Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 47

• 
• 

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Kerosene Explosion Kills Mother and Daughter

A nursing mother of two, Mrs. Nkechi Ozuku and her five-year-old daughter, Nnenna, lost their lives to a kerosene explosion and left her husband and three months baby in critical condition at the National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu on Monday. Narrating the incident, which occurred Sunday night, elder brother to the victim, Francis Ozuku disclosed that Nkechi was attempting to add kerosene to a lantern the family was using when the explosion occurred. Meanwhile, members of Ozuku family who took the remaining kerosene suspected to have been adulterated to the filling station where it was bought, were told by the operators that the killer kerosene could not have come from the station as nobody else had complained about the genuineness or otherwise of the product.

Man, 84, Remanded in Prison for Alleged Murder

A Chief magistrate court sitting in Umuahia, Abia State, and presided over by Israel S. Nwulu, has ordered that Chief Chikara Ugorji, 84, be remanded at Umuahia Federal Prisons for allegedly killing one Sopuruchi Nzedibe with a double barrel gun on the 30th of September, 2011 in Umuahia. The Chief Magistrate, in his ruling after the charges were read out to the accused person, took no plea and no bail granted, and he directed that the case file be forwarded to the State Directorate of Public Prosecution, (DPP) for advice on the matter. He adjourned the case to December 2, 2011.

Ex-Militants Threaten Bombing Campaign

A group of former warlords in the Niger Delta have threatened to start bombing oil installations. The group, on Thursday, announced that it took the decision after a meeting held in the creeks, following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum given to the government to meet some demands, including the payment of their monthly allowances and the recognition of some militants who embraced the amnesty programme. They had also demanded that the Federal Government should urgently probe the Presidential Amnesty Committee, describing it as a fraud. The statement issued by one General’ Keithy Sese, "the General Officer commanding all ex-militants on Phase 3,’’ claimed that the group had no choice but to resort to the use of violence, "the only language that the Nigerian government understands."

JTF Seeks Identities of Illegal Refinery Owners

The Joint Taskforce (JTF) in the Niger Delta, on Wednesday challenged Nigerians to make public the names of politicians and other highly placed persons behind illegal refining of crude oil in the region. The reaction followed widespread insinuations that some "big men’’ who were behind the criminal act were being shielded by some powerful forces. Speaking in Warri, the spokesman of the JTF, Lt. Col Timothy Antigha, who declared that it was not enough to say that the "masterminds" of bunkering were influential Nigerians; called on Nigerians to disclose the names of the culprits. He maintained that the force would only hand over those who were directly involved in the illegality and not on the "basis of mere insinuations.

Community Demands N1.5b Compensation from Oil Firm

Elders and youths of the Ikot Ebidang Community of Onna LGA of Akwa Ibom State are aggrieved for losing their farmlands and other means of livelihood to the gas pipeline project, passing through the community and said to have turned the entire area upside down. Most importantly, they are aggrieved that their shrines have been desecrated thereby making their gods angry with them. The family heads of the community have now resorted to seeking redress through legal means if the contracting firms still refuses to listen to their pleas for compensation. They are demanding a whopping N1.5 billion as compensation. A demand notice from their lawyer, Mr Dasil Akpan, to the company handling the pipe-laying project, said the company in 2010 commenced the project in the community without providing the necessary adequate safety and security measure, committed the several “tortuous acts against the community.

Shell Summoned over Oil Spill in Rivers Community

The Rivers State House of Assembly has invited the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) over the recent oil spill in Isioma community in Oyigbo LGA of the State since September. The lawmaker representing the council, Okechukwu Nwaogu, was accused Shell of ‘threatening the lives of the people by causing economic starvation and environmental degradation.’ The lawmaker, in the bill, stated that since September 15, this year till date, since the oil spill occurred, Shell had done nothing to clean up the affected areas. The Speaker, Otelemaba Dan-Amachree, mandated the House Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to summon Shell and report to House within two weeks.

