Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 18

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Police, JTF Disagree over Arrest of Gunmen in Bayelsa

The Bayelsa State Police Commissioner, Aderenle Shinaba, Monday, paraded seven men it alleged were armed mercenaries for elections in the state, but the Joint Task Force (JTF) debunked the claims, saying they were ex-militants surrendering their arms and ammunitions. Shinaba revealed that 52 locally made guns, one single barrel gun, two single barrel guns, one locally made pistol, one English made pistol, 73 live cartridges and a small travelling bag containing few cloths were recovered from them. He stated that the driver of the car was allegedly intercepted under gun point by the gunmen. The CP wondered why the surrendering of arms was being done in the dead of night without the knowledge of the Police.

Five Killed in Election Violence

About five people were on Tuesday killed in Akwa Ibom State when suspected members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), were accused of an attempt to snatch electoral materials during the governorship and House of Assembly elections in the state. Other people, including youth corps members serving as ad-hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were also wounded. Earlier at Ibionio Ibom, Ward 5, corps members were said to have alleged that some security men had arrived at the polling booth and carted away a ballot box while shooting sporadically.

TUC President, Policeman Assaulted in Rivers

The National President of the Trade Union Congress, Mr. Peter Esele, on Tuesday escaped death when some youths suspected to be supporters of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia, attacked him. Esele said trouble started when some voters complained that they had been disenfranchised at Ward 8, Unit 15 in Ubima, Ikwerre LGA, and he called a policeman there to address the issue. According to Esele, who was an observer in the state, Omehia arrived at the polling unit and questioned the police man on why he was at the polling unit, and ordered him out. But his thugs descended on the police inspector, beating him up

Imo Governorship Election in Deadlock

Aggrieved youths in Owerri besieged the office of the INEC and took to the streets calling for the immediate release of the governorship poll. The youths, and a few elderly protesters, patrolled major roads calling for the declaration of the candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, as the winner of Tuesday’s governorship election in the state. As they moved round parts of the city with armed soldiers and riot policemen ensuring that they did not resort to violence. INEC has, however, appealed for patience over the election, saying it would meet to take a final decision over the stalemate. The results of the LGAs so far released were too close to call as both Rochas and incumbent of the PDP, Ikedi Ohakim, nearly a tie.

Candidate, Policemen, Arrested in Bayelsa

The Bayelsa State police command on Thursday confirmed the arrest of Barnaba Edure, the Labour Party (LP) candidate, in the Tuesday’s State House of Assembly election in the state. Edure was arrested alongside five armed police officers suspected to be from Delta State, with three other armed thugs. The LP candidate and a former chairman in the Sagbama were arrested at Amassoma town where they were preparing to hire a boat to his constituency in Sagbama. The suspected thugs said to be heavily armed, and five policemen, have reportedly confessed that they were hired by the former chairman to escort him to his community. The State Police Commissioner, Mr. Adenrele Shinaba, confirmed their arrest. 9 other suspects were arrested at different locations for various electoral offences in Bayelsa State, including a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was arrested for diverting election materials.

Police Arrest 56 for Alleged Electoral Offences in Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command has announced the arrest of 56 persons, including a politician, for electoral offences during Tuesday’s state Assembly and some rescheduled National Assembly elections and re-runs in parts of the state. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emeka Chukwuemeka, disclosed that the culprits would soon be charged to court when investigations are concluded in their cases. He, however, could not ascertain the number of men or women involved but confirmed that some were women.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Police Recover Bombs in Delta, as Candidate is Arrested

The police in Delta state foiled two separate attempts to bomb two communities in Warri-South and Burutu LGAs. State Police Spokesman, Charles Muoka, said that they got security reports of bombs planted in the areas and men were quickly dispatched to the area. He added that the police recovered and took the two bombs to Asaba. In Orogun, Ughelli-North Local Council, there were protests following the electoral body’s decision to use stamps used during the last re-run governorship election. The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate, Ovie Omo-Agege, protested openly, saying it was a ploy to deny his people their rights, while the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) governorship candidate, Chief Great Ogboru, alleged that fake registration papers were used to conduct the election in several wards in Uvwie Council.

