Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 12

• 
• 

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Soldiers Shoot Policeman, Civilian Dead

A joint panel is to be set up by military and police authorities in Rivers State to probe the killing of a policeman and a civilian on Tuesday by soldiers attached to Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) in Onne. Army spokesman in Port Harcourt, Major Aminu Iliyasu, said the joint investigative panel was, “in the spirit of mutual co-operation.” Although it was alleged that the two men were shot because they refused to heed the soldiers order to remove a barricade placed by RCC, the military alleged that the deceased had attempted to overpower one of the soldiers and were shot in the process. Police spokesperson, Dr. Rita Inoma-Abbey, said the men were killed as a result of an argument over topping sand kept without permission in the road RCC is constructing.”

4 Suspected Kidnappers Arrested, Victims Rescued

Four suspected kidnappers were on Tuesday arrested at their hideout in Ifite, Awka South LGA of Anambra State by the police who also rescued their victims. They had abducted their victims, Jerry Ugwu and his five-year-old daughter, Lota last Saturday at their residence in Enugu. Ugwu, who was shot in the leg by the kidnappers, was rescued in a bush after Miracle Junction along Ifite Road, Awka. He was brought to the Anambra State Police Command headquarters with his daughter and the suspects after the rescue operation.

Imo Police Probe Cleric’s Murder

Armed bandits last week killed one Chibuzor Ibekwe, a pastor with Living Faith Church, (Winners’ Chapel). The late Ibekwe was killed in his living room at Umukwo, Lude Ahiara, in Ahiazu Mbaise Council of Imo State. His assailants, who tied his hands and legs before killing him, headed to the victim’s bedroom and carted away vital documents, including his Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) and a laptop. According to a source, police officers at the D2 Headquarters of the Imo state command have commenced investigations to apprehend the killers.

Two Lovers Die after Inhaling Generator Fumes

Two lovers have reportedly died on bed at Obukpa in Nsukka LGA of Enugu State. An eyewitness disclosed that neighbours raised the alarm after repeatedly knocking on the door of the deceased and calling his phone without response. Neighbours then forced the door open, only to find the lovers dead on the bed. Witnesses believe their death might have arisen from fumes from a generator, which they left running in the room while they slept. The Divisional Police Officer at Nsukka Police Station, Mr. Jacob Muri, confirmed the incident, adding that details of the report were being expected.

Militants Attack Agip Facility

Explosions rocked some oil pipelines belonging to the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in Bayelsa State on Wednesday. The explosions hit the pipelines running from “Well Head 3”, one of the oil wells feeding the flow station along Clough Creek in the waterways of Egbema-Galabiri and Lutogbeni communities. However, the Joint military Task Force (JTF) in the state has said the explosions are politically motivated. But sources revealed that the attack may have been carried out by a renegade militant leader, “General” Commander. Suspicion fell on the militant leader as he was said to have asked NAOC for the payment of an undisclosed amount of money to him or face attack.

Police Arrest Man over Airport Bomb Scare

Authorities said on Thursday that they had arrested a suspect in connection with a bomb scare at the Port Harcourt Airport on Wednesday. The unnamed suspect contacted an actress, Hilda Dokubo, on her cell phone alleging that the Arik Air plane they were to travel in had a bomb. The incident caused panic on the Lagos-bound flight before takeoff. The secret police said in a statement that the call had been traced to a five-star hotel in Abuja and a man had been arrested. “During interrogation, the subject claimed that he had called the passenger based on a vision from God.” He also claimed that he is Jesus Christ. Security agencies described the man as mentally unstable.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

DPR Warns of Fresh Kerosene Explosion

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) at the weekend ended its campaign against adulteration of petroleum products in Delta, Edo, Ondo and Ekiti states, alerting the public on cases of kerosene explosions. It has, therefore, cautioned users of kerosene not to buy products from unauthorised dealers and to adopt safe practices. The warning came on the heels of the death of a woman and her three children in Oghara, Delta State, following a stove explosion while she was cooking. Already, the DPR has sealed off 12 filling stations in Warri, Asaba and Benin for sharp practices.

