related crimes took a another dimension in Benin, on Thursday, as voodoo priests, herbalists and traditional worshippers trooped out in en-masse to place curses on perpetrators of the evil acts. The Oba of Benin, Omo ‘N Oba ‘N Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, has recently called a meeting with the traditional stakeholders and  directed them to set aside Thursday and Friday to curse  kidnappers. Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Priest of Benin, Chief Nosakhare Isekhure, said the purpose was to ensure that peace reigns in the land.

Shell Workers Protest in Warri, Demand Pay Increase

Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) pipeline security workers have staged a peaceful protest in Warri, demanding salary increment and better working condition. The workers also gave a 7-day ultimatum to address their plight else they stay out of work indefinitely.  They also want the company to pay them their January 2010 salary. They are asking for salary increment from the N15, 000 monthly pay, which dates backs to over 15 years.

Dubai Revokes Ibori’s Bail

The government of United Arab Emirate has revoked the bail granted Former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, and would keep him in custody pending the result of his extradition hearing in Dubai. Ibori was arrested again on arrival at the police headquarters while the bail was revoked by authorities for the fear that he could run away, after some of his associates were convicted in London. Ibori fled Nigeria to escape arrest from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over money laundering charges and was nabbed in Dubai by agents of INTERPOL based on an international arrest warrant issued by the United Kingdom government due to money laundering charges.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

NAFDAC Arrests Suspected Importers of Fake Drugs

The National Agency for Foods Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confiscated N500 million worth of several consignments of fake anti-malarial drugs and anti-biotic from China at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and arrested a Nigerian syndicate involved. Director General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, said the fake drugs were imported from Hong Kong, China, aboard Qatar Cargo Airline between May 8 and 27, 2010 on five different flights of five separate consignments totaling 54 large packages consigned to Bubic Nigeria Limited and Dubic Nigeria Limited, all in Lagos. The NAFDAC boss further explained that the agency is on the trail of the unidentified importers.

Rape Cases on the Increase in Ilorin

The Kwara State police command has alerted the public in Ilorin to the increasing rate of rape cases in the state. The police statistics in the state from January till date showed that the ‘C’Division of the command in Ilorin has the highest rate, recording 10 cases. The latest being the case of a 22-year- old man who, on Wednesday, allegedly raped a four-year-old girl and abandoned her in a culvert. The father of the victim was said to have alerted the police and the suspect was promptly arrested. The suspect, confessing to the act, blamed the devil. The police spokesman in the state, Ezekiel Dabo, said that the police would work to flush out the culprits from the state. He urged parents and guardians to meticulously monitor the movement of their female children to prevent them against rape.

Man Nabbed with Fresh Human Parts

The Lagos State Police command has arrested a 30-year old man, Femi Ade, who deals on human parts. Ade was arrested with the dismembered remains of a female teenager that was exhumed from a cemetery, 12 hours after it was interred. Ade confessed to have worked at the cemetery as a security man, and that he was the one who advised the deceased parents to bury her at the cemetery. The state police spokesman, Frank Mba, explained that policemen attached to Ojo Division while on stop and search mission on June 3, sighted a man on an unregistered motorcycle, with a black nylon bag and the policemen flagged him down to discover the human parts. Femi claimed the human parts were given to him by a staff at the cemetery to take to an herbal mixture seller he identified as Lanre, at Ojo market.

Police Dismiss Trigger Happy Officer

The Ogun State Police Command has dismissed the constable who illegally shot a Ghanaian, Mr. Jubril Rasheed, at a Police Station in the state. The constable was dismissed, penultimate Friday, having been found guilty after an Orderly Room Trial. Head of investigations, Mr. T.Y Omojola, during the visit, assured the officials of the Ghanaian Embassy that the police would ensure that justice is done, assuring that if the suspect was found guilty, he would be dismissed and charged to court for attempted murder. The constable, in company of his colleague, had gone to arrest Rasheed’s brother, Farouk, for allegedly befriending a lady. They did not meet Farouk and decided to arrest Jubril, only for the constable to shoot him at the police station. Jubril is still recuperating at the hospital.

