Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 19

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

NBA Condemns Invasion of Tribunal by Thugs

The Bayelsa state branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) on Tuesday condemned the invasion of the election petitions tribunal by thugs allegedly sponsored by a politician in the state. At least 20 armed thugs, wielding dangerous weapons, allegedly stormed the court in Yenagoa on Saturday attacking two female officials of the tribunal and carting away copies of documentary evidence. The miscreants were alleged to have seized copies of petitions submitted by the reinstated deputy governor of the state and senatorial candidate of the Labour Party for Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Mr. Peremobowei Ebebi.

One Killed in Rivers Communal Clash

One person was said to have been killed while the other was seriously injured in a renewed communal clash between two communities in Ogoniland. The communities known as B-Dere and K-Dere in Gokana LGA of Rivers State had been at loggerheads for about a year. The latest clash, which started on Sunday, continued till Wednesday morning. A source explained that enmity between the two communities worsened when a policeman from K-Dere was accosted by some youths from neighbouring B-Dere on Tuesday and threatened to abduct him.

Police Deploy 10,000 Men for Imo Supplementary Election

The Nigeria Police deployed about 10,000 officers and men in local government councils where governorship supplementary election held on Friday in Imo State. The police also assigned a Deputy Inspector General of police, Mrs. Ivy Okoronkwo, to supervise the exercise. Okoronkwo said the 10,000 policemen were made up of personnel from anti-riot police mobile force; anti-terrorism squad; conventional policemen and anti-bomb squad. She said that sister security agencies were expected to also provide a good number of personnel to complement police effort.

Calabar Airport Shut for Repairs

The Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar, Cross River State, has been shut down for two months to effect repairs on the runways. The General Manager, Public Affairs of FAAN, Akin Olukunle, who confirmed the closure, said the maintenance would last from May 7 to July 8.

Gunmen Kidnap Perm Sec in Ebonyi

A Permanent Secretary in Ebonyi State, Chief Steven Orogwu, was kidnapped by gunmen in Abakaliki. Orogwu is a staff of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Family source said that he was abducted on Wednesday night at his residence immediately he arrived home after work. The State Police Public Relations Officer, John Eluu, noted that the police was aware of the abduction. He added that investigation had commenced.

Rochas Okorocha is Imo Governor Elect

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has been declared the winner of the governorship election. According to results declared by the Returning Officer, Prof. Hilary Edoga, Okorocha polled 336,859 votes followed by Chief Ikedi Ohakim of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and incumbent, who got 290,490 while Senator Ifeanyi Araraume of the Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN) clinched 107,068. Imo state, Friday, had a supplementary election after the returning officer declared the April 26 election as inconclusive. Jubilation immediately ensued across the state.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Edo NMA Calls for Action against Insecurity

The Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Tuesday, lamented what it described as the poor state of security in the state, accusing security agencies in the state of not making use of intelligence information available to curb crimes. The complaint followed the closure of banks in Edo-Central over incessant robbery incidents. Banks have refused to open for business in the past two weeks due to attacks on them almost daily. The NMA, therefore, called for an overhaul of security apparatuses in Edo State. Meanwhile, abducted medical doctor, Paul Oriaifo, has regained freedom. The state Chairman of the NMA, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, commended the efforts of security agencies in securing his release, and apprehending one of his abductors without the payment of any ransom.

93-Year-Old Kidnapped in Delta State

An octogenarian, Gilbert Everett of Koko town in Warri North LGA of Delta State, has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen. The kidnappers had initially demanded for a ransom of N130 million, but later reduced it to N1m, as the ransom appeared not forth-coming. It was learnt that the man has been in captivity for over a week. Everett is the community Treasurer and the kidnappers perceived him to be in possession of large sums of money meant for the community. His abduction was also said to be linked to the fact that all his children are overseas and doing well.