1 Dies as Fire Cracker Sets House Ablaze

A 23-year-old man was, on Wednesday, burnt to death while 23 families were rendered homeless when firecracker thrown by a child snowballed into a fire, which gutted the building in Ogbaru LGA of Anambra State. The fire incident, which engulfed a 23-room apartment started at about 2pm when a 7-year-old boy allegedly threw firecracker into the building, which consumed cash and other personal effects worth over N27.4 million. It took the intervention of the Okpoko Youth Association to douse the fire.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Commissioner’s Mother Kidnapped in Delta

Gunmen, last weekend kidnapped a septuagenarian, Madam Gbubemi, mother of Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Mr. Mofe Pirah. Madam Gbubemi was kidnapped on her way to church at Eyara village in Udu LGA. It was gathered that the kidnappers ambushed her vehicle and took her away at gunpoint. A woman and a 15-year-old girl, who were in the car with her were seized but later released. The driver, who was allegedly locked in the booth of the car, it was gathered, told security agents that he escaped. Anti-kidnapping Task Force of the Delta Waterways Security Committee, DWSC, it was learnt, immediately swung into action and trailed the kidnappers to a thick forest, Agbarho in where the car was found.

Delta Villagers Besiege Shell Facility, Demand better Treatment

No fewer than 200 members of Awhakia family of Olomoro community in Isoko South LGA of Delta State have besieged Olomoro Flow Station operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), demanding that the oil company implement the terms of agreement reached with them. The protesters, who came with their canopies and chairs, said they would not leave until the company starts the payment of adequate compensation, environmental cleanup, proper community development projects and creation of good and harmonious working relationship with the families. Their spokesmen, Sunday Iderike and Godday Egbogbo, said over the years the company had taken the family for granted because of their peaceful disposition.

10-Year-Old Girl Sets Self Ablaze after Being Scolded

A 10-year-old girl, last weekend, set herself ablaze in Ughelli, Delta State, and later died in hospital. It was gathered that the deceased set herself ablaze in the kitchen using a gallon of kerosene, after she was scolded. According to a source, the deceased called for help when the pains became unbearable, adding that neighbours immediately took her to the Ughelli Central Hospital, and later to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), where she died.

Edo Police Arrest 3 over Murder of Teenager

Police in Edo state have arrested three persons who allegedly abducted and murdered a teenager in Benin City. The Commissioner of Police, Edo State, David Omojola, revealed that the victim, Godspower Idjerhoyibo, 16, was reportedly abducted on Thursday, November 10, 2011 while returning from school. According to Omojoal, investigation revealed that one Daniel Etido, 21, the victim’s close friend, arranged the abduction. The suspects Godday Ogbeiye, 25; Kelvin Ogiemwonyi, 20 and Daniel Etido, 21 confessed to the crime.

Brothers in Court for Alleged Armed Robbery

Two brothers, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, 32 and Okoye Chukwuemeka, 24, on Wednesday appeared before an Asaba Chief Magistrate’s Court for alleged armed robbery. The Police Prosecutor, Mr. Bassey Eko, said that the accused and others now at large, allegedly committed the offence on August 31 when they robbed a man of his Land Rover Jeep, 2 laptop computers and some other items while armed with guns.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Customs Seize Arms, Ammunition at Lagos Airport

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Mortal Muhammed International Airport Command, has seized a cache of ammunition believed to have been abandoned by unidentified persons. The command said the ammunition was abandoned at the strong room of the Nigeria Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO). According to Customs Area Comptroller, MMIA Command, Michael Adewole, the inventory of the abandoned arms and ammunition include six double barrels, one single barrel, one pump action, one Uzzi, two magazines, one berretta pistol, etc. Adewole listed the ammunition to include 20 pieces of 5.56 mm calibre, 19 cartridges, 12/12, 500 pieces of blank Armour and a sealed box of cartridges, among the servicing accessories. He said investigation had begun with sole aim of unraveling those behind the illicit arms deal.

Lawmakers Call for Arrest of Suspected Ritualists

Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Honourable Razaq Atunwa, has called on Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and the state Police command to urgently arrest the activities of suspected ritualists, who have reportedly been attacking people in Ilorin. The speaker charged the security operatives in the state to check the attack and ensure that the perpetrators were brought to book. While moving his motion on the matter, a lawmaker cited instances of the attack on some people at a same particular spot in the town.

20 Killed in NURTW Clash in Ogun State

At least 20 people were killed on Tuesday morning in Sango-Ota, Ogun State, as two opposing factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) clashed over the control of the Sango Motor Parks. This comes barely three weeks after a similar incident in Ifo and Ijebu-Ode, claimed the lives of six people, leading to the disbandment of the NURTW in Ijebu-Ode. The Sango clash came just 24 hours after a state High Court struck out an application challenging the conduct of a proposed election by a faction of the union in the state. Consequent upon the rising cases of violence and other security challenges, the governor has ordered 30 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to assist the security operatives in combating armed banditry and other violent crimes in the state.