Troops Deployed in Delta over Protests

Soldiers were on Wednesday deployed in major towns in Delta State, as the protests developed over the announcement of Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan as winner of the Tuesday’s governorship election in the state. Meanwhile, the police have confirmed the death of a man in Orerokpe "during a shoot-out", but said no arrest had been made in connection with the incident. It was learnt that some of the protesters were angered by the decision of INEC to announce the results in piecemeal from Asaba, instead of the respective local government areas.

Three Killed in Delta Post Polls Protests

Violence, Wednesday, swept across Delta state as three persons were feared killed while others were seriously injured following heavy gun-fire in Ekpan, near Warri, by suspected loyalists to the Democratic Peoples Party’s (DPP) governorship candidate, Great Ogboru. The protesters were said to have taken to the streets in protest immediately after incumbent governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was declared to have won the governorship election in the state. In Ughelli and Sapele, a number of people were also wounded in a similar protest.

Governor Alleges Fraud in Edo Central Polls

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate reports of alleged electoral irregularities in some parts of Edo Central district. The governor, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Peter Okhiria, said intelligence report indicated that some political thugs, headed by a serving member of the House of Representatives, invaded Amendokhian, Ward 7, in Esan North East LGA. He also said in another incident at Ekpoma, soldiers intervened to stop suspected thugs of a political party from causing mayhem to pave the way for rigging.

Soldier Kills Party at Collation Centre in Delta

A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) agent, Mr Joseph Ode, was on Wednesday, shot dead by a soldier at the collation centre in Orerokpe, Delta state. Circumstances leading to the shooting of the middle-aged man, however, could not be immediately ascertained, but source said the man might have been shot because of his insistence on fair play at the DPP-dominated LGA. Ode was the Personal Assistant to Chief Sheriff Oborovwori, a Special Assistant to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on Security and candidate of PDP in the just concluded state House of Assembly election.

DPO Arrested for Thumb Printing in Office

A Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ovwian, Delta State, was, on Tuesday, arrested by soldiers for allegedly thumb-printing ballot papers in his office. He was allegedly caught in the act by agents of political parties, who drew the attention of soldiers to the despicable act. Sources said soldiers, led by a lieutenant, arrested the DPO for his inability to explain why voting was taking place in his office and why two ballot boxes were in his office. The DPO was alleged to be working for the local government chairman in his jurisdiction, who allegedly offered him N2 million for the assignment.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Suspected Killer of Spanish Doctor Nabbed in Lagos

The Nigeria police have arrested a suspect in the killing of a 50-year-old Spanish doctor on vacation in Nigeria. The police in Lagos paraded a 21-year-old, Rafael Okechukwu, for allegedly killing the Spanish doctor, identified as Antonio Gabarro, at a hotel. Okechukwu confessed to stabbing the Spanish to death with a broken bottle, following an altercation that ensued after he discovered that Gabarro had drugged him so he could have sex with him. But Police Commissioner, Suleiman Abba, said there was no excuse for killing anyone, adding that Okechukwu should have reported such to the police.

Cars, Buildings Vandalised as Youths Clash in Lagos

At least 20 cars and six houses were vandalised as youths from Olusosun, in Ikeja and street urchins, popularly called ‘area boys’ from Ojota Park in Lagos state, clashed on Wednesday. Some of the residents of the area were also injured in the mayhem. Residents could say what led to the clash, which started on Monday. A spokesperson of youths in the area, Mr. Daniel Ejide, believes the mayhem had political motive. The leader of the Olusosun youths, Kayus Onye, who was also injured, said the attackers were led by a policeman, who was a well known person in the area. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Samuel Jinadu, said the crisis had been brought under control.