Groups Want Action against Masterminds of Violence

The United Niger Delta Energy Development Security and Strategy (UNDEDSS), a coalition of ethnic nationalities and civil societies in the Niger Delta, has warned against treating anyone as sacred cow in the quest to bring masterminds of the post-election violence in parts of the north to justice. UNDEDSS’ President, Pat Utomi, urged the Federal Government to urgently prove its concern about the welfare and security of Nigerians, and foreigners within the country by speedily bringing to book all proven parties to the killings. The coalition also urged the FG to speedily resettle the over 70,000 displaced persons who fled their homes and compensating families that lost their loved ones to this latest orgy of violence.

18 Killed In Delta Road Accident

A ghastly motor accident, on Wednesday, left 18 passengers dead in Agbor, Delta State. Reports said that the accident occurred along the Benin-Asaba expressway in Agbor. Eyewitnesses said that a passenger bus was descending the hill from the Onitsha direction when it experienced a brake failure and ran into a saloon car, and crashed into a gutter. Officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), however, blamed the accident on carelessness, adding that drivers who ply the road often times do not observe the road signs to slow down when descending a slope.

Groups Demand Release of Arrested Female Protesters in Delta

Delta State chapter of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) and the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) have in Asaba demanded the immediate release from police custody of five women who were arrested for engaging in peaceful demonstration against the declaration of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the disputed April 26 gubernatorial election. The state Chairman of CDHR, Benefit Orugbo, said there was no law in the country, which prevents peaceful protests by citizens. But the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Charles Muka, said nobody or group has been permitted to embark on any form of procession, warning that anybody caught would be dealt with.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

NDLEA Uncovers Drug Syndicate, Seizes High Grade Cocaine

A suspected drug syndicate concealed 3,200kg of high grade cocaine with an estimated street value of 30 million naira inside candles. Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) made the discovery during the inward screening of passengers on Emirate flight from Brazil at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos. The drug was industrially packed inside six big candles, four of which are black while the other two are green. The prime suspect, Aina Fausat Olanrewaju, claimed that the candles were meant for spiritual use. Not satisfied with the explanation, the candles were broken and found to contain cocaine. The 45-year-old is believed to be working for an international drug cartel with stronghold in Brazil.

Police Arrest Notorious Armed Robber after Church Robbery

The police in Lagos State have arrested a 32-year-old notorious armed robber, Charles Okon. Okon was nabbed after a successful operation at a church in Surulere area of the state. Luck ran out on the gang as their leader, Charles Okon, was arrested around Tin Can Island in Apapa, during the sharing of the loot from the church. Okon had, some weeks ago, escaped to Ghana after his girlfriend, Mariam Onwuka, was arrested at a motor park in Lagos State with three AK 47 riffles. Police spokesman, Samuel Jinadu, stated that the gang overpowered the security man on guard at the church.

One Killed in Attack on Lawmaker-elect

A member-elect of the Oyo State of House of Assembly, representing Lagelu State Constituency 1, Mr. Temitope Olatoye, escaped death on Tuesday when armed men, suspected to be factional members of the state chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) allegedly invaded his office in Ibadan. Olatoye’s Personal Assistant, was reportedly shot dead in the attack. Spokesman of the state police command, Tunji Ajimuda, confirmed the incident. Olatoye’s elder brother, Jide, disclosed that armed men had made about seven attempts on the life of his brother without the police making any arrest.

Oyo Govt Decries Attacks on Citizens
…as NURTW Member is Killed in Ibadan

The Oyo State government has warned against attacks on innocent citizens in the state. The state Commissioner for Information, Alhaja Risikat Alabi, on Tuesday, warned that anyone caught disrupting the peace would be dealt with according to the laws. The government assured that adequate security of life and property is guaranteed. Meanwhile, the State police command has refuted reports that 10 people were killed in renewed clashes in Ibadan, saying that no life was lost in the clash. But a member of the proscribed National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) was, on Tuesday, killed during in a clash between two factions of the union. An eyewitness said that the victim died before medical attention could reach him.

