Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 17

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

INC, Others Caution against Rising Violence

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria (FEHN) have cautioned against the rising violent protests in the northern parts of the country over alleged irregularities in the presidential polls. Chief Joshua Benemesia of the INC said that those causing the protests should stop and seek better ways of addressing their grievances. He advised that those responsible for them should approach the issue through legal means as their current action is a show of desperation. Coordinator of the National Think-Tank, Prof. Steve Azaiki, also in an interview in Yenagoa, called for calm and urged Nigerians to see themselves as one.

Retired Judge Kidnapped in Aba

Suspected kidnappers, on Tuesday, attacked and abducted a retired judge, Justice Igbozurike Akomas, from his residence in Aba. Justice Akomas who retired from service late last year was said to have been abducted by unknown gun men as he was entering his residence in Aba. The abduction of the Judge came a few days after a nun and her maid were kidnapped in Arochukwu and less than a week after the son a former university vice chancellor was abducted in Umudike. The Abia state police spokesman, Mr. Geoffrey Ogbonna confirmed the abduction of the Judge but he assured that the command was working to rescue him and apprehend the hoodlums.

RSG Grants Pardon to 683 Prison Inmates

A total of 683 in-mates of the Port Harcourt prisons, were on Wednesday granted their freedom by the Rivers State government in the 2011 jail delivery, an annual practice of the state government on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to free prison inmates on a number of considerations, among which is health. Of the 683; 500 were freed because their files had been declared missing; 27 of them were released on the advice of the DPP, while others were released due to poor health. The state’s Chief Judge, Justice Iche Ndu, said the gesture was also aimed at de-congesting the prisons. He, however, advised the former inmates to turn away from those things that could return them to prisons and urged members of the public to stay off criminal activities.

Ex-Militant Leaders Flay Violence, Pledge Support to Jonathan

Former militants from the Niger Delta have held an emergency meeting in the outskirts of Port Harcourt to articulate a proper response to the violent protests in the north against the victory of President Goodluck Jonathan at the weekend’s polls. They congratulated the President, pledged their unflinching support for him and warned against any plot to undermine his government. A six-point communiqué released at the end of that meeting was signed by 24 of the former militants, including Government Ekpemupolo, Ateke Tom, Asari Dokubo, and others. They also congratulated Chairman of the INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, for conducting what they described as the best election in the country so far; and urged losers to be patriotic enough to own up to the wishes of Nigerians by accepting its outcome.

SSS Tasks A/Ibom Politicians on Peaceful Guber Polls

Director of the State Security Services (SSS) in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Thomas Minti, has said that the SSS is fully prepared for the April 26 governorship election. Minti revealed that adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure hitch free-elections in the state. The SSS boss said residents of the state could reach the agency on the following numbers: 08187330602, 08079741924 and 0704358868 in times of danger. In the same vein, the state Commissioner of Police, Felix Uyanna, said his command was also prepared. He urged parents to warn their children/wards against thuggery and violence.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

FG Deploys Armoured Tanks in Delta Ahead of Guber Polls

The Federal Government has deployed armoured tanks to Delta State, in readiness for Tuesday’s gubernatorial election. About 20 armoured tanks were deployed on Wednesday to Delta State from neighbouring states, such as Rivers and Bayelsa.  The increase in both military personnel and the armoured tanks was as a result of violence, bloodletting and all forms of criminality associated with the previous National Assembly exercise in the state and declaration of the state as one of the most violent states during the election period by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Nine Arrested in Delta State for Electoral Malpractice

Nine persons suspected to have played principal roles in electoral malpractices and violence in the April 9 National Assembly elections in Delta North have been arrested by the Police and would be facing trial. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Hafiz Ringim, confirmed the arrest. The suspects were involved in snatching of ballot boxes, illegal thumb-printing of ballot papers, impersonating members of the National Youth Service Corps, beating up Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Ambassador Godson Echiegile and holding hostage, the Ika Federal Constituency Returning Officer, Dr. Godwin Avwioro, at gun point, to declare prepared false election results.