Court Frees Suspect Jailed for Attempted Murder

The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division on Thursday discharged and acquitted Aminu Mohammed, who was convicted for conspiracy and an attempted murder of late Senator Abraham Adesanya by Justice Olusola Williams of the Lagos State High Court. Mohammed and Lateef Sofolahan were on April 8, 2009 sentenced to 28 years and 31 years imprisonment respectively. Dissatisfied, Mohammed, through his lawyer, urged the appellate court to set aside the judgment of the lower court. In a unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Raphael Agbo, the appellate court agreed with the defence lawyer that the testimony of the chief prosecution witness, Barnabas Jabila, alias Rogers was unreliable hence the lower court erred when it anchored its judgment on his testimony.

NDLEA Nabs Two Traffickers at MMIA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two Nigerians trying to smuggle drugs to Hong Kong and Malaysia. The suspects, Dunu Samuel Okwuchukwu, a 39-year-old international businessman ingested 1.110 kilogrammes of cocaine on his way to Hong Kong while Mmaduekwe Christopher, a 32-year-old hid 1.385 kilogrammes of methamphetamine in his sandals on his way to Malaysia. Drug Trafficking has capital punishment in both Hong Kong and Malaysia. NDLEA Airport Commander, Hamza Umar, said that drug traffickers planning to use the Lagos airport would continue to be arrested and prosecuted.

Corp Member Arrested With Thumb-printed Ballot Papers

Over 50 already thumb-printed ballot papers were, on Tuesday, found on a Youth Corps member serving as a Presiding Officer in Osun State. She was subsequently arrested by policemen. It was discovered that some Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and an Assistant Electoral Officer were believed to be behind the ugly act. Meanwhile, a total of 55 persons were arrested in Oyo state for various electoral malpractices. Though the poll was peacefully conducted, there were still some pockets of trouble as about 22 people were arrested in Iseyin for being in possession of fake ballot papers, while 31 people were arrested by the police for allegedly being in possession of thumb printed ballot papers.

One Killed in Ekiti Polls Violence

A man, identified as Ojo Salewa, was killed and seven others injured in a violence that rocked Ilejemeje Local Council of Ekiti State on Monday before the Tuesday elections. Former chairman of the council, Mr. Ebenezer Oladipo, who was accused of shooting Salewa, has been arrested by the police. Spokesperson of the state Police Command, Mr. Mohammed Jimoh, confirmed the killing and arrest of some party chieftains in the council. Voting materials were snatched in some polling units in Usi-Ekiti in Ido-Osi Local Council Area of the state, forcing the presiding officers to cancel election in the troubled areas.

Corps Member, 12 Others Nabbed over Electoral Offences

Thirteen persons, including six women and a member of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, working with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were on Tuesday arrested by the police in Lagos for allegedly attempting to hijack ballot boxes, disrupt electoral processes and tomb-printing of ballots papers. In one of the incidents four armed men, operating on a motorbike bike, allegedly stormed a polling unit at Epe and attempted snatching ballot boxes, but were arrested by Policemen. A 21- year- old member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), working for INEC, was arrested for allegedly tomb-printing on ballots papers in one of the polling units Kirikiri Town.

GENERAL

Jonathan Orders Security Agencies to Remain on Full Alert

President Goodluck Jonathan has directed all security agencies in the country to remain on full alert, especially in identified flashpoints across the country. Some northern states erupted into violence after the presidential elections on April 16. Several persons were killed and properties worth millions of naira must were destroyed in the riots. The spokesperson for the President, Ima Niboro, said yesterday that the president thanked all political stakeholders and Nigerians for the success of the just concluded election.

Slain Corps Members for National Burial

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed that the nine serving corps members, who were killed by rioters in Bauchi State following the April 16 presidential election, will be given a national burial. The authorities of the NYSC lamented that corps members became targets of some disgruntled people who were not satisfied with the results of the elections. The deceased are to be given national burials after the organisation has liaised with their parents. President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to be represented by governors of the states where the slain corps members hailed from.