Police Kill Armed Robbery Suspects in Shootout

The Lagos State Police Command yesterday killed nine suspected armed robbers in the metropolis. Five suspected armed robbers were killed while attempting to dispossess a family of their car and other valuables in Isolo area, at night.  The bandits, numbering about seven, were said to have attacked the family in a car. Immediately the armed hoodlums sighted the police, they opened fire, and the policemen retaliated, killing five of them in the process. The police recovered two guns from them.  In a similar development, two armed bandits, met their waterloo after they trailed a man who had just cashed N1 million. They were killed by policemen during a gun battle. Similarly, anti-robbery policemen attached killed two suspected armed robbers along Abeokuta Expressway and recovered two locally made pistols, 30 live ammunition, and four expended cartridges, amongst other items. The State Police spokesman, Samuel Jinadu, confirmed this.

Accident Claims Nine Lives on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

Nine men lost their lives in a lone accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Thursday when their vehicle crashed at the Ogumefum area of the highway in Ogun State. Sixteen other male passengers, who were said to be travelling to Lagos from Katsina, sustained serious injuries in the accident and were rushed to a hospital. The Police Public Relations Officer of Ogun State, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the accident. Adejobi explained that information from the police division in the area indicated that the driver lost control of the vehicle.

Man Kills Sister in Lagos

The police in Lagos have arrested a man, Ndifreke Michael-Thompson, for allegedly killing his younger sister, Lovette, in April 19. The 24 year-old has confessed to the crime but added that he was driven to commit the dastardly act by metaphysical forces. Ndifreke, who said he took a bottle of beer before killing his sister, insisted that his action had spiritual undertone and had nothing to do with the bottle of beer he took. The Police Public Relations Officer, Samuel Jinadu, said Ndifreke will be prosecuted in due course. He was arrested when he went to the hospital to check on his sister. Apparently, neighbours had reported to the police that the victim was last seen with him.

GENERAL

Post-Election Violence was Planned – Kano CP

The Kano State Police Commissioner, Mr. Danazumi Doma, has critically reviewed the April 18, 2011 post-election violence in the state, saying that the riot was pre-planned. He noted that the police are investigating some persons believed to be the master-minds. Doma regretted that he did not see the riot coming, adding that if he had, he probably would have arrested the source(s) and prevented the avoidable loss. He, however, absolved the police of blame regarding the alleged failure of its intelligence gathering to have nipped the riot in the bud.

Three Children Killed in Bauchi Blasts

Three children were killed on Wednesday night in Ashaka, Bauchi State, in a blast believed to have been caused by explosives left behind by armed robbers who had raided a commercial bank in the town. Three other persons were feared killed during the robbery operation at the bank. Armed men, numbering about 10, allegedly drove to the area in two separate unmarked cars and immediately started shooting sporadically into the air. The bandits reportedly forced their way into the bank and carried out the heist after which they left in a hurry. The PPRO of the command, ASP Ahmed Doma, said security operatives had swung into action in order to track down the armed robbers. He called on anyone with useful information to volunteer such to the police.

Another Corps Member Dies in Bauchi

A female corps member has died of injuries she sustained from the attack on her in Dombam LGA of Bauchi State, where she served during the general election. Her death has pushed the death toll of the corps members in the post-presidential election crisis in the state to 10. The news of the death of the 10th victim came as the remains of the other nine corps members that were killed in the violence were being removed from the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) mortuary and taken to their various states of origin for burial. The slain corps members were evacuated by officials of the National Headquarters of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) Abuja.

150 Drug Suspects Arrested in Jigawa

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Jigawa State Command, has disclosed arrest of 150 drug suspects in three months. The agency’s commandant in the state, Ibrahim Abdullahi, said many of those arrested have been taken to court with convictions also secured. According to Abdullahi, perpetration of crime and drug abuse are directly perpendicular to each other, as no person in his normal sense will delve into crimes without the influence of drugs. He said as a prelude to the 2011 elections, the NDLEA carried out several operations, which led to the arrest of 88 suspects. The NDLEA commandant said 28 of the suspects were found to be directly involved in drug peddling.