30 Hospitalised in Ibadan after Yam and Melon Meal

At least 30 people were on Monday hospitalized in Ibadan, Oyo State, shortly after eating wraps of pounded yam with melon soup, suspected to have contained poison. The victims were said to have attended a chieftaincy title coronation where the food was served. Shortly after eating the food, all the victims were said to have started complaining of stomach ache and at the same time vomiting. It was gathered that majority of the victims were allegedly invited to the party by a woman identified as Mama Afeez and wife of one of the men being conferred with a traditional title. Mama Afeez, who volunteered to cook the food, was said to have taken to her heels shortly after the incident.  The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olabisi Okuwobi, said the command had not been briefed on the incident.

Police Foil Attempted Kidnap in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has smashed a criminal gang and aborted a plan by a gang of kidnappers allegedly deployed from the Niger Delta to kidnap the son of a bank executive. State Commissioner of Police (CP), Marvel Akpoyibo, made this disclosure on Tuesday. One of the suspects, Tommy Ebikeme, claimed to be a reformed militant. According to the CP, investigations revealed that the kidnap plot was masterminded by one Omotayo Mobolaji Johnson, a staff of Chevron Plc who contacted the kidnappers under the name Olumide. In another development, the police detectives, acting on a tip off, arrested two male suspects whose stock in trade is printing of fake currency notes of different countries.

Robbers Shoot Policemen in Bank Raid

About 12 dare-devil armed robbers, Thursday, raided a commercial bank in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State and succeeded in carting away a large amount of money. They shot and wounded two of the policemen trying to prevent their escape. The Police Commissioner, Mr. Musa Daura, who confirmed the incident, said that no arrest had been made.

Govt Deposes, Banishes Akure Monarch

The Deji of Akure, Ondo State, Oba Oluwadare Adepoju Adesina, who recently assaulted his estranged wife, publicly, has been deposed. The Ondo State Government, announcing the deposition, also banished the monarch from the state capital. It was also gathered that the deposed monarch has been arrested by the police, as directed by the Inspector General of Police. The state’s commissioner of Police, Magaji Nasarawa, confirmed the arrest. The monarch had on May 30 publicly assaulted his estranged wife, Olori Bolanle, at her parent’s house.

Man Impregnates 12-year-old Daughter in Lagos

A man, Ben Philip, 37, has allegedly impregnated his 12-year-old daughter. Ben accused his daughter of seducing him, against her claim that he always threatened to kill her if she told any one. It was a neighbour and her teacher, who noticed that she was pregnant and confronted her before she confessed to them. The girl lamented that she could not confide in anyone, and she did not even know her mother, who had left Philip long again and remarried. Lagos Police Spokesman, Frank Mba, said the police became aware of the incident when one of Philip‘s neighbours lodged a complaint with the police on Tuesday. Mba explained that police preliminary investigation showed that she was under constant threat from her father. Mba said that the police would charge Phillip with defilement.

Police Nab Pipeline Vandals

Police detectives in Lagos have arrested at least 15 suspected pipeline vandals in a raid on Monday night at Arepo, a suburb of Ikorodu town. The also recovered about 12, 500 litres of products suspected to be petrol. Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 2, Mr. Udah, confirmed the arrest and added that the police swooped on the suspects after receiving a tip off from an anonymous person.

GENERAL

Cleric, 14 Others Killed in Niger Bloody Clash

A bloody clash between settler Fulani herdsmen and some citizens of Yelwa and Bina communities in Lapai LGA of Niger State has claimed 15 casualties. The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Sunday when the Fulani laid an ambush for the unsuspecting residents, close to their mosques where they converged for morning prayers, and opened fire on them. Trouble started when a group of Fulani herdsmen trespassed into the farms of some residents, resulting to a fight, which claimed a casualty each on both sides. The warring parties retreated on a stalemate, but the herdsmen regrouped and attacked them in the early hours of the morning. The State Police Public Relations Officers, (PPRO) Mr. Richard Oguche, confirmed the incident and the police was working to get to the root of it.