8 Arrested over Bomb Explosions

At least 8 persons including a wanted member of the Boko Haram sect have been arrested by the police in Kaduna State over last Friday's bomb explosion that rocked the state in which at least two suspected bomb-makers were killed. A security source said the men were believed to be trying to assemble an explosive device when it went off. State commissioner of police, John Haruna, further disclosed that the police also recovered the corpse of one of the suspects, Ismail Ibrahim, in addition to eight sophisticated and locally made rifles and pistols and a flag of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and three highly charged locally made bombs which were capable of causing massive destruction.

500 Killed in Post-Election Violence in North

A human rights group has disclosed that at least 500 people were killed in violence that rocked some northern states following the election of President Goodluck Jonathan. Officials say more than 65,000 people have been displaced. The Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria says most of the deaths occurred in where supporters of defeated presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari attacked churches, homes and police stations, sparking reprisal attacks by Christians. Nigeria's Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Adamawa, Niger and Katsina states were the hardest hit.

Another Bomb Blast in Maiduguri

Three bomb blasts hit Maiduguri last weekend, killing at least 3 persons ahead of the Tuesday’s governorship and State House of Assembly elections. One of the blasts was said to have been aimed at a police convoy going round Maiduguri metropolis to monitor both the gubernatorial and House of Assembly polls. Also on Tuesday, an attempt by a member of the Boko Haram sect to smuggle suspected explosives into the University of Maiduguri was thwarted by security operatives and the suspect promptly arrested by the police. The police commissioner said there was no casualty.

Police Arrest 133 Political Thugs in Kebbi

The police in Kebbi state said it has arrested 133 suspected political thugs for allegedly disrupting the governorship and state assembly elections in the state. Atiku Kafur, the assistant inspector general of police in charge of zone 10, disclosed this, adding that three other suspects, who threatened the life of a police officer at a polling unit, were shot and wounded. He noted that the suspects are receiving treatment at the General Hospital. Kafur said the three suspects have confessed they were recruited from Sokoto and Niger states.

Security Concerns Assume New Dimension in Nigeria –NAF Boss

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar, has warned that the nation’s security concerns have assumed new dimensions that require the transformation of the armed forces to meet security challenges.According to him, it is imperative that the Nigeria Air Force develop as well as build competencies to enable an overall strategy to meet the contingencies demanded by contemporary geopolitical realities. He, however, said that new initiatives had been introduced to address areas of immediate needs in the Air force. He declared that the new approach was for them to refocus on their core values in relation to their constitutional mandates, as well as provide swift response capabilities for emergencies and internal security challenges.

50,000 Face Delisting from CAC

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), on Thursday, said that about 50,000 companies are to be delisted from the commission’s register. Alhaji Garba Abubakar, Special Adviser to the Registrar-General of the CAC, said the 50,000 companies which have not met the provisions of section 525 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 1990 would be delisted. According to him, the dormant companies have failed to file their annual returns as required by the commission. Abubakar pointed out that the commission has so far sent letters to these dormant companies to notify them of its decision to strike off their names from the CAC register. He also said that the bulk of the letters were returned to the commission as their addresses could not be located.

FG To Prosecute Sponsors of Electoral Violence –VP

Vice President (VP), Namadi Sambo, on Tuesday, vowed that all those responsible for the post-election violence that engulfed parts of the north would be fished out and made to face the law. The VP further expressed sympathy and condolences to the victims of the violence and prayed for continued peace in the country. He also said that President Goodluck Jonathan’s government would be that which would carry well meaning Nigerians along regardless of their party, ethnic or religious affiliation to transform Nigeria and place her among the most developed nations by the year 20:2020.

Cleric Calls for Buhari’s Arrest

The presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), has challenged President Goodluck Jonathan to arrest him if he can. Buhari spoke against the backdrop of the call by the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, that the CPC candidate be arrested over the recent post-election violence in some Northern states. Oritsejafor had called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Buhari and all identified cohorts before they plunge the nation into another civil war. Another Christian cleric, Bishop Wale Oke, said he supported Oritsejafor’s call for the probe of Buhari, to determine the level of his involvement or otherwise in the incident.