FG Increases Security at Airports

Following security concerns that the killing of Al Qaeda leader, Osama bin Laden by United States’ forces could intensify terrorist activities around the world; the government of Nigeria has beefed up security at the airports across the country. This was disclosed by the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr Harold Demuren, and the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Richard Aisuebeogun. They said a number of meetings had been held with security operatives, to address the situation and any potential threat.

Gunmen Attack Governor’s Aide, Kill 13-Year-Old

One person was killed after suspected Boko Haram members attacked Alhaji Umaru Shehu, Deputy Chief Security Officer to Gov. Ali Sheriff, on Thursday in Maiduguri. The gunmen opened fire on  Shehu on his way out  of his Bulumkutu residence at  about  7 a.m. “The gunmen had laid ambush at the gate of the Bulumkutu residence of Shehu They immediately opened fire at his car as he was about leaving the house, an eye witness, Malam Lawal Almajiri, said. Almajiri, however, noted that the officer was lucky to have survived the attack, but his upper chest and his fingers were badly damaged. Almajiri also said one of the teenagers in the compound, a 13-year-old, who chased the fleeing gunmen, was killed.

Police Arraign 352 in Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command has arraigned 352 suspects for allegedly committing various offences during the April general elections. The offences include inciting public disturbance, looting of public property, arson and election malpractice. The Police Commissioner in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed, said that most of the suspects were arrested in connection with the post-election violence in the state. He said others were arrested for alleged electoral offences during the governorship and state assembly elections.

Gunmen Kill Four in Borno

Suspected Boko Haramgunmen shot and killed three prisons warders, along with a housewife, in two separate attacks on Monday and Tuesday in Maiduguri. One of the prison warders and his wife, were ambushed on Monday night, while the two other prisons officials were gunned down on Tuesday at their residences by two suspected Islamic sect members carrying Kalashnikov rifles under their long gowns. The Borno State Assistant Police Commissioner, Usman Baba, confirmed the killings.

16 Dead in Bauchi Communal Clash

The police in Bauchi State said 16 people were killed while 20 houses were burnt in Kurum village Bogoro LGA during a night attack by gunmen on Wednesday. The State Commissioner of Police, John Abakasanga, said that the motive behind the attack was not known. He, however, said the attack followed one of the serial raids in successive months. The police boss said the gunmen had adopted a hit-and-run strategy in raiding the area, adding that the police were investigating the cause of the attack. Several attacks have been reported since crisis erupted in Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro councils on January 27.

Thugs Attack Bauchi Commissioner, Others

Suspected political thugs, last Thursday, attacked a serving commissioner in Bauchi State, a former commissioner and a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the National Assembly election, Hussaini Umar. It was learnt that the three men, who were on their way to their polling units were attacked by the hoodlums, who came in a bus. The hoodlums were said to have attacked them with sticks, axes, knives and swords. It was gathered that soldiers on surveillance, who saw the hoodlums from a far distance, shot into the air, which made the attackers to run away. The men are currently receiving treatment.

Man Stabs Friend to Death after Smoking Indian Hemp

A minor disagreement between two friends after a dose of Indian Hemp led to the death of one of them in Minna, Niger State on Monday. Danasabe Mohammed and Abubakar Gambo had gone on a smoking spree, but as they returned home, a minor disagreement ensued between them. It was gathered that, Mohammed, who was carrying a dagger promptly brought it out and stabbed Gambo in the neck. Gambo died before getting to the hospital. Witnesses at the scene of incident raced after Mohammed when he tried to run away and caught before the police arrived.

Drug Abuse Responsible for Political Killings –NDLEA

The Director-General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr Femi Ajayi, has attributed gruesome political killings and destruction of property in the country to drug abuse. The NDLEA boss stressed that drug control was very vital and remained a panacea for the orgy of violence and wanton destruction. The NDLEA Director-General, further enumerated the consequences of drug abuse to include political instability, national insecurity, prostitution and crime, marital crisis and drug related accidents among others.