4 Killed, Others Injured in Police/Okada Clash

The enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycle operations (Okada) in Jos/Bukuru metropolis of Plateau State, turned bloody on Wednesday with the Okada riders engaging in combat with the police, leaving three dead and several others injured. A Policeman, who was attacked by protesters on Monday, has also been certified dead. The police confirmed the death of the three.

FEC to Check Abduction, Insecurity

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday deliberated on the security situation in the country, especially on the spate of kidnapping in the South East geopolitical zone. The Council called on all the communities where safety has become an issue to cooperate with security agencies already undertaking operations in their areas to fish out the criminals. The Council also congratulated the President on the conferment on him on Tuesday, of the honour of the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) by the National Council of State. The Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili, disclosed that the Governors of the South–East are already working hard to ensure that this menace is curtailed to the barest minimum.

Speaker, Aide Alleged Threat to Life

The lives of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, and his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Ebhomiana Musa are said to have been threatened through anonymous text messages. Musa said that he got a text message from telephone number 07039828940 threatening his life and that of his boss, penultimate Saturday. The leadership of the House has called for a thorough investigation into the development. It also asked security agencies to investigate warnings by some lawmakers that they would make the House ungovernable when members reconvene in Abuja on June 22 from their two-week recess. The Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Eseme Eyiboh, said that the threats were disturbing and had serious security implications for the country.

Suspected Kidnappers Die in Police Custody

Four suspects who attempted to kidnap the wife of the speaker of Jigawa state House of Assembly died on Tuesday in police custody, State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abdullahi Fana, said. Fana disclosed that two of the suspects died on Monday evening on their way to the hospital while the remaining two died on Tuesday while receiving treatment at the hospital following gunshot wounds they sustained as a result of the exchange of fire between them and the police. The suspects, according to the police, had abandoned their motorcycles and ran into the bush after which the police cordoned off the area and a gun battle ensued. The police overpowered them and got the four of them arrested with serious wounds.

ABU Lecturer Assassinated

An assistant Dean in the Faculty of Education of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Dr. Musa Tukur was slain on Tuesday by unknown assassins. A source close to the deceased, said that the late Tukur was alleged to have been assassinated by unknown individuals for unknown reasons, but suspected that his death might be connected with the campus politics. The source explained that the deceased was found in his car and had been given poisonous injection by the assassins, who left behind syringes and needles at the scene. The assassins reportedly used his mobile phone to call his family to come and take the corpse home. The Acting Area commander of the Police, Alhaji Belel Alhassan Usman confirmed the incident and said they are investigating the matter.

Judge Grants Five Boko Haram Suspects Bail

The Maiduguri High Court, Thursday, granted bail to five Boko Haram suspects standing trial for their alleged participation in the sectarian violence, which claimed many lives and property in Maiduguri last July. Granting them bail, Justice Abdullahi Yerima Sanya said although the accused face charges of capital offences, which were not bailable, the court was compelled grant bail because the prosecutors had failed to establish any criminating facts against the five.

Jega Nominated for INEC Chair

President Goodluck Jonathan has nominated former President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Attahiru Jega, for ratification by the Senate as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The National Council of States (NSC), on Tuesday, confirmed Jega's nomination along with those of 10 national commissioners and 19 resident electoral commissioners. If approved by the Senate, Jega, the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), will be the first Northerner to hold the office of INEC chairman.

PDP Picks Nwodo as Chairman

After a long debate, leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) including President Goodluck Jonathan has finally settled for former National Secretary of the party, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, as the new PDP chairman. The PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) which met on Monday night had also endorsed Nwodo for the job and his appointment, may now be ratified by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on June 17.