20 Detained for Electoral Offences in Borno

The police have arrested 20 people, including a politician, for various electoral offences and detonation of bombs in Maiduguri, Borno State. The bomb blasts were detonated at Baga Road and the London Chiki ward, destroying one of the patrol vehicles. Speaking on the bomb blasts and killing of one voter, the state Police Commissioner, Mike Zuokumor, disclosed that one of the politicians fired gunshot severally, killing one person and wounding four others at the polling centre. He said seven persons between the ages of 18 and 23 were attempting to plant a bomb on a road when the police arrested them on Tuesday.

5 Die, 7 Injured in Auto Crash after Voting

Six persons have been confirmed dead with seven others hospitalised, following a fatal auto accident which occurred on Wukari/Akwana road in Taraba State on Tuesday. The victims, who were returning from Akwana after casting their votes, were said to have died instantly. According to an eyewitness, an over speeding driver of a Hilux van lost control and ran into  a motorbike killing the driver and  passenger before running into the bush. Four occupants of the van also lost their lives. The seven survivors are said to be responding to treatment.

Bombs, Ballot-Box Snatching Characterise Guber Polls

Governorship and State house of assembly polls held in most states of the federation on Tuesday. But the polls in some states were marred by violence and electoral malpractices, including bombs and ballot-box thefts. Turnout appeared down in a number of areas, with reports of some electoral workers refusing to show up out of fears of attacks. Security was tight, with curfews and military patrols in many areas. Three bomb blasts hit the city of Maiduguri, but no death was recorded. In Delta state, police found two bombs, one of them near the offices of the electoral agency, but they were safely defused.

Job Hazards Kill 2.3m Annually -ILO

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has disclosed that job-related accidents kill about 2.3 million workers worldwide every yearly, while 337 million are victims of occupational injuries. This was disclosed as part of activities to commemorate the 2011 World Day for Safety and Health at Work. A statement by the ILO, said accidents and illnesses from work take a heavier toll in terms of lives lost and disability than global pandemics such as the HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Yet most work-related injury, illness and deaths go unnoticed and unreported.  ILO declared that occupational safety and health must be integral components of strategies for productive employment and decent work.

Governors Evacuate Corps Members from North

Several state governors have evacuated the youth on National Service in the north to save them from being killed after the last presidential election. Some of the states that have evacuated its indigenes are Kwara, Ekiti, Rivers, Abia, Lagos and Anambra. In all the states, the corps members were grateful to their governors for taking prompt action to save their lives as they became prime targets following the outbreak of violence in parts of the north after the April 16 presidential election that returned President Goodluck Jonathan elected. The Abia state governor, Theodore Orji, called on political and religious leaders to help restore normalcy in the regions, wondering why a section of the country should always be the target for killing.

Five Killed Youths Prevent in Ballot Snatching in Benue

Five people were feared dead in Benue State after youths resisted some political thugs who hijacked ballot boxes for Mbayee-Yandev ward. Two buses conveying Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) workers to the commission’s collation centre were ambushed by armed thugs who snatched voting materials from them and diverted them to the home of a government official. But armed thugs from another party stormed the residence, opened fire on them, overpowered them and set ablaze all the voting materials. They also beat up INEC ad hoc staff for alleged complicity. Public Relations Officer of INEC in the State, Jacob Iyanda, confirmed that all genuine materials for the Ward were burnt and no result from the ward would be recognised.

Soldiers Kill Two in Benue Elections

Two persons lost their lives in Makurdi, Benue State, on Tuesday during the election in separate shooting incidents. In the first incident, a soldier shot dead the first unidentified victim during an argument with the security personnel at a checkpoint. It was gathered that the victim refused to stop when the security personnel attempted to search the bag he carried. The second victim was shot dead at the Commissioner’s Village Polling Unit when he attempted to escape with the ballot box used at the unit on a motorcycle. The ballot box snatcher had almost driven out of the polling unit when the military personnel in the area were alerted and he was gunned down. Youths in the area immediately set his motorcycle ablaze.