Youths Call for Arrest of Buhari

A political pressure group based in Bauchi, under the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Youths Coalition, has called for the immediate arrest of the presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), saying that this is the way to restore peace and normalcy in the country. The national coordinator of the group, Babangida Sule Manchok (Jnr), made the statement, adding that Buhari constituted a threat to the cohesion of Nigerians, with his desperation to rule the country. According to him, Buhari’s action after the election showed frustration and internal disruption, with a determination to remain relevant in the politics of the country.

FG Assures Investors of Stable Investment Climate

The Federal Government has assured existing and prospective foreign investors in the oil and gas sector of stable investment climate and its willingness to partner with them. Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, gave the assurance while unveiling the Nigerian Stand at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) holding in Houston. She promised potential foreign investors good return on their investments, given the proactive investment-friendly economic policies put in place by the Nigerian government. She said the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) would be passed before the end of the present administration this month.

Group Tasks Government on Violence

Worried by the post-election violence that erupted in some parts of northern Nigeria, a socio-ethnic group, the Supreme Egbesu Assembly (SEA), has called on President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Assembly to take far-reaching steps to prevent recurrence. The group demanded probe of the latest incident, with all those found culpable, regardless of their status in the society, brought to justice. It also warned that any attempt made by any group to destroy the present democratic culture would be met with equal force. The SEA led by its leaders, Werinipre Digifa and Dr. Felix Tuodolo, called on Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and Gen. Ibrahim Babangida to apologise to the nation and the families of those killed in the mayhem through their supporters in the North.

NEMA Reunites 20,000 Displaced with Families

About 20,000 people have been re-united with their families following the outbreak of violence in parts of the north after the April 16 presidential election, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The agency also said it has donated relief materials and children’s items to mothers who delivered babies at the Internally Displaced People’s Camps (IDPCs) in Kaduna. NEMA’s Spokesman, Yushau Shuaib, said that the Federal Government would continue to provide the needs of displaced people. He said the IDPs are mostly scattered in some northern states, as well as in Onitsha, Anambra State. An estimated 75,000 people were displaced by the violence.

INTERNATIONAL

Govt Forces Arrest Hundreds in Syria

Syrian security forces going house to house rounded up more people in a clampdown on pro-democracy unrest across the country on Monday. Human rights campaigners said hundreds of pro-democracy sympathisers had been arrested since Sunday in an attempt to quell the revolt, the gravest challenge ever to the authoritarian rule of President Bashar al-Assad. State authorities, however, said army units tracked down "terrorist groups that have terrorised civilians and killed 10 of its members and arrested 499 of them." An army source added that security forces also killed five snipers who were shooting at pedestrians, while two members of the security forces were also killed in clashes. Syrian protesters deny that they have weapons and are using them in the unrest. Syrian women and children in the city of Deraa continued their protest from rooftops after troops intensified a crackdown on the city.

Gaddafi Intensifies Offensive against Rebels

Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi, pressed an offensive against rebel forces, and his supporters burnt Western embassies after he survived a NATO airstrike. Officials said the airstrike killed his son and three grandchildren. Gaddafi, fighting a rebellion against his authoritarian 41-year rule since mid-February, has not been seen in public since the attack. A spokesman said he was unhurt, while his son Saif al-Arab, 29, was killed with three young grandchildren. The embassies of Britain and Italy were attacked and burnt, along with the U.S. commercial and consular affairs department. Libya’s army fired volleys of rockets at the rebel-held town of Zintan in the Western Mountains. Rebel spokesmen said fighting had flared again in Misrata’s eastern suburbs, but that intense air strikes by NATO planes appeared to have won the port.

Taliban Insurgents Renew Afghan Offensive
…Afghan Forces Kill 25 Fighters near Pakistan Border

Taliban-led insurgents, Monday, killed about 11 people across Afghanistan in a renewed offensive despite a huge security clampdown. Already, the hard-line Islamists had warned civilians to stay away from public gatherings, military bases and convoys, as well as government offices, because those sites would be the target of a wave of attacks beginning Monday. Meanwhile, twenty-five foreign fighters were killed and wounded by Afghan security forces on Tuesday, after they crossed the border from Pakistan, a government official said. This is the first sign of retaliatory attacks in Afghanistan after al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was killed. Jamaluddin Badr, governor of north-eastern Nuristan province, said that the 25 fighters killed and wounded included Arabs, Chechens and Pakistanis.