Petroleum Tanker Drivers Protest Kidnapping

Petroleum tanker drivers have refused to load fuel from the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), in protest against the kidnapping of the children of their Delta State Chairman, Mr Godspower Mashemigha. Two children of Mr Mashemigha were abducted by four armed men, penultimate Friday morning while on their way to school in Warri. Two other managed to escape kidnapping as they quickly took to their heels on sighting the gun wielding men. Security agents have launched a manhunt for the kidnappers. Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Charles Muka, could not immediately confirm the report.

Three Killed as Hoodlums Attack Chief in Benin

Three persons were killed in Benin, the Edo State, on Tuesday, when armed men stormed the residence of the Arala of Benin, Chief Omalayan Osula. The victims, Raphael Oke and Osamuyi Obaze, died on the spot; while one other person remains in critical conditions. Osula alleged that the incident occurred when the suspended Chairman of Edo State Task Force Committee on the Protection of Pipeline Vandalism, Mr. Osakpanwan Eriyo, stormed his residence with armed men, asking him to urge his children to stay away from the problem he had with the palace. The State Police spokesman, Peter Ogboi, confirmed the incident.

Delta Council Chief Abducted

The Vice Chairman of Aniocha South LG Council in Delta State and renowned petroleum marketer, Mr. Chinedu Mekoma, has reportedly been kidnapped. Mekoma was abducted at Isiekpe Street in Ogwashi-Uku on Monday night. The kidnappers, who apparently trailed him to the area, bundled him into one of the three black cars, which they rode in, shooting sporadically into the air to scare people. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Charles Muka, confirmed the incident, adding that the police were on the kidnappers trail.

Kidnappers Abduct Doctor in Edo

A medical doctor, Festus Aisabokhale, has been reported kidnapped in Ekpoma, Esan West LGA of Edo State. Aisabokhale was reportedly kidnapped from his home on Wednesday night by unknown gunmen. The latest kidnap incident has once again drawn the ire of doctors in the state and who were threatening to down tools in protest against the abduction of a colleague. No contact has been reportedly made with the family of the kidnapped doctor or with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in the state. The police confirmed the kidnap and said they were monitoring the development.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Jealous Guard Kills Girlfriend

A unit leader of the Yoruba group, Odua People’s Congress (OPC), identified simply as Jide, is on the run after allegedly killing his girlfriend for talking to another man. It was gathered that Jide allegedly shot and killed his teenage girlfriend, Simiat, with a locally-made riffle, after the girl could not give a satisfactory answer on what she was doing with another man earlier that day. The spokesman of Lagos State Police Command, Mr. Samuel Jinadu, confirmed the killing, adding that police have commenced investigation on the case and are hoping to apprehend the suspect soon.

Gunmen Kill 3 in Shomolu

Three persons were shot dead, last weekend, in Shomolu, area in Lagos metropolis by unknown gunmen. It was not clear what led to the killing but witnesses sources said the gunmen who were clad in “TEAMLAGOS” T-shirt, stormed the office of the National Union of Road Transport Worker (NURTW), Bajulaiye bus stop moments after a political rally by an unnamed party and released volleys of bullets into the office, killing two persons on the spot. The third person died on the way to the hospital.   Several other persons, who were reportedly injured, are currently recuperating at an undisclosed medical centre.

Collapsed Building: Man Rescued after 24 Hours

A construction worker, identified simply as Francis, was on Monday rescued from the rubble of a five-storey building that collapsed a day earlier in Ikeja, Lagos. It was learnt that eight persons were trapped under the rubble, but seven were rescued a few hours after the incident. Officials of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency; the National Emergency Management Agency; Lagos State Ambulance Service; Lagos State Physical Planning and Urban Development Authority; Police; and fire service among others, participated in the rescue. The collapse was attributed to structural deficiency.

Police Probe Death of LASU Student

Detectives at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Yaba, have begun investigation into the death of a female student of the Lagos State University (LASU). The deceased, identified as Aishatu Abudulrahman, was found in the pool of her blood, last weekend, in her apartment. Her former boyfriend, who it was learnt had once threatened to kill her if she jilted him, is a suspect. He is said to be on the run, while her current boyfriend was detained. Police spokesman, Samuel Jinadu, confirmed this.