300,000 Nigerians Die Yearly of Malaria – UNICEF

Malaria kills about 300,000 people in Nigeria annually with about 97 per cent of the population at risk of infection. This was disclosed in a statement by the United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) to mark this year’s World Malaria Day. The Executive Director of the world body, Anthony Lake, said that though malaria was both preventable and curable, hundreds of thousands of children in Africa will perish because of lack of access to Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN) and life-saving treatment. According to Lake, studies have shown that when a community’s children sleep every night under ITN, overall child mortality can be reduced by up to 20 per cent. He called for conceited efforts to combat malaria.

IG Orders Increased Security For WAEC Officials, Students

The Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Abubakar Ringim, has directed zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIG)  and Commissioners of Police (CP) in Kaduna and Bauchi states to  provide adequate security for staff of the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC), invigilators, students and all other workers involved in the Mathematics examination slated for Thursday, April 28,2011. A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr. Olusola Amore, stated that the directive was imperative because the examination coincided with the re-scheduled gubernatorial elections in Kaduna and Bauchi States. According to him, restriction of movement would not apply to those involved in the conduct of the examinations, even as the police boss urged the students and their parents to concentrate primarily on their examinations.

HURIWA Threatens to Drag Jonathan to ICC over Post Election Violence

President Goodluck Jonathan was Wednesday given a 21-day ultimatum by the Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA) to bring perpetrators of the post-election violence in some parts of the country to book or risk being dragged to the International Criminal Court (ICC). The National Coordinator of HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko also advocated for the immediate conversion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme to one year compulsory military service as it’s practiced in some countries of the world. Onwubiko expressed dismay over the incessant violence that culminated in the destruction of lives and property in the north, saying that the situation had continued because government was yet to demonstrate political will to check it.

Tight Security, Voter Apathy Marr Election in Kaduna

The rescheduled governorship and House of Assembly election in Kaduna State was conducted on Thursday amidst tight security and low voter turn-out. Many, however, attributed the low voter turn-out to the fallout of the recent post-election violence which broke out in the state over President Goodluck Jonathan’s victory at the polls. Heavily armed soldiers, regular and anti-riot policemen, anti-terrorist operatives as well as men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps manned check points at almost all the major roads in the state capital.

Governor-Elect Plans Amnesty for Boko Haram

The governor-elect of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shettima of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), has pledged amnesty to the members of outlawed Boko Haram sect, if they lay down their arms and negotiate with the state government to restore “peace and unity” for security in the state. He, however, called for the full cooperation and understating of the three opposition parties, traditional and religious leaders, since without peace and security of lives and property, no meaningful development could take place.

INTERNATIONAL

Osama Bin Laden Killed by US Forces in Pakistan

Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the September 11, 2001, terror attacks that killed thousands of Americans, was slain in his luxury hideout in Pakistan Sunday in a firefight with U.S. forces. The US attacked Afghanistan within months, pursuing al-Qaida, and an invasion of Iraq followed as part of the Bush administration's global war on terror. US President, Barack Obama, said neither Americans nor civilians were harmed in the operation. Three adult males were also killed in Sunday's raid, including one of bin Laden's sons. A jubilant crowd of thousands gathered outside the White House as word spread of bin Laden's death. Former President George W. Bush, who was in office on the day of the attacks, issued a written statement hailing bin Laden's death as a momentous achievement.

Gadhafi Escapes, Son Killed in Missile Strike

Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi survived a NATO missile strike on Saturday, but his youngest son and three grandchildren were not lucky. Gadhafi and his wife were in the Tripoli house of his 29-year-old son, Saif al-Arab Gadhafi, when it was hit by at least one missile fired by a NATO warplane, according to Libyan spokesman Moussa Ibrahim. This is not the first time that Gadhafi has been at the site of an airstrike that killed one of his children. Meanwhile, Libya's ambassador to the UK has been expelled after the British embassy in Tripoli was attacked. Foreign Secretary William Hague said Omar Jelban was given 24 hours to leave the country. Diplomatic missions belonging to a number of NATO states have been targeted after the airstrike.