Spanish Court Gives Somali Pirates 439 Years Jail Term

A Spanish court has sentenced two Somali pirates to 439 years in jail each for their role in the hijacking of a tuna fishing boat. The two men have been detained in a Madrid jail since they were caught after the attack in late 2009. The vessel and 36 crew members were held off Somalia for 47 days. The Somalis were found guilty of 36 counts of illegal detention and robbery with violence. Under Spanish law, they will serve only a maximum of 30 years in jail, regardless of the sentence. They were also ordered to pay 100,000 Euros to each person detained. During the trial, the suspects said they had been fishing and were themselves seized by the pirates who later hijacked the vessel.

Pakistan Warns America against Future Raids

Pakistan warned America Thursday of "disastrous consequences" if it carries out any more raids against terrorists like the one that killed Osama bin Laden, and hit back at international allegations it may have been harboring the al-Qaida chief. With calls from some U.S. lawmakers to cut aid to Pakistan following the raid, the European Union said it would not turn its back on the nuclear-armed nation that is seen by many as key to helping negotiate an end to the war in Afghanistan.

Russia Kills Al-Qaeda Militant in Chechnya

Russian security forces have killed a top Al-Qaeda militant in Chechnya. The militant was accused of coordinating foreign rebels in the North Caucasus, the national anti-terror committee said on Wednesday. The militant, named as Doger Sevdet, was a Turkish national who had taken on the nom-de-guerre of Abdullah Kurd and "was an envoy of Al-Qaeda in the Northern Caucasus". Sevdet, who was born in 1977, and a fellow militant from Dagestan were killed by Russian security forces Tuesday in a clash in the Vedesnk region of Chechnya. His death comes two weeks after Russia killed another top Al-Qaeda militant, a Saudi operative known as Moganned, in what analysts said was one of its biggest security successes in the region for years.

Mexican Miners Trapped after Explosion

Mexican officials reported little hope Wednesday of finding survivors of an explosion in a coal mine in northern Mexico, as five of 14 trapped miners were confirmed dead. Labour Minister Javier Lozano reported a fifth body pulled out early Wednesday. Lozano disclosed that experts believe there is almost no chance that they could have survived. The blast, blamed on methane gas, also struck a teenager, who was later had to have his arms amputated, investigators said. The explosion occurred early Tuesday at the mine near the town of Sabinas. It provoked new criticism of officials over failings in mine safety, as well as the inability to recover most of the bodies from the blast in 2006.

Millions Pledged for Libya Rebels

International powers have pledged funds to aid Libyan rebels in their battle to oust strongman Moammar Gaddafi. The move Thursday came as more than 1,000 refugees arrived in the eastern rebel bastion of Benghazi after fleeing the besieged city of Misrata under fire. Gaddafi's forces have tightened the noose on Misrata, killing at least five people on Wednesday, in a more than two-month nationwide revolt that the International Criminal Court said has cost "thousands" of lives. Leaders of the rebellion against Gaddafi said the pledges, to come mainly from Kuwait and Qatar, were "a good start."

Group in Sudan Denounce Killing of Bin Laden

Around 1,000 people on Tuesday gathered in the centre of the Sudanese capital Khartoum to praise the late al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. A radical Islamist party had called for a mass prayer to honour the mastermind of the September 11, 2001 plane attacks in the United States who was killed in a U.S. operation in Pakistan. After the prayer, several radical Sunni Muslim clerics praised the al Qaeda leader in speeches and called on Arab leaders to fight the United States, widely seen in the region as a supporter of Israel and biased against Muslims. Bin Laden lived in Sudan for five years, arriving in 1991 after falling out with Saudi Arabia’s ruling family over the kingdom’s participation in the U.S.-led campaign to end Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein’s occupation of Kuwait.