No Re-Run in Ika Federal Constituency -INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission has said there would be no fresh elections in the Ika Federal Constituency in Delta State, on Tuesday. Instead, it would appoint a new returning officer to do the final collation and announce the outcome of the elections, which were already held on April 9, but were inconclusive. The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, said the results from the various polling units were collated at the ward level and that the process continued to the local government level where the results from the wards were collated. Reaffirming the commitment of the electoral body to safeguard the integrity of the polls, Idowu assured that the collation and announcement by a new Returning Officer would be done in the presence of all agents of political parties.

Ibori Remanded in UK Prison

The Crown Prosecution Service in the United Kingdom (UK) has filed money laundering and fraud charges against former Delta State governor, James Onanefe Ibori. The charges also featured some other prominent Nigerians, including former Governor Victor Obong Attah of Akwa Ibom; David Edevbie, a former Principal Secretary to late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and a former Finance Commissioner during Ibori’s tenure as governor; Love Ojakovo, a former Commissioner of Finance in Delta State in the Ibori administration; and Henry Imashekka, a business associate of the former governor. These other defendants are currently at large. During the first court appearance, only one charge was read to Ibori before he was remanded in prison. Ibori was successfully extradited to the UK on April 15 from the United Arab Emirates.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Man in Court for Pouring Acid on Wife

A suspect, Samson Igbinomewahin, 47, was on Monday arraigned at an Ebute Metta Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly pouring acid on his estranged wife, Susan Jeremiah, 31. Igbinomewahin, who was charged with attempted murder, pleaded not guilty. His lawyer, Olatunde Kolawole, urged the court to grant him bail, saying the issue was “a domestic accident.” But the victim’s lawyer, Lucky Oizimende , objected the bail application as Jeremiah was still in intensive care, and Igbinomewahin may go to kill her. Investigation revealed that, the suspect allegedly visited his wife with a polythene bag, which he claimed contained their baby’s food. But when Jeremiah saw the content, she became suspicious and fled. Igbinomewahin allegedly ran after her and poured the content on her through the window.

Ex-LG Chieftain Remanded in Prison for Gun Possession

A former vice-chairman, Atakumosa-West LGA of Osun state, Alaba Falade, has been remanded in prison by an Osogbo Magistrates’ Court for allegedly being in possession of 19 pump action guns. The charge sheet stated that Falade “was in unlawful possession of the arms on April 6, 2011 at 10am, in Osun.” Falade had earlier served as supervisory councillor of the LGA before he emerged as vice- chairman. His lawyer, Mr. Ezekiel Ogunjuyigbe, pleaded with the court to grant Falade bail on liberal terms. Ogunjuyigbe assured the court that Falade, who visited the police station in Osu town upon invitation, would not jump bail. But the police prosecutor, Benjamin Akindoyin, opposed the oral bail application.

Police Foil Hijack Ballot Boxes in Lagos

Police in Lagos State foiled attempts by suspected thugs to hijack 10 ballot boxes meant for polling units in Alimosho Local Council Area of the state, during the April 16 Presidential Election. The thugs, said to be working for one of the political parties in the state, later fled on sighting a team of security operatives. In spite of such little incidents, domestic observers have scored the conduct of the election high.

NDLEA Arrests 42 Suspected Traffickers in 3 Months

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended a total of 42 suspected drug traffickers at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos between January and March 2011. Those arrested within the first quarter of the year included one female and 41 male. The seized drugs with estimated street value of N576 million in Nigeria consist of 38.703kg of cocaine, 22.025kg of methamphetamine, 12.07kg of heroin and 120 grammes of cannabis. NDLEA Airport Commander, Alhaji Hamza Umar, attributed the arrests and seizures to vigilance on the part of his officers and promised to intensify intelligence-gathering efforts.