Mexican Police Rescue 51 Hostages

Mexican police have freed 51 people who had been kidnapped in a building in the town of Reynosa near the US border, according to the Public Security Ministry. Earlier in April, police freed 68 kidnapped individuals, in the same town. Four policemen were detained on Monday in connection with the earlier release. Those who were rescued said they had been kidnapped when gunmen from the Gulf drug cartel hijacked the buses they were travelling on. Officials said the total probably includes 122 passengers from a bus that was commandeered near San Fernando, and have blamed the killings on the Zetas drug cartel, now in a bloody dispute with the Gulf, its former ally.

AU Lifts Sanctions on Cote d’Ivoire

The African Union (AU) has removed sanctions against Cote d’Ivoire, after President Alassane Ouattara took control following the removal of former leader Laurent Gbagbo. Joseph Nsengimana, Rwanda’s AU ambassador and chair of the bloc’s Peace and Security Council, disclosed this after council members met in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. The AU suspended Cote d’Ivoire’s membership after a disputed election late last year which saw Gbagbo refuse to cede power to Ouattara triggering months of political deadlock and violence that brought the country’s economy to its knees.

Afghan Pilot Fires on NATO Troops, Kills 9

Eight NATO service members and a contractor were killed when an Afghan military pilot opened fire on the foreign troops following a dispute at the airport in Kabul on Wednesday. The shooting was the deadliest incident in which a member of the Afghan security forces turned against coalition forces. The worst incident before that occurred on April 16 when an Afghan soldier walked into a meeting of NATO trainers and Afghan troops at Forward Operating Base Gamberi in Laghman province and detonated a vest of explosives. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, but Defense Ministry spokesman Gen. Mohammad Zahir Azimi said the gunman was an Afghan military pilot of 20 years. The pilot was killed in the morning shooting.

Black Box from Air France Crash Recovered

Investigators have located and recovered the missing memory unit of the flight data recorder of a 2009 Air France flight that crashed in the Atlantic, killing all 226 persons onboard. It is hoped that the discovery will explain why the aircraft went down. France's air accident investigation agency BEA said a search by a submarine probing 3,900 meters (12,800 feet) below the ocean's surface located and recovered the unit Sunday morning. The unit appeared to be in good condition.

Ivoirien Forces Attack, Kill Militia Leader

The leader of a militia that helped Cote d’Ivoire’s President Alassane Ouattara defeat rival Laurent Gbagbo has been killed in a gun battle after he and his men refused to obey a presidential order to disarm. Coulibaly’s ‘Invisible Commando’ insurgents had fought alongside what is now the Ivoirien national army to topple Gbagbo, but had been accused of not meeting a deadline to lay down their arms and join the new army. Ouattara ordered soldiers from all sides of the conflict back to barracks last week in an effort to restore stability. A source said Coulibaly and his bodyguards were killed after talks to end the row had been sabotaged by people who did not want him to meet Ouattara. A spokesman for the militia had said that the group was in the process of disarmament and had asked its fighters to prepare to lay down their arms.

Syrian Troops Clash over Crackdown on Protesters

Members of Syrian army units have reportedly clashed with each other over the crackdown on protesters in the city of Deraa. Over 500 people have reportedly been killed since the revolt against President Assad began in March. Ausama Monajed, a spokesman for the opposition figures, said the clashes among the troops have occurred since President Assad sent the army into the city on Monday. According to him, members of the 5th division refused to open fire on the people, and returned fire when they were subjected to attacks by the 4th Division, run by the president's brother. The government has denied clashes between the army units. Meanwhile, about 200 members of al-Assad’s Baath Party resigned on Wednesday after the government sent in tanks against the protesters. Their resignations symbolises further challenge to Assad’s 11-year rule.