INTERNATIONAL

Israel Kills 4 Palestinians in Foiled Terror Attack

The Israeli military said Monday it thwarted a terror attack when it fired on a group of Palestinians in diving gear at sea off Gaza. Hamas security forces said four Palestinians were killed. Al Aqsa, the armed wing of Fatah, Hamas' rival, confirmed the men belonged to their organization and were on a suicide mission. In northern Gaza, one man was injured in an Israeli air strike Monday morning, Palestinian officials said. The air force attacked a group of terrorists who were prepared to fire rockets into Israel in the northern Gaza strip, according to an Israel Defense Forces spokesman. He added that about 10 rockets and mortars were fired into Israel in the past several weeks. Israel said it holds Hamas, the Palestinian faction in control of Gaza, responsible for the rocket.

Bomb Kills US Troops, Others in Afghanistan

Two more American troops were killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday, the military said, pushing the NATO losses in the country to 23 in just over a week. The latest deaths came as insurgents step up bombings and other attacks ahead of a major NATO operation in the Taliban stronghold of Kandahar. Seven American troops, two Australians and a French Legionnaire were killed on Monday in five separate insurgent attacks in the south and east of the country. U.S. commanders have warned of more casualties as the alliance gears up for a major operation to secure Kandahar. Nine others, including seven private security guards were killed and six others wounded in a roadside blast and a gun battle in two other provinces, the Interior Ministry said.

China Accuses North Korea of Killing 3 Chinese

China said Tuesday that a North Korean border guard shot and killed three people and wounded a fourth on the countries' border last week. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said a North Korean border guard, penultimate Friday, shot four Chinese residents from the northeastern border town of Dandong, on suspicion that they were crossing the border for illegal trade. Qin said China has formally complained to North Korea over the incident and the case is under investigation. There have been some reports in South Korean media on the incident, though North Korea has not acknowledged the shootings.

Mexican Discovers Mass Grave, Recover 55 Bodies

Mexican authorities found 55 bodies inside a mine ventilation shaft that was used as a mass grave in the city of Taxco, officials said Monday. State Attorney General, Albertico Guinto Sierra said that authorities would explore the mine's other ventilation shafts to check for more bodies. Some of the bodies were found with their hands bound or blindfolded, creating speculation that the mass grave was related to the work of a drug cartel. Meanwhile, Mexico has demanded an inquiry into the death of a Mexican teenager after a US border patrol agent opened fire from the US side of the border. The youth, aged 14 or 15, was found on the Mexican side. US authorities said the agent was defending himself and colleagues after they came under attack from people throwing stones and rocks.

Suicide Bomber Kills 40 at Afghan Wedding

At least 40 people were killed and 77 injured by a suicide bomb attack on a packed wedding party in southern Afghanistan, officials said on Thursday. A Kandahar policeman said many of the guests had links to local police officials or a local militia, which was why it was likely targeted, although the Taliban denied responsibility. The Taliban have previously claimed responsibility for insurgent attacks but recanted after civilian casualties have become clear. Ahmadi laid blame at the feet of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) for Afghanistan, which has killed hundreds of civilians in misdirected air strikes. Taliban attacks have claimed more civilian lives.

Agency Punishment for 25 South Koreans over Sinking of Ship

South Korea's audit agency has urged the defense minister to punish 25 top military officials for failing to ensure combat readiness ahead of the deadly sinking of a South Korean warship blamed on North Korea on March 26, killing 46 South Korean sailors. The A senior official of the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI), Park Soo-won, said that the military had expected that a North Korean submarine or submersible vessel could secretly attack a South Korean ship near the sea border following a naval skirmish in November that left one North Korean soldier dead and three others wounded. However, the navy and the Joint Chiefs of Staff did not take appropriate countermeasures and neglected combat readiness.