North Sudan army, South Police Clash in Border Region

A north Sudanese army convoy entered the contested border region of Abyei and clashed with southern police, killing 12 people, the region’s chief administrator said on Tuesday. A northern minister accused the police of starting the fighting and said troops were just joining an internationally-agreed joint north-south force in the area. Analysts say Abyei is one of the most likely places for conflict to ignite in the countdown to the secession of southern Sudan, expected in July. Both sides claim Abyei, a remote area which includes fertile grazing land and oil reserves.

19 Killed as Clashes Rage in Kenya, Ethiopia Border

Clashes between tribesmen in the northern region of Kenya that borders Ethiopia killed at least 19 people, officials said on Tuesday. Rift Valley Provincial Commissioner, Osman Warfa, said 19 Kenyans died in fighting with raiders from the Merrille tribe, also know as the Dassenech, from Ethiopia. Cattle rustling and clashes over grazing land and access to water are relatively common in the region. Another government official in northern Kenya said 21 Kenyans had died along with four Ethiopian tribesmen in a series of retaliatory clashes along the border.

Museveni Criticised over Crackdown on Protesters

At least five people have died with more than 100 injured after series of peaceful protests against Uganda’s soaring inflation turned violent, with clashes between police and demonstrators in Kampala. Reports say that the Ugandan government’s use of excessive police force on those taking part in the protests has already prompted criticism of President Yoweri Museveni’s tactics, even from his supporters. The latest riots came a day after police operatives arrested opposition leader, Kizza Besigye, who has been a target since he started the walk-to-work campaign to protest the government’s neglect of rising fuel and food prices.

Scores Missing in another Congo Boat Mishap

Several persons are feared missing after a boat capsized on Monday on the Kasai River in Congo. The mayor of Tshikapa, Laurent Kambulu Mputu, confirmed the accident. Another boat capsized on that same river last year, leaving as many as 200 people dead. Many people in Congo travel by boats, even if they do not know how to swim, because of their bad roads. The boats are often in poor repair and filled beyond capacity, and the industry is not well-regulated. In a swift reaction, President Joseph Kabila sacked his transport minister. Information Minister, Lambert Mende, said Kabila had sacked the minister for failing to tackle the issue of safety on Congo’s waterways.

57 Women Raped by Soldiers in Congo

Soldiers have reportedly committed acts of sexual violence in the north-east Democratic Republic of Congo, a UN humanitarian group said. “A total of 57 cases of sexual violence have been reported since the beginning of the year in the area of Kungu and the suspected perpetrators are armed men” the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a statement. The Congolese armed forces (FARDC), DARDC soldiers, whose ranks include ex-rebels and militia, all integrated into one post-war force, are frequently accused of rape in the unstable Nord Kivu and Sud Kivu provinces.

France Confirms Nationals Killed in Morocco Bombing

Days after a deadly blast at the Argana cafe overlooking the historic Djemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech, Morocco, French Foreign Ministry confirmed that eight of its nationals were among 16 people killed in the terror attack. Ministry spokesman, Bernard Valero, said that nine French were also wounded in the blast. Morocco’s Interior Ministry said three Moroccans, a Briton, a Canadian, a Dutch, a Portuguese and a Swiss national also died. The attack jolted the crucial tourism industry in the relatively peaceful North African country amid upheaval across the Arab world. No one has claimed responsibility, but Morocco’s interior minister has said the attack bears the hallmarks of al-Qaeda.

68 Killed in Sudan Cattle Conflict

About 70 people have been killed in a weeklong cattle raiding conflict between two rival tribes in Southern Sudan, officials said on Monday. The cattle raid happened near water points in Jonglei state when ethnic Nuer tribesmen allegedly attacked the area and drove off with more than 100,000 cattle owned by the Murle. According to Akot Maze, the commissioner of Pibor County, more than 5,000 people, mostly women and children, have been displaced from their homes. The fighting went on for more than a week but subsided Friday. The governor of Jonglei, Kuol Manyang Juuk, said that 70 bodies had been discovered from the recent fighting. The two tribes have had long-running battles over cattle and access to water.