GENERAL

Bomb Blast Victims get Compensation

The Borno State government has given N5 million to victims of bomb blasts during the National Assembly election in the state. The bombs were detonated at Angwan Doki and Abaganaram primary schools in Maiduguri. Presenting the cheques at the UMTH to the victims, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Baba Ahmed Jidda, assured them of government’s support. Meanwhile, a Police Inspector with the Borno State Police Command was, penultimate Saturday, killed by suspected Boko Haram gunmen during the presidential elections. The police, who recovered one Kalashnikov rifle allegedly used during the incident, arrested one suspect.

Jonathan Warns Rioters

President Goodluck Jonathan, Wednesday, said he would no longer tolerate the spate of killings in some parts of the country following the April 16 presidential election. Jonathan promised to set up a commission of inquiry to probe its immediate and remote causes among other measures adopted to address the issue. He asserted that those fomenting trouble in the country aimed to truncate the democratic process. To stem attacks on youth corps members, who were used to conduct the elections, by hoodlums in some states, Jonathan directed governors to take personal responsibility for their safety. He further appealed to religious and political leaders to put the national interest first and desist from using religious platforms to preach hate and spread disaffection.

Concerns over Governorship Polls as Violence Rages in North

The Independent National Electoral commission (INEC) has said the gubernatorial and state Assembly elections scheduled for Tuesday, April 26, will hold across the country despite the post-election violence and security concerns in some parts of the North. This is coming on the heels of a warning by election observers of high tension in some states of the federation which needs to be addressed by security agencies. The Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, said all necessary arrangements for the elections were going on in states where such polls are due.

Youths Torch House of Gov’s Aide over Alleged Polls Fraud

Crisis erupted in Jada Local Council of Adamawa State last weekend, as some aggrieved youths set ablaze the private residence of Governor Murtala Nyako’s Special Adviser on Youth, Alhaji Bala Buba. It was gathered that the angry youths invaded his residence when they got information that thumb-printing of ballot papers was perpetrated in the house. The youths, suspected to be opposition parties’ members, demanded that they should be allowed to search the residence, but Buba turned down their request, which resulted in the torching of the house. Similarly, in Mubi North, the private residence of the State Commissioner for Land and Survey, Abdulraman Shuaibu, was also vandalised by suspected supporters of Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

Nigeria to Mediate Libyan Violence

Foreign Affairs Minister, Odein Ajumogobia, has disclosed plan by Nigeria to mediate between the warring groups in Libya. The minister said Nigeria has regained her status in international affairs under President Goodluck Jonathan. The minister said though the Federal Government had brought back Nigerians from the hot zone at Benghazi and Tripoli, Nigeria is still monitoring the situation to ensure that Nigerians and other citizens in Libya are protected.

SSS Mount Surveillance on Politicians over Violence

Operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) have been asked to keep some top politicians suspected to be involved in violence that erupted after Saturday’s presidential poll, under close watch. It was disclosed that the resolve follows intelligence report that linked them to violence during the election period. The source added that some serving governors were also on the watch list of the security operatives. The fresh security order on the governors and top politicians were said to have emanated from an emergency security meeting with the National Security Adviser (NSA) on Tuesday in Abuja.

Bomb Blast Kills Four in Kaduna

A bomb exploded in Kaduna on Friday killing at least four people at the Rafin Guza area near the Legislators Quarters. Security agents were immediately deployed to the scene of the blast. Dismembered corpses of the victims were immediately packed. The Kaduna State Police Command, Aminu Lawan (DSP) confirmed the incident. About two weeks ago, a bomb had exploded in Kaduna killing the courier who apparently intended to plant it during the National Assembly polls.