Naval Rating Kills Female Colleague, Self

The Nigerian Navy has constituted a Board of Inquiry (BoI) to investigate the circumstances leading to the death of a female rating in the home of a male rating last weekend. The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogbor, said the Nigerian Navy was sad by the incident in which a female rating identified simply as Toya was murdered by a rating also identified as Harry. The incident allegedly occurred after the rating accused Toya, his girlfriend, of infidelity. The accusation, it was gathered, was followed by denials and later arguments leading to a scuffle that eventually led to the rating stabbing the lady severally. Henry, who also stabbed himself, died on Monday. Admiral Ogbor said the force would get to the root of the matter to find out what happened and those responsible would go in for it.

Bank Manager, Husband Docked over Alleged Stealing of N209m

The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lagos has charged an Ecobank Customer Service Manager, Mrs Tosin Lawal and her husband, Michael to court for allegedly stealing the sum of N209 million of customers deposits under the pretext that the amount was being posted to the lawful owners’ accounts, a representation they knew to be false. The couple was first arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, before the case was later transferred to the Federal High Court in Lagos by the court. The case, however, could not go on at the resumed hearing in the matter due to absence of the first accused, Tosin, who is still in Criminal Investigation Department, CID, while her husband, Michael, is in Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, custody.

Armed Robbers Kill Man, Abandon Loot after Police Chase

Armed robbers killed a man in Lagos on his daughter’s birthday. Johnson Obasan, 48, popularly called Officer was said to have withdrawn over N1 million from a bank in Apapa. He was returning home with the money at about 12.30 pm on Monday but unknown to him armed robbers who operated on a motorcycle were trailing him behind. One of the victim’s relatives said the bandits waylaid the fish merchant, Obasan and his friend along Marine Road, Apapa. Immediately Obasan suspected that the two persons on the motorcycle were armed robbers, he attempted to run inside a nearby residence but the armed robbers immediately shot Obasan in the back. Immediately the police detective attached to Apapa Police Station on patrol duty heard the first shot, they raced to the scene. On sighting the crime fighters approaching, the hoodlums abandoned the money and rode off.

Robbers Besiege Lagos Neighbourhood, Injures Several

Robbers went on prowl on Wednesday in Sebotimo Street, of Mangoro area, Lagos. The bandits held people of the area hostage for more than three hours, extorting raw cash, handsets and other items of value, forcing many to write cheques under duress. The robbers, operating at gun point, stormed the area at about 2am ransacking almost every building in the street. One of the victims said that they made frantic phone calls to the Lagos State special security alert number, 767 but got no response. According to their accounts, the robbers, mostly boys and young men within the age range of 17 and 20, were armed with shotguns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons. Although they did not shoot, they left many residents of the area wounded.

GENERAL

Governor Escapes Bomb Attack

An explosive device believed to have been thrown by the Boko Haram and targeted at the convoy of Governor Kashim Shettima on Monday afternoon in Maiduguri went off few minutes after the governor’s convoy passed the area. Governor Kashim who was received at the Maiduguri Airport yesterday afternoon by thousands of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) supporters was riding in a long convoy which included senior government officials, ANPP chieftains and friends of the governor following the favourable verdict of the Justice Sani Adamu-led Borno Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in Abuja recently. A military officer said the explosion was targeted at the convoy of the governor. But the Federal Government, on Monday, re-assured Nigerians and foreigners that it was on top of the security situation in Nigeria.

FG Insists UK Violated Air Service Pact

As the deadline by the Federal Government to the United Kingdom’s mega carrier, British Airways (BA) to reduce its flight frequencies from seven to three times a week expired on Wednesday, Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah, insisted that the British Government was wrong in disrespecting the Bilateral Air Service Agreement signed by both countries, by refusing Arikair, Nigerian flag carrier, landing slots. According to Oduah, the main issue at stake was the way the UK government violated the spirit and letter of BASA which was predicated on the principles of equity, fairness and reciprocity. The Federal Government had on Tuesday, November 8 reduced BA flights frequencies from London Heathrow to Lagos from seven to three times a week but later extended it by one week which will now take effect tomorrow.