Monarch, Wife Die in Auto Crash

The Olowu of Orile-Owu, Oba Adesoji Adejobi, and his wife, Funmilayo, died in an auto accident along Gbongan-Ikire road on Tuesday. He was on the way to Osogbo from Orile-Owu when an 18-seater bus had a head-on collision with his car. The driver of the monarch was rushed to an undisclosed hospital. Another accident occurred at the same spot 15 minutes later, killing two of the seven occupants of the jeep involved in the crash. Confirming both accidents, the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission, Osun State, Mrs Ronke Daniel, said the driver of the 18-seater commercial bus caused the first accident.

Germany to Assist Nigeria Fight Drug Trafficking

Germany has promised to assist its Nigeria to curb drug trafficking. A statement by the National Drug Law Enforcement of Agency (NDLEA) quoted the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Walter Von Den Driesch, as saying this while donating two Toyota Hiace buses to the Canine Unit of the agency on Thursday. The ambassador, who noted that Germany had earlier donated four sniffer dogs to NDLEA, said the decision to donate the vehicles was borne out of his country’s readiness to support Nigeria in its fight against drug trafficking. The Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Alhaji Ahmadu Giade, thanked the German government for the gesture and promised to judiciously utilise the vehicles.

FG Completes Evacuation of Nigerians from Libya

The FG, Thursday, evacuated another batch 1,784 Nigerians stranded in Libya, thus bringing the number of evacuated Nigerians to 4,000. Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Muhammad Sani-Sidi said this last batch ended the evacuation exercise of Nigerians who registered with the Nigerian Embassy at Tripoli. The last flight brought in only 194 passengers including Nigerian embassy officials and their families. The Nigerian Charge De Affaires in Libya, Mr. Harun Umar, who accompanied the last batch, said that there are no more Nigerians at the Tripoli International Airport and the Nigerian mission in Libya has been temporarily closed.

Sister Kills Brother Over Banana

The police in Lagos State have arrested a 25-year-old lady, Queen Nnenna Eneguwe, who allegedly stabbed her 18-year-old brother to death on Tuesday night during a disagreement over banana. Queen had reportedly returned in the night to discover that some pieces of the banana she left at home had been eaten by her younger brother, Thankgod. The argument over the banana degenerated into a serious clash between the siblings and attempts by neighbours to pacify them were futile. The sister reportedly went for a kitchen knife with which she stabbed him. The image maker in charge of the State Police command, Samuel Jinadu, confirmed the incident.

CP Threatens Ekiti Drivers over Breach of Peace

The Commissioner of Police (CP), Ekiti State Command, Mr. Olayinka Balogun, has issued 72-hour ultimatum to the two transport unions in the state to resolve the crisis among their members. The CP gave the ultimatum on Tuesday during a peace meeting at the Police Headquarters. There has been lingering crisis between the two unions over the control of motor parks and routes being plied by their members. Balogun also appealed to the two warring unions to desist from disturbing the peace of the people of the state, saying that failure to comply with the directive would result in police crackdown on them.

Customs Intercepts Smugglers with N43m Tiles

Nigeria Customs Service says it has arrested two suspected smugglers for allegedly importing a truck load of China made galvanised tiles worth N43m. The Area Comptroller of Customs in Seme Border Command, Alhaji Sadiq Sahabi, who made this known at the Seme Border on Thursday, said the suspects will soon be prosecuted,” he said. He said the command would no longer tolerate any form of abuse of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme. Sahabi added that Nigeria incurred a total loss of N4.5m in February because some importers refused to pay the one per cent Comprehensive Insurance Supervision Scheme.  He said the command would soon embark on the outright seizure of contrabands being smuggled under the cover of ETLS.

Storm, Fire Destroy Renders Several Homeless in Ondo

A late evening downpour accompanied by storm on Wednesday destroyed about 200 houses in Akure, Ondo State. The storm, which also caused fire outbreak in some parts of the city, blew off the roofs of many of the houses. Governor Segun Mimiko has commiserated with the victims and assured them of compensation. Mimiko, who was in company with the Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, thanked God that no life was lost to the incidents. The governor advised the people, especially owners of shops in residential buildings to always unplug their electrical appliances from sockets to avoid fire from power surges.