Youth Corps Members Killed in Bauchi

Two corps members, Ukeoma Ikechukwu and Obinna Okpokiri, were killed in Bauchi by rioters protesting against the results of the presidential election. Ikechukwu, according to his friends and posts on his facebook page, had resisted attempts by political thugs to force him to release unused ballot papers to them. He was killed after the election and his body found on Friday. Okpokiri was butchered and burnt to ashes after he was chased by the rampaging rioters targeted the youth corps members who were the polling officers recruited for the general election. Six other youth corps members were confirmed killed in Bauchi, where the candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, defeated President Goodluck Jonathan. The corps members were reportedly chased to a police station where they sought refuge. But the rioters, who were said to be chanting “Sai Buhari”, overran the station and killed the young Nigerians.

Lawmakers to Review NYSC Scheme

The out-going National Assembly may review the National Youth Service Corps scheme with a view to stopping the killing of non-indigene corps members in northern parts of the country. The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, stated on Saturday, adding that if reviewed, corps members would be made to serve the country from their respective geo-political zones of origin. Ekweremadu said since the objective of establishing the scheme, which includes promoting national unity and cohesion, seemed to have been defeated, there was urgent need for its review.

68 Arrested as Buhari is Barred from Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed that eleven Youth Corps members were killed across the state in the violence that followed the April 16 presidential election, while a number of the female Corps members were raped and assaulted by irate youths. 68 suspects have also been arrested for the various crimes committed during the crisis, while the CPC presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari has been barred from entering Bauchi for any political activities until security situation improves in the state. The Police Commissioner in charge of the conduct of the elections in the state, Amama John Abakasanga, said that all those arrested have been investigated and it was discovered that they actually participated in the crimes. He said that as soon as work resumes all of them will be arraigned for the various crimes.

Labour Hails Conduct of Presidential Polls

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has hailed the orderly, peaceful and all-inclusive conduct of the Presidential elections, despite initial hitches that almost marred the process. In a statement, the NLC Acting General Secretary, Owei Lakemfa, said some of the hitches were not unexpected in elections of such magnitude, noting that the elections were relative to our history, an unqualified success. Lakemfa said the success of the Presidential elections is due primarily to the resolve of Nigerians that, like in other parts of the civilised world, the vote must count and that the will of the electorate must prevail.

SA Prosecutors File More Charges against Okah

The South African government on Monday said it would file additional charges against Henry Okah for his role in the October 1, 2010 Independence Day explosions in Abuja. Okah is being charged with delivery, placement and detonation of explosives in relation to the explosions. On Monday, State Prosecutor, Shaun Abrahams, said that the state was adding charges of terrorism, terror financing and possible money laundering and would serve Okah by June 21. He said the state planned to also charge Okah with the March 15, 2010 explosions in Warri, Delta State in which one person died. Abrahams asked the court to grant an adjournment to allow for further investigation to enable the state serve the charges on Okah. Magistrate Hein Louw granted the request and ordered that the suspect be remanded in prison custody.

EFCC Freezes Account Linked to Ex-Minister over Contract Scam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has frozen an account of N6.4bn operated by a company linked to former Minister of Works, Dr. Hassan Lawal, over an alleged fraud. The account operated by Digital Tolls Limited was frozen on Monday April 18, following the discovery that about N10bn was paid into the account by Lawal for the construction of a bridge across River Benue. The contract was said to have been awarded to the company and the full contract sum paid when the company was yet to be registered as a legal entity. The ex-minister and others linked to the scam are expected to be arraigned in court on charges of corruption, money laundering and criminal conspiracy. EFCC spokesman, Femi Babafemi, confirmed this.

Atiku Condemns Post-Election Violence

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the incidents of post election violence in some parts of the country, saying it is not healthy for the sustenance of our democracy. He also said the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable. In a statement by the Atiku Media Office in Abuja Monday, the former Vice President said the resort to violence such as the burning down of houses and setting prisoners free is not acceptable in any democracy. He said with existing legal avenues to handle post-election complaints, there is no reason whatsoever for anyone to take to violence under any guise. The former Vice President while noting that the unity of Nigeria is non-negotiable, urged political leaders to call their supporters to order to refrain from the destruction to lives and property.