Brazilian Man Imprisons Daughter, has 7 Kids with Her

The police in Brazil have arrested a man, 54, who is alleged to have kept his daughter imprisoned for 12 years, raped her repeatedly and had seven children with her, police said Wednesday. The man is also accused of abusing a child he had with his daughter. Police allege that Jose Agostinho Pereira kept his daughter, now 28, under house arrest in a two-room, thatched hut near a tiny fishing village in north eastern Brazil. Authorities said the children appeared to suffer from malnutrition and could barely communicate with others. Police Inspector, Jair Lima de Paiva, said the police were tipped off about Pereira's alleged crimes by an anonymous phone call and Pereira has confessed to everything. Pereira's daughter and the seven children are now under the care of the government's protective services.

Eight Found Guilty of India Gas Leak

A court in the Indian city of Bhopal has convicted eight people over the gas plant leak that killed thousands of people more than 25 years ago. The convictions are the first since the disaster at the Union Carbide plant, the world's worst industrial accident. The eight convicted face up to two years in jail for causing "death by negligence". They are expected to appeal. Sentences are due shortly. Forty tonnes of a toxin called methyl isocyanate leaked from the Union Carbide pesticide factory and settled over slums in Bhopal on 3 December 1984, killing at least 15,000 people. The eight people convicted include former senior officials of the Union Carbide company.

Police Chief Suspended over Activists Death in Congo

The head of police in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been suspended following the death of a human rights activist, officials say. Three police officers have also been arrested and the president is determined to resolve the case, the interior minister said. Floribert Chebeya, head of the group Voix des Sans Voix, was found dead in his car near Kinshasa on Wednesday. He had reportedly been due to meet the police chief that evening. Both the police and Voix des Sans Voix have said the meeting never took place. Activists say Mr Chebeya had received regular threats over the last 20 years.

Yemen Arrests 50 Foreigners Linked with Al Qaeda

Authorities in Yemen have detained around 50 foreigners accused of links to al Qaeda and intensified efforts to monitor Arabic language schools. Yemen's Western allies and Saudi Arabia fear al Qaeda is trying to exploit instability in Yemen to use the impoverished country, with domestic conflicts in its north and south, as a base to launch attacks in the region and beyond. Two people also were shot dead and 13 were injured in the province of Dalea after separatists raised secessionist flags over their homes and protested in the street. North and South Yemen formally united in 1990 but many in the south, where most of impoverished Yemen's oil facilities are located, complain that northerners usurp their resources while discriminating against them.

Aquino is Philippines' 15th President

The Philippine Congress, Wednesday, proclaimed Benigno Aquino III the country's new president amid high hopes that he will fulfill his campaign promise to eliminate corruption and poverty and restore trust in government. A joint session by the Senate and House of Representatives voted to formalize the landslide victory of the son of the country's revered democracy icons -Benigno Aquino Jr. and former President Corazon Aquino -after the Philippines' first national automated elections last month. Aquino will take his oath as the country's 15th president on June 30, succeeding Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

54 Killed as Militants, Troops Clash in Pakistan

Dozens of militants attacked a security convoy in Orakzai tribal region, where Pakistan declared the Taliban defeated, sparking a battle that killed six soldiers and 40 militants, an official said Wednesday. Fifteen soldiers also were wounded in the late Tuesday fighting. Also Wednesday, government official Maqsood Khan said militants attacked two security checkpoints in Mohmand, another part of the tribal belt that has endured army operations.

Taliban Leader Killed in NATO Raid

The top Taliban commander in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar has been killed, NATO-led forces disclosed, penultimate Friday. Mullah Zergay directed insurgent activities in two districts of Kandahar province, including the city of Kandahar, said a statement from the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). He was killed in a raid last week in Zhari district. Afghan and international troops had been tracking Zergay's location for several weeks and raided a Taliban safe haven to capture him. Zergay and several members of his security detail were killed in the ensuing fight.