Tornadoes Kill 200 in US

Tornadoes spawned by a powerful storm wiped out towns in some states in America, killing at least 194 people. Officials expect the death toll to rise. Alabama's state emergency management agency said it had confirmed 128 deaths, while there were 32 in Mississippi, 15 in Tennessee, 11 in Georgia and eight in Virginia. The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., said it received 137 tornado reports around the regions into Wednesday night. The governors in Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia each issued emergency declarations for parts of their states. President Obama approved a request for emergency federal assistance, including search and rescue assets, while about 1,400 National Guard soldiers were being deployed around the state.

NATO’s Strike Destroys Gaddafi’s Compound

The forces of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) on Monday flattened a building inside Muammar Gaddafi’s Bab al-Aziziyah. This comes as Algeria’s Foreign Minister, Mourad Medelci, said that it was up to the Libyan people to determine whether Gaddafi’s departure was a prerequisite to a resolution of the Libyan conflict. Reacting to accusations by the Libyan rebel Transitional National Council (TNC) that Algeria’s military was giving support to Gaddafi, the minister said there was no evidence to back up such a claim. A media official said 45 people were hurt in the strike and some were still missing. Gaddafi’s son, Saif al-Islam, said the Libyan government would not be cowed by such attacks.

52 Feared Dead in Congo Boat Mishap, China Fire

About 52 people were killed in two incidents in two countries, the Democratic Republic of Congo and China. In Congo, 35 people have been reported missing after their boat capsized in Lake Kivu, penultimate Sunday evening with about 40 passengers and a variety of goods on board. Jerome Moke, chairman of the association of ship owners of Lake Kivu, said that 5 survivors had been. The boat itself had not been found. The accident was allegedly caused by bad weather. In China, an illegal garment shop in a four-story building in Beijing caught fire, killing 17 migrant workers and family members who may not have been able to escape because of bars on the windows. Another 24 people were hurt in the fire. The cause of the inferno was not immediately given.

Syria Seals Off Border with Jordan

Syria has sealed off its border with Jordan, hours after troops backed by tanks swept into the Syrian town of Daraa, where fierce protests against the government has been running for weeks. A Jordanian security official said the move was preventing people from leaving the country. Prominent rights activist, Rami Abdel Rahman, said Syria had chosen a military solution to crush nationwide pro-democracy demonstrations, as the army launched assaults in towns. Other rights activists and witnesses said thousands of Syrian troops launched assaults in the towns of Daraa, Douma and Al-Muadamiyah. Activists say they are unable to count the casualties as army snipers on rooftops had people pinned indoors.

Afghan Alleges Conspiracy in Jail Break

Afghan Presidency, on Tuesday, acknowledged signs of "cooperation and facilitation from inside" in a huge Afghan prison break in which hundreds of Taliban inmates escaped. Some 488 prisoners, the vast majority of whom are thought to be Taliban, escaped from Kandahar prison in southern Afghanistan through a one-kilometre tunnel overnight last weekend. Justice Minister, Habibullah Ghalib, said that the house where the tunnel started had been searched by police two and a half months ago. The Taliban said the tunnel took five months to dig. Local officials said Tuesday that they had recaptured 65 prisoners. Experts have warned that the prison break could provide a major boost to the Taliban and threaten recent gains claimed NATO-led forces.

UK, France, Italy Press for Sanctions against Syria

European countries have called for "strong measures" to halt repression in Syria, as its government steps up a campaign against peaceful protests. France and Italy urged the EU and UN to put pressure on Syria to end its crackdown. Proposed by the UK, France, Germany and Portugal, the draft statement condemns the deadly violence against Syrian civilians and backs a call made by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for an independent investigation into deaths in the protests. More gunfire had been heard in the city of Deraa on Tuesday, a day after troops and tanks were deployed. Deraa has been at the centre of protests against President Bashar al-Assad. Syria's security forces have shot dead more than 400 civilians in their campaign to crush the month-long pro-democracy protests, according to a Syrian human rights organisation.