114 Killed in Lagos in Four Months –CP

Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday said it recorded 114 murder cases in four months. Besides, it stated that 25 robberies were recorded within the same period. With this statistics, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the command, Mr. Yakubu Alkali, said crimes had been reduced to the barest minimum since he assumed office in January. However, this is contrary to the widespread belief that crimes have increased in the state. The commissioner whose statistics covered November 1 to March 15, stressed that under his leadership, the police would safeguard the lives and property of residents in the state.

GENERAL

Security Agencies in Joint Training over Polls

As part of on-going measures aimed at ensuring free and fair polls in April, the Nigerian military have embarked on a joint military exercise with the police. Participants were drilled on how to handle contemporary security challenges as crowd dispersal drills, guarding of key points of facilities and protection of very important persons, road blocks and screening of suspected vehicles as well as cordon and search operations both in the day and night. The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Joseph Shoboiki, justified the exercise held at the 73 battalion in Janguza, saying the peaceful conduct of the polls was crucial to the image of the country in the eyes of the international community.

FG Warns MEND over Threat

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) has warned the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) to withdraw its threat to attack cities in the country, including Lagos and Abuja. The JTF Media Coordinator, Lt. Col. Timothy Antigha, warned those masquerading as MEND to rescind their decision, penultimate Sunday, and embrace amnesty. MEND had, announced its readiness to commence simultaneous bomb attacks on oil installations, Abuja and Lagos State. Reacting to the military’s warning, MEND’s spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, said it is likely to begin spontaneous bomb blasts “without prior notification”, but pledging to minimise civilian casualties. It advised Nigerians to stay clear of political rallies.

Police, STF Disagree Over Intercepted Explosives

The Police and the Army authorities have disagreed over the interception of a truck laden with explosives on its way to Jos from Kaduna. Men of the Military Special Task Force (STF) were said to have intercepted the truck penultimate Thursday. The Commissioner of Police in charge of Anti-bomb Squad, Mr. Ambrose Aisabor, said that the business was legal and was authorised by the anti-bomb squad. He said the company that owned the consignment was properly licensed by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to deal in explosives for commercial purposes. The Manager of Duwam Company Limited, the owners of the consignment, Bashir Ahmed, corroborated the account of the police.

Three Burnt to Death in Bauchi Communal Clash

Police authorities in Bauchi state have confirmed that three persons were burnt to death, last week, in an attack in Tafawa Balewa LGA of the state. The police commissioner, Abdulkadir Indabawa, said six houses were also razed in the attack. Indabawa said unknown persons attacked the inhabitants of the area, who have now fled. He, however, said that adequate security personnel have been deployed to the area to protect lives and properties. The Tafawa Balewa crisis, the second in two months, is coming at a time when the committee set up by the state government under the chairmanship of retired general Yakubu Usman to investigate matters connected to the last crisis is still working on its assignment. At least 2,250 persons were displaced.

Assailant Kill Five Members of Same Family

Five members of the same family were, penultimate Sunday, murdered by unknown armed persons that invaded Kai village in Kura-falls, Barkin-Ladi LGA of Plateau State. The Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), Apev Jacob, confirming this, said that security personnel that rushed to the scene did not meet the attackers as they had already escaped. He said they however did not steal or destroy anything in the house. He said efforts were on top gear to track down the fleeing suspects. According to the police, a similar incident occurred on the same date and the same time at Gohog village in Vom district of Jos South LGA, where one person was killed and 37 cattle rustled.

Muslim Clerics Shot Dead in Maiduguri

Two Islamic clerics were shot dead in Maiduguri during the week. In the first incident, gunmen shot dead a Muslim cleric, Ibrahim Abdullahi Bolori, highly critical of hard-line Islamist sect, Boko Haram. The attackers gunned down outside his house, which is just next to a mosque, neighbours said. The sect has been blamed for killings of police officers, local community leaders, clerics and politicians in recent months. Another cleric, Sheikh Ibrahim Ahmed, was killed at the Gomari Mosque in when about three unknown gunmen came in a vehicle reportedly fired about five shots at him. The Commissioner of Police in Borno, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, confirmed the incidents. Ahmed was believed to be a former member of Boko Haram before denouncing his membership. The sect members also shot dead a local healer who sold them an “ineffective remedy” on Thursday.