Bus Crashes in India Claims 30 Lives

At least 30 members of a wedding party were killed when their bus crashed into a tree in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand, police said. Police said they were investigating reports that the crash occurred as the driver fell asleep at the wheel. At least 20 others who were injured have been taken to hospital. Bus crashes are common in India, often caused by poorly maintained vehicles and reckless driving. Meanwhile, two people were killed and 14 others injured in Rwanda when a car ploughed into a crowd of spectators at a rally. A Kenyan driver reportedly lost control of his car as he raced at high speed on Sunday night. The KCB Mountain Gorilla Rally was organised to celebrate World Environment Day.

Libya Orders UN Refugee Agency to Leave

The United Nations refugee agency says it has been ordered to leave Libya. Thousands of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa pass through Libya on their way to Europe each year. A foreign observer in Libya speculates that the problem between the UNHCR and Libyan officials is rooted in their different approach on the issue of refugees and asylum seekers. There has so far been no official statement from Libya on their decision. A spokeswoman said the UNHCR, Ms Fleming, regretted the order to close its office in the country, adding that the expulsion has added gravity because of the Italian policy of pushing back migrants into Libya.

Foreign Journalists Robbed in South Africa

Three foreign journalists covering the FIFA World Cup in South Africa have been robbed at gunpoint, police say. The reporters, two from Portugal and the other from Spain, were not injured but passports and equipment were taken. Col Mulaudzi said the police had good leads and hoped to make an arrest soon. In addition to those killed, police said at least four others were injured. The casualties were thought to be the drivers of the trucks and other local people. A senior policeman responsible for the area where the attack took place has been suspended for possible dereliction of duty, officials say.

Iran Gets Tougher UN Sanctions

The United Nations (UN) Security Council, Wednesday, has imposed a fourth round of sanctions on Iran over a nuclear programme that is suspected to be aimed at developing atom bombs. Iran denies allegations that it is seeking nuclear weapons, insisting that its uranium enrichment program is for peaceful energy purposes only. The new sanctions called for measures against Iranian banks abroad if a connection to the nuclear or missile programmes is suspected, as well as vigilance over transactions with any Iranian bank. It also expanded an arms embargo against Iran and blacklist three entities controlled by Iran Shipping Lines and 15 belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The resolution would also set up a cargo inspection regime.

Finland gives Rwandan to Life Jail for Genocide

A Finnish court has sentenced a Rwandan man to life imprisonment for committing genocide in his home country in 1994. The Porvoo District Court says 59-year-old Francois Bazaramba had intended to "destroy in whole or part the Rwandan Tutsis as a group" during three months in 1994. More than 500,000 people were killed in 100 days. A U.N. tribunal has sentenced two Bosnian Serb army officers to life imprisonment for committing genocide at the U.N.-declared safe zone of Srebrenica in 1995. Another officer, who was found guilty of aiding and abetting genocide in the "summary execution" of more than 7,000 Bosnian Muslims in the enclave, was given 35 years in prison. Four other Bosnian Serb army and police officers also were convicted of war crimes.

17 Killed, Scores Injured in Renewed Kyrgyz Unrest

Riots in southern Kyrgyzstan killed at least 17 people and injured more than 250, Health Ministry spokeswoman Yelena Bailinova said on Friday. Gangs of young men armed with metal bars and stones attacked shops and set cars alight in the city. The violence comes as the country prepares to vote, June 27, on a new constitution after a mass revolt in April left 85 people dead and led to the overthrow of then-President Kurmanbek Bakiyev. It is unclear what caused the latest round of unrest. Interim President Roza Otunbayeva said the clashes appeared to have sparked by a local conflict. Interim authorities swiftly declared a state of emergency in Osh and dispatched military troops to the area. Military commander Bakyt Alymbekov said Friday the unrest was dying down but he still imposed a curfew until June 20.