Observers Declare Presidential Polls Credible
…As Obama, Sarkozy, Congratulate Jonathan

The Observer Mission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has said that it found the Saturday’s election credible having satisfied far above average of international requirements for an acceptable poll. The head of mission and former Liberian leader, Prof. Amos Sawyer, said they were “pleased to note the efforts by INEC to resolve some logistical and security problems encountered during the legislative elections.”  Similarly, the Presidents of the US and France have both congratulated President Jonathan on his victory at the polls and pledged the support of the country towards the development of Nigeria.

FG Declares Holidays for Easter

The Federal Government declared Friday, April 22 and Monday, April 25 as public holidays to commemorate Good Friday and Easter Monday celebrations respectively. This information was contained in a statement signed from the Office of the Minister of Interior by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Sheidu Ozigis, on behalf of the President Goodluck Jonathan. The Federal Government also used the opportunity to urge all Christian faithful to fervently pray for the successful conclusion of the general elections.

CPC to Challenge Poll Result in Court

The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) has begun consultations with a team of lawyers aimed at challenging the result of the April 16 presidential poll in court. The spokesman for the CPC presidential candidate, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, disclosed this on Wednesday. Odumakin claimed that the CPC had enough evidence to prove that the poll was rigged. Buhari came second in the election by polling 12,214,853 votes, against President Goodluck Jonathan’s 22,495,187 votes. Explaining why the party decided to challenge the outcome of the election in court, Odumakin said that before the Chairman of the INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, announced the result , the CPC had complained about figures from some parts of the country.

Four Killed, 109 Arrested in Renewed Violence in Kano

At least four persons were feared killed on Wednesday in the renewed riots in the Kano metropolis, just as the Police Commissioner, Alhaji Danazumi Doma, declared 27 persons missing and 109 arrested. The fresh spates of violence were in the Sabongari area, a predominantly Christian residential area, and in Kawo area, a predominantly Muslim community. Nobody could precisely say what caused the renewed violence on both sides. But some persons, whose businesses were destroyed by the pro-Buhari protesters on Monday, found the damage unacceptable and their reaction immediately elicited a counter reaction from Muslim rioters, who attacked Christians that had come back to up pick a few items ahead of the curfew hours.

FG Releases Relief Materials to Victims of Northern Violence

The Federal Government has ordered free medical treatment and relief materials to be provided for victims of the post-presidential election mayhem in some parts of the North. The spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Yushau Shuaibu, on Wednesday said relief materials had been moved from the agency’s warehouses in trucks to Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi and Gombe. It said the NEMA Director-General, Alhaji Muhammad Sani-Sidi, directed officers of its Search and Rescue and Relief and Rehabilitation departments to ensure the relief materials reached the victims quickly. According to him, the Federal Government has also approved free medical services for victims of the crisis in public hospital and clinics.

Post-Election Violence Rocks Northern States

Post-election violence swept through some Northern states as results of the presidential poll showed that President Jonathan as the winner. In Kano, Bauchi and Kaduna, people were killed and houses belonging to some prominent persons, including Vice President Namadi Sambo and the Emir of Kano, were torched. Kaduna State Governor, Patrick Yakowa, imposed a 24-hour curfew on the entire state, this was later reduced. The protesters forced open the Zaria Central Prison and set the inmates free. But the intervention of soldiers and policemen brought the situation under control. Following the protests, the police and the Defence Headquarters threatened to deal ruthlessly with perpetrators. CPC candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, has condemned the violence, while Jonathan has implored him and other presidential candidates to call their supporters to order.

Agency Tasks Monarchs On Active Role In Polio Eradication

Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has said that traditional rulers have a significant role to play in polio eradication and routine immunisation so as to maintain the historic decrease in cases in 2010. Pate said consistent support of traditional rulers had contributed positively to the success of the Federal Government’s programmes on Polio Eradication, Midwives Service Scheme and Primary Health Care in general.