Governor in Fatal Accident, Loses ADC

Katsina State Governor, Ibrahim Shema, on Tuesday escaped death when his vehicle had an accident along the Katsina-Daura road while going to join President Goodluck Jonathan, who was visiting the Emir of Daura. But the governor’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Aminu Ibrahim, and four others died in the incident, leaving 10 others injured. The accident involved the governor’s official vehicle and a commercial bus. It was gathered that the bus that was coming from Dutsi ran into the governor’s vehicle after avoiding the pilot car of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and others in the convoy. The state FRSC Sector Commander, Habu Dauda, confirmed the incident.

Woman Arraigned for Beheading Albino Son

A 35-year-old woman in Benue state, Mrs. Doosur Hembaor, was on Friday arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Makurdi and faces the death penalty for allegedly killing her albino child. She reportedly beheaded the child on the suspicion that he was a wizard who had been tormenting her since he was born. The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. Cecelia Bakare, could not take the plea of the accused and she ordered her remanded in prison custody till 19 April.

Bomb Kills Two in Jos

A bomb carried by two men aboard a motorcycle killed them on Sunday when it accidentally exploded in Jos. Plateau State police commissioner, Abdulrahman Akano, said the incident happened Sunday morning at Nasarawa Gwom, a mainly Christian district of Jos. He said no other person was hurt. Another source alleged that an alleged bomb that was planted behind a Church in the city failed to detonate. Akano said security agencies had restored normalcy to the area. Meanwhile, human rights watchdog, Amnesty International, has said that over 200 people have been killed in unrest in the North since December and most perpetrators have not been prosecuted. Amnesty said that the police lacked the resources to investigate complex crimes that require specialised skills.

PSC Promotes 987 Officers

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of 865 Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP) to the rank of Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP); the promotion of an Assistant Commissioner of Police, to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police; and the promotion of 122 DSPs to Superintendents of Police (SP). The Commission also awarded various Disciplinary Measures such as Dismissal, Reduction in Rank, Reprimand, Severe Reprimand and Compulsory Retirement to erring personnel. Furthermore, it ordered the reinstatement of an ex-DSP, Mr. Bolaji Fafowora who was dismissed for some alleged offences 14 years ago. His reinstatement was based on new facts that he was not guilty of any of the charges that led to his dismissal.

Shell Warns Squatters on Pipeline Dangers

To prevent serious disasters that could claim lives and property at pipelines right of way, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) says the activities of illegal occupiers, who have remained in restricted areas despite its repeated appeals against such, must be checked. According to the company, danger looms, as any explosion along pipelines right of way due to the activities of builders, traders, among other illegal occupiers, is capable of spreading to inhabited areas or communities, causing collateral damage. Shell said that it was saddened that after decades of campaigns against the illegal occupation of its restricted areas, those who had quit had returned to continue with their activities in the face of the inherent dangers.

Suspected Human Traffickers, Robbers Nabbed in Borno

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Borno State Command, has arrested five suspected human traffickers while trying to cross over to Libya en route Cameroun. The State Comptroller of Immigration, Alhaji Babayo Alkali, said that the suspects were apprehended. Four of them had international e-passports but none possessed any visa or employment papers. He said the suspects would be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP) for further investigations. Similarly, the police nabbed a sixteen-man gang linked with robbery and terror cases. Borno state police spokesman, Lawal Abdullahi, said that the gang had made confessional statements. Abdullahi said the items recovered from them were nine locally-made guns, six knives, four mobile handsets, one motorcycle and one crash helmet.

Fire Guts Kano Airport

Fire, on Monday, raged through the runway of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, killing a fire fighter and injuring four others, all staffers of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).  The fire started at about mid-day and lasted for about an hour and half before it was put off. Although the exact cause of the tragedy is yet to be determined, it is held that the inferno may have been ignited by villagers, from the surrounding villages around the airport, who are in the habit of burning the bushes in search of animals or for farming purposes. The deceased was killed after the fire exploded from behind their vehicle as they were putting out the burning fire.