Algeria Arrests Al-Queda Suspects

The Algerian security forces have arrested seven men, mainly Algerians and Moroccans, suspected of supporting Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, (AQIM). The men are accused of providing logistical and financial support to the northwest African wing of the armed extremist group and were detained in the Saharan south of Algeria. According to reports, agents in the centre for research and investigation in the Tamanrasset district identified "a dormant support cell in the Abelsa region and put an end to their activities". They seized computers, communications equipment and amounts of foreign currency. Reports say that the AQIM support group was led by a Malian known as Abou Al-Youcef El-Hassan, whose real name is Jakwa Ibrahim Obraham, aged 42.

16 Killed as Nepal Bus Plunges off Cliff

Sixteen people were killed and 22 others wounded when a passenger bus fell off a cliff in western Nepal on Wednesday, authorities said. Police could not immediately say what caused the crash. It was the second such accident in two days. On Tuesday, 12 people were killed when a bus fell off a cliff in central Nepal. Several factors contribute to frequent bus crashes in the mountains of Nepal, officials say. Among them are overcrowding, inexperienced drivers, poor conditions of roads, and old buses.

Ivoirian Troops Capture Naval Base

Ivorian troops have captured a naval base in Abidjan from remnants of a militia loyal to deposed leader Laurent Gbagbo, a military spokesman said on Thursday. Dozens of people have died in clashes in the past few days Cote d’Ivoire plunged into conflict after Gbagbo refused to cede power to Alassane Ouattara, provoking a conflict that killed thousands of people and displaced several more. It eased with Gbagbo’s arrest last month.  Ouattara’s forces say the remaining pro-Gbagbo fighters are largely in the Abidjan neighbourhood of Yopougon, and that they are mostly Liberians who crossed the border as soldiers for hire.

Suicide Attack Kills 21 Police Officers

At least 21 people died when a suicide car bomb attack ripped through a police headquarters in the Babil province capital of Hilla, south of Baghdad. At least 75 people also were wounded in the attack, the Interior Ministry said. The attack bears the hallmark of al Qaeda in Iraq, Kadhim Majeed Toman, chairman of the Babil provincial council said. He believes the attack was revenge from al Qaeda after the killing of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan by US forces. The car bomb carried 150 kilograms of explosives, ministry officials said. Attackers struck other targets as well in Iraq, killing more persons.

AFRAA Faults Europe’s Ban of African Airlines

For the second time in two weeks, the umbrella body for African airlines, African Airlines Association (AFRAA), has faulted the European Union (EU) for unilaterally blacklisting some of the continent’s carriers. This is coming on the heels of a fresh ban on Air Madagascar’s planes capable of operating in Europe. The EU had penultimate week slammed a ban on over 26 airlines from Africa, prompting AFRAA to petition Africa Union (AU) and Africa Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) to intervene in what it described as a ploy to prevent African airlines from European airspace.

6 Children, 2 Wives of Bin Laden in Pakistani Custody

Six children and two wives of Osama Bin Laden were arrested along with his four close friends in a search operation launched on Monday by the Pakistani forces. Bin Laden was killed by US forces after his luxury hideout in Pakistan was discovered. One of his sons was killed in the operation. Authorities have, however, said that terrorist attacks would continue to be a concern. Interpol member countries should take extra vigilance against retaliation after the killing of bin Laden, the France-based organisation further warned.

102 Journalists Killed In 2010

A total of 102 journalists were killed in 2010, a media watchdog disclosed on Monday. The year was the second bloodiest since International Press Institute’s Death Watch records began in 1997, behind only 2009, which saw 110 deaths. In Asia, 40 reporters were slain, making it the most dangerous region in the world for journalists. Latin America was next with 32 journalists killed. Honduras, with 10 deaths, and Mexico, with 12, accounted for almost one quarter of all the deaths last year.