INTERNATIONAL

Clashes Erupt on Thai-Cambodian Border

Heavy fighting continued on Sunday for a third day between Thai and Cambodian troops, with gunfire and explosions on both sides of the disputed border. The clashes have killed 11 people on both sides since Friday. U.N. Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon called for maximum restraint and an "effective and verifiable" solution to the conflict. The reasons behind the clashes are not clear with the neighbours exchanging blame. Cambodia's Defence Ministry earlier condemned Thailand for launching attacks aimed at taking control of the two temples and accused its army of firing 75 and 105 mm shells "loaded with poisonous gas." Thailand said the claims were "groundless." Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva accused Cambodia of trying to misrepresent the dispute and insisted bilateral negotiations were the correct means to restore peace and outside help was not required.

Twelve Killed in Syrian Protests

Syrian forces, Saturday, killed at least 12 people when they fired on mourners calling for the end of President Bashar al-Assad's rule at mass funerals of pro-democracy protesters shot a day earlier. Protesters staged another sit-in after a funeral for four people from Irbeen, near Damascus. "We are not leaving until the political prisoners are released," one protester told Reuters by phone. Two Syrian lawmakers said they were resigning from parliament in protest at the killing of demonstrators. Theirs were the first resignations from within Assad's autocratic regime.

Israeli Killed in Shooting

An Israeli was been killed in a shooting near a shrine in the city of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, Israeli officials say. At least two other worshippers were wounded, the Israeli military said. Ultra-Orthodox Jews regularly defy a military ban on entering the shrine that is in Palestinian-controlled territory. A report claimed that a car carrying Jewish worshippers was fired upon as it entered Nablus on the way to the tomb. The report said the driver sped away to the nearest army base where the casualties were tended to and one passenger later died. It said five others were wounded.

Ivorian Forces Storm Gbagbo’s Stronghold to Mop Up Arms

Ivorian security forces have launched an offensive to stamp out remaining militia and mercenaries loyal to former president Laurent Gbagbo, who are holed up in an Abidjan neighbourhood after days of battle brought Alassane Ouattara to power, ending a four-month post-election wrangle. But the heavily populated neighbourhood of Yopougon remains awash with pro-Gbagbo fighters who retreated after a French and United Nations-backed assault led to Gbagbo’s arrest. A diplomat confirmed the operation. The government has ordered the indefinite closure of the two universities in Abidjan for “clean up and rehabilitation” after it was announced that weapons were discovered at the university residence. Meanwhile, the European Union has lifted some sanctions, allowing some ships to return to the country’s ports.

Rebels Allege Death of Thousands as UN Sends Humanitarian Aid

With war still raging in Libya, the United Nations (UN) has sent food for 50,000 people to the western part of the country as aid groups who scrambled to reach trapped civilians and rebels put the death toll from two months of fighting at 10,000. Britain’s Foreign Secretary, William Hague, Wednesday, said his country would send military officers to help the rebels improve their organisation, communications and logistics, but would not be involved in training or arming the rebels fighting Muammar Gaddafi’s regime. Hague said the government had agreed to send a contingent “drawn from experienced British military officers” to reinforce the diplomatic team already in the eastern city of Benghazi, where the rebels are based. Rebel leader, Mustafa Abdel Jalil, said that Gaddafi would not cede power unless force was used against him.

Lethal Storms Kill Dozens in US

Rescuers, Monday, continued searching for survivors in North Carolina after three days of storms and tornadoes killed at least 45 people. An emergency was declared in the state, which was hit by up to 62 tornadoes and suffered 21 deaths, the highest toll for any of the states affected. Deaths were also reported in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, Alabama, Georgia and Virginia. The storms moved out over the Atlantic on Sunday. Officials in North Carolina said the number of victims might increase further as rescue teams searched remote areas. The storms first struck Oklahoma on Thursday before sweeping eastward, and some parts saw their worst tornadoes in decades.