Electioneering Campaigns Claim 833 in Four Weeks – FRSC

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has reported that at least 833 Nigerians have lost their lives in the last four weeks in road accidents that arise from increased tempo of campaigns by political parties. The Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr. Osita Chidoka, confirmed this on Monday, during the inauguration of 100 new patrol vehicles and extricating equipment in Abuja. Osita, who described the situation as frightening, lamented that campaign posters had displaced or overshadowed road signs on major highways and other major roads in the country.

Upper House Passes Freedom of Information Bill

The Senate Wednesday passed its own version of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill three weeks after the House of Representatives passed the bill. Both However, the two versions of the Bill passed by each of the chambers will have to be harmonized before it is transmitted to the President for assent. A five-man committee was constituted to harmonize with that earlier passed by the House of Representatives. The FOI bill makes it mandatory for every government or public institution to ensure proper maintenance of all information or records in its custody, in a manner that facilitates public access to such information or record.

Court Orders Police to Pay Compensation over Unlawful Detention

An Abuja High Court has ordered the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Hafiz Ringim, to pay an Abuja-based businessman, Muhammed Abubakar, N100000 as damages for unlawful detention and violation of his rights. Abubakar had filed a motion claiming that he was detained by the police over allegations of fraud and has been detained since November 3, 2010. Justice Abubakar Umar, also ordered the IG to release without delay the applicant’s N1.5m, being the amount in his possession when he was arrested. Another High court judge, Justice Ajoke Adepoju, has summoned the IGP for contempt following his disobedience to court orders to produce a suspect, Dahiru Aliyu, in court. The suspect had been in detention at the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Area 10, Abuja, since January 7 without being charged to court.

President Signs New Minimum Wage Law

President Goodluck Jonathan has signed the new minimum wage bill of N18, 000 per month into law. Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Bala Mohammed, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at the launch of N2.3 billion National Secretariat Complex of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN). The law increased the national minimum wage from N7500 to N18000 per month.

Navy Redeploys Officers

The Nigerian Navy has approved major redeployments affecting its nine Rear Admirals and eight Commodores. They are to man key appointments at the tri-service, Naval Headquarters and the commands levels. The new appointments followed the voluntary retirement of senior officers who left because of the age-on-rank provision of 35 years of service. Director of Naval Information, Commodore Kabir Aliyu, said that the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Marshal Ola Ibrahim, has directed that all handing and taking over formalities of the new redeployments must be completed by the end of this month.

Housewife Nabbed over Plot to Kill Husband

For allegedly plotting to kill her husband by engaging the services of thugs, a housewife, Habiba Abubakar, has been arrested by the Bauchi State Police Command. Commissioner of Police (CP), Mohammed Indabawa, confirmed the arrest on Tuesday. Indabawa disclosed that two of the suspects Habiba hired had been arrested. Habiba said she was unhappy with her marriage to Abubakar and there was no way she could be separated from her husband, unless he died and hence her decision to eliminate him.

Undergraduate in Custody for Polluting Water Source

A 21-year-old man, Ibrahim Abubakar, has been arrested by men of the Military Special Task Force (STF) in Jos for allegedly poisoning a well, supplying water in Dutse Uku community. Abubakar, who is a student of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, had stealthily gone into his father’s compound, which the family had deserted after the November 2008 crisis and poured a keg of used engine oil to prevent nearby families from using it. He was said to have been caught in the act by a lady who raised the alarm, which attracted other neighbours, who wanted to lynch Abubakar before he was rescued by soldiers. Media Officer of STF, Capt. Charles Ekeocha, confirmed this.

FG, Israel Sign Security Pact

The Federal Government Thursday signed a pact with Israel to tackle the menace of bomb blasts in Nigeria and other related matters. Police Affairs Minister, Humphrey Enemakwu, represented Nigeria while the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Moshe Ram and the Minister for Public Safety of Israel, Yizhak Aharonovich, represented Israel. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Hafiz Ringim, said the security pact will help the country to achieve some level of security. Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Israel also agreed to collaborate to stem the tide of terrorism financing. EFCC Chairman, Mrs Farida Waziri, expressed this desire during a courtesy visit on Aharonovich, Mr Moshe Ram and other top Israeli government officials.

INTERNATIONAL

International Forces Strike Gaddafi's Base

A cruise missile blasted Muammar Gaddafi's residential compound and fighter jets destroyed a line of tanks moving on the rebel capital. The U.S. said the international assault would hit any government forces attacking the opposition. It was not known where Gaddafi was when the missile hit near his iconic tent late Sunday. In addition to targeting anti-aircraft sites, U.S., British and French planes also went after tanks headed toward Benghazi, in the opposition-held eastern half of the country. The strikes that began early Sunday gave respite to Benghazi, which the day before had been under a heavy attack that killed at least 120 people. A U.N. resolution, last week, authorized international military action in Libya to set up a no-fly zone and allow "all necessary measures" to prevent attacks on civilians. The resolution follows a stand by the Arab League that urged the UN to impose a no-fly zone over Libya to protect the people.

Japan in Nuclear Crisis, Plant Faces Blasts

The second hydrogen explosion, Monday, rocked a Japanese nuclear plant, injuring 11 workers. Fuel rods at a separate reactor in the plant were fully exposed after it lost its ability to cool down. The exposure raises the risk of the unit overheating. A similar explosion occurred at the plant's Unit 1, injuring four workers, causing mass evacuations and destroying much of the outer building. Dangerous levels of radiation leaking from the crippled nuclear plant forced Japan to order 140,000 people to seal themselves indoors. Prime Minister Naoto Kan says efforts are on to cool reactors at the tsunami-stricken Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. Army helicopters dumped tonnes of water to try to prevent a meltdown of fuel rods. Water cannon will join the operation shortly. Japan, penultimate Friday, suffered a 9.0 magnitude quake, which triggered a tsunami, killing at least 6500 people.

Peacekeepers Jailed for Shooting Civilian Somalis

Three Ugandan soldiers from the African Union Force in Somalia (AMISOM) have been sentenced to two years in prison for injuring civilians in two shooting incidents in Mogadishu. The two soldiers have been sent home to Uganda to serve their sentences. AMISOM commander, Maj-Gen Nathan Mugisha, said the jail terms illustrated that "any acts of carelessness and irresponsibility will not be condoned or tolerated". The AU force is helping the UN-backed government tackle Islamist militias. Meanwhile, 14 people were killed in battle on Tuesday in Mogadishu. There have been renewed efforts by the government forces to gain control of major parts of Mogadishu. The al-Shabaab Islamist militants, linked to al-Qaeda, control much of southern and central Somalia.

Southern Sudan Halts Talks with North

Southern Sudan has suspended talks and diplomatic contact with the north over claims that it is funding militias in the south. Pagan Amum, the secretary-general of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, reportedly repeated allegations that the northern government was arming local tribes to use as proxy forces, a tactic it has repeatedly used in both southern Sudan and the western region of Darfur. The oil-rich south voted in January to secede from the north, but there are many issues that still remain unaddressed, including the sharing of oil revenues, the status of southerners or northerners living across the border, and who controls the disputed border region of Abyei, a fertile area near large oil fields.

India Captures Pirates on Mozambican Ship

Dozens of pirates aboard a Mozambican ship have been captured by India's navy after a gun battle in the Arabian Sea. The Indian navy says it seized 61 pirates and rescued 13 crew members from the vessel, which had been used as a mother ship from where pirates launched attacks around the Indian Ocean. A large number of small arms and a few heavy weapons were also seized in the raid. Meanwhile, a Bangladeshi ship hijacked by pirates last December has been freed after a ransom was paid. The MV Jahan Moni and 26 Bangladeshis aboard were released after the ship's owners paid a $4m ransom, company executives said.

Pakistan Army Chief Condemns US Drone Attack

Pakistan's army chief has condemned the latest raid by US unmanned drones. In a strongly worded statement, Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said the attack on Thursday, which killed about 40 people, was "in complete violation of human rights". According to reports, most of the victims were believed to be civilians attending a tribal meeting near North Waziristan's regional capital, Miranshah. Tension has been growing in recent weeks between the US and Pakistan. The US drone attacks are a long-running source of bad feeling. Officials said the drones were targeting militants linked to Taliban commander, Hafiz Gul Bahadur. One of his commanders, identified as Sharabat Khan, was in the vehicle hit in the attack and was killed, one local official said.