France Stops Trains Carrying African Migrants

France has blocked trains from Italy in an attempt to stop North African migrants from entering the country. Trains carrying migrants and political activists have been stopped at the border. Italy has angered France by giving out temporary resident permits to thousands of Tunisian migrants. The permits allow them to travel freely in many European countries. The Italian Foreign Ministry said the French move was "illegitimate and in clear violation of general European principles". Maurizio Furia, a spokesman for the Italian rail company, said that trains were not being allowed to pass into Menton, France, from the Italian border station of Ventimiglia. France says migrants have to prove they can support themselves financially and has set up patrols on the Italian border.

Security Forces Open Live Fire at Yemen Demonstrations

Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in massive protests demanding the ouster of President Ali Abdullah Saleh across Yemen on Sunday. Meanwhile, Gulf foreign ministers met in Riyadh to discuss the crisis in Yemen, after proposing an exit plan for Saleh. Security forces were deployed heavily in Sanaa where hundreds of thousands of men and women took to the streets in protest at Saleh's call for an end to demonstration against the regime. Clashes erupted when security forces opened fire and shot tear gas grenades at protesters, wounding one and leaving 25 others suffering from breathing difficulties.

17 Killed in Misrata as Libyan Violence Rages

Forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi bombarded Misrata with rockets and artillery on Monday and pounded the insurgents’ eastern frontline outpost of Ajdabiyah, rebels said. A rebel spokesman said 17 people were killed in shelling on Sunday in Misrata, Libya’s third-largest city, which has been under heavy bombardment. Misrata is the rebels’ only major stronghold in the west of the country and has been under siege by pro-Gaddafi forces for the past seven weeks. Evacuees say conditions there are becoming increasingly desperate and hundreds of civilians are believed to have been killed.

Soldiers’ Unrest Spread in Burkina Faso as Residents Revolt

Mutinies by soldiers in Burkina Faso have continued to spread and could pose serious threat to President Blaise Compaore’s regime, which has been in place since 1987. Youths also staged a violent street protest in Koudougou, burning down the premises of the ruling party and a home of former Prime Minister, Tertius Zongo. The demonstration, staged as the government struggles to deal with an army mutiny, was initially a peaceful one, but it degenerated. The home of the headmaster of the town’s main school was also burned down. Soldiers across the country have been stepping up protests and looting in recent weeks over pay, and members of the Presidential Guard charged with protecting Compaore fired weapons into the air near the presidential palace.

Wildfires Destroy a Million Acres in Texas

Fire fighters in the US state of Texas are battling to contain wildfires that have burned more than one million acres in the last two weeks, according to reports. Long-term drought, high temperatures and gusting winds have created ideal conditions for the fires to spread. Several towns have been evacuated. The Texas Forest Service said it had responded to 11 new fires on Tuesday, in addition to the scores already burning across the state. Nearly 200 homes were reported to have been destroyed.

Female Soldier Dies in Afghan Blast

A female UK soldier died on Tuesday after suffering severe injuries in an explosion while clearing roadside bombs in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Captain Lisa Jade Head, 29, was injured on Monday. She becomes the second female member of the UK armed forces to die in Afghanistan in nearly a decade. Her death takes the number of British military personnel killed in Afghanistan since 2001 to 364. Capt Head's regiment is the British army's specialist unit responsible for counter-terrorist bomb disposal, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and the recovery and safe disposal of conventional munitions.

Abducted Estonians Appear in YouTube Video, Appeal for Rescue

Seven Estonian tourists kidnapped in Lebanon's eastern Bekaa Valley in March have called on the leaders of France and three Arab countries to secure their release, according to a YouTube video. All seven, who appeared to be in good health, spoke briefly in the one minute, 47 second video. Lebanese authorities have charged 11 people, four of them still at large, with kidnapping the tourists at gunpoint and shooting at a security force patrol that was chasing them.