Fourteen Killed in Iran Prison Riot

Fourteen prisoners were killed and 33 injured in an incident at an Iranian jail Wednesday, following a brawl among inmates or a foiled escape attempt. It was reported that a brawl broke out at the Ghezel Hesar prison and was broken up by security forces after nine hours. Media report said the deaths were the result of clashes that ensued after an escape attempt by convicted smugglers who face the death penalty.

Suicide Bombing Kills 33 in Afghanistan

A suicide bomber posing as an army volunteer struck an Afghan army recruitment centre in the northern Kunduz province on Monday, killing at least 33 people, Afghan officials said. The attacker approached on foot and detonated his explosives vest among a group of army volunteers, Kunduz Deputy Governor, Hamdullah Danishi, said. Four children were also killed, while 42 others were wounded.

Violent Clashes Claim Lives in Yemen

Scattered clashes broke out across Yemen on Monday, with three soldiers killed in the north, as military forces were deployed to check nationwide protests demanding the resignation of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who had ruled the impoverished Arabian Peninsula state for 32 years. Seven demonstrators and three soldiers have died in clashes since Saturday, raising the death toll from unrest above 30. Fighting intensified after protesters stormed a municipal building. In Bahrain, Police have launched an assault on anti-government demonstrators camping in a square in the capital, Manama. At least two people died in clashes on Tuesday. The Shia majority, involved in the protest since February, complain of economic hardship, lack of political freedom and discrimination in jobs in favour of Sunnis.

Somali Pirates Get Life Sentence

Five Somali men were sentenced Monday to life plus 80 years in prison for engaging in piracy and related offenses in last year's attack on a U.S. warship in the Indian Ocean. Neil H. MacBride, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, said the sentences should send a clear message to those who attempt to engage in piracy and armed attacks on U.S.-flagged vessels. On April 1, 2010, Hasan, Ali and Dire boarded one of the smaller boats and set out to pirate what they believed to be a merchant ship, while Gurewardher and Umar remained on the large ship, the statement said.

Clashes in Abidjan Claim 4 Lives

Gunmen shot dead four people on Tuesday near a roadblock run by youth supporters of Cote d’Ivoire's Laurent Gbagbo in the Abidjan suburb of Deux Plateau, several witnesses said. The world's leading cocoa-producing country has been in violent turmoil since a disputed presidential election pitting incumbent leader Gbagbo against rival Alassane Ouattara. The international community’s review of the results showed Ouattara won, but Gbagbo has refused to concede. Battles between gunmen backing Gbagbo and Ouattara have raged in Abidjan's Abobo neighbourhood, an Ouattara stronghold, for three weeks. Army chief, General Philippe Mangou, said his forces were ready for war.

Israel in Manhunt for Palestinians over Killing of Family

Israeli troops have launched a manhunt after five members of a Jewish family were killed in the West Bank. Officials have blamed Palestinians for the overnight attack, which left a couple, two children and a baby dead in the Itamar settlement. Israeli PM, Benjamin Netanyahu said the government would do everything possible to protect its citizens. Palestinian President, Mahmud Abbas, who described the killing as “abominable”, said his security forces had joined forces with Israel to hunt down the killers. Meanwhile, Israeli naval commandos on Tuesday seized a freighter in the Mediterranean carrying weapons intended for Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip, the military said. A military spokeswoman said Israeli forces met no resistance when they intercepted the German-owned "Victoria" some 200 miles from Israel.

3 Killed as Plane Crashes Near Airport

A small plane plunged into a hillside about 2½ miles from a high desert Southern California city's airport Sunday, killing three people onboard, authorities said. Witnesses said the plane appeared to suddenly spiral out of the sky and go straight into the side of the hill. Federal Aviation Administration spokesman, Ian Gregor, said the plane was believed to be a Cessna 210 that was heading from John Wayne Airport in Orange County to Henderson Executive Airport in Nevada.