Boko Haram Has Ties with al Qaeda –Algerian Minister

Algeria’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Abdelkader Messahel, Sunday said there was strong coordination between Boko Haram and the Algerian-based North African branch of al Qaeda, al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). Algeria is credited with having the biggest intelligence-gathering operation on al Qaeda of any country in the region. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, has debunked the belief that Nigeria’s intelligence machinery was a failure and inefficient. Ihejirika promised that security men would continue to enhance their efforts so that the terrorists don’t sneak in from time to time to wreak havoc. He said that the Nigerian Army has been collaborating with other countries that have had longer experience of terrorism, with a view to fighting the growing menace.

Egypt Berates Boko Haram

The Arab Republic of Egypt has joined the rest of the world to condemn the terrorist attacks by the extremist Islamic sect, Boko Haram.  This was contained in a statement by Mr. Ihab Fahmy on behalf of the Egyptian Embassy in Nigeria, in Abuja, on Wednesday. The statement said Egypt strongly condemned the attacks on government building and facilities in the northern Eastern city of Damaturu, Yobe State, on November 4, 2011, which left many people dead and several others injured. The sect’s spokesman, Abdul-Qaqa, threatened more attacks.

Governors Aid Shot in Benue

Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) have disagreed on who was responsible for the shooting of the governor’s aide at the weekend. While Suswam accused ACN members of being responsible for the attack, the state chairman of the ACN, Abba Yaro, denied responsibility and decried the shooting. Yaro described the attack as fallout of in-house fighting in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Suswam said the attack was another pointer to the threat issued recently by the elders of the ACN in a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan that they must make sure that Benue State was ungovernable for him. Reacting to the development, the Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, assured the people of the state of the Federal Government’s collaboration with the governor to unravel the masterminds of the attacks on the people.

2 Murdered in Tafawa Balewa

Two undergraduates, Bukata Bitrus and Masoyi Bitrus, riding on a motorbike, were murdered in in Tafawa Balewa LGA of Bauchi State. The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mohammed Barau, confirmed the killings on Tuesday. Barau said an investigation into the murder had begun. The latest victims were hacked to death, penultimate Thursday. They were reported to be riding on a motorcycle when they were waylaid and attacked with machetes. The Secretary of the Sayawa Traditional Rulers and Council of Elders, Bukata Zhadi lamented that no fewer than eight youths in the area had been killed within the last three months and fingered the Hausa Fulanis as responsible.

Gunmen Invade Home of Islamic Scholar, Kill Student

Three suspected Boko Haram gunmen have killed an 18-year-old Islamic student in Borno State, after they attacked the residence of an Islamic scholar. Spokesman of Joint Task Force (JTF), Lt. Col Hassan Mohammed, confirmed the killing. The slain student was alleged to be an informant to the security agents in the state. Mohammed said no arrest had been made as the suspects fled to the neighbouring wards of Kumshe and Abaganaram, South of the sect’s destroyed enclave.

Brother of Ex-Football Star Shot Dead

Two gunmen suspected to be armed robbers, last weekend, killed Super Eagles Assistant Coach, Daniel Amokachi’s younger brother, Tehimbi Emmanuel Ayuwa at his phone call center in front of their father’s residence in Kaduna. The 23-year-old was shot by two men who stormed his kiosk on a motorbike and demanded he surrendered the proceeds of his sales from his GSM recharge cards and call transactions business for the day. Police spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command, Aminu Lawal, said the police would do everything possible to apprehend the hoodlums.

FG Orders Reopening of 22 Border Security Posts

The Federal Government has ordered the reactivation of 22 border security posts in a bid to curb the growing wave of terrorism in the country. The decision to re-activate the border posts was said to have been taken at an extraordinary meeting between Nigeria’s security chiefs and representatives of the neighbouring countries in Abuja. President Goodluck Jonathan has already ratified the decision. It is believed that the reopening of the security posts would go a long way in curtailing violence in the country. The neglect of the border posts is believed to have encouraged smuggling of light arms and other trans-border crimes.

EFCC Arraigns 40 Suspects over Pension Scam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Monday, re-arraigned a former Director of Pension Administration in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Sani Teidi Shuaibu, and nine others, over an alleged fraud of about N4.56 billion. They were arraigned, alongside 30 companies. The EFCC had at the resumption of hearing of the case before Justice Adamu Bello sought leave of the court to withdraw the earlier charge and replace it with a new 24-count charge which included names of companies suspected to have been used to perpetrate the fraud; a request which was granted. Justice Bello admitted all the accused to bail and adjourned the matter to the February 13 and 14, 2012 for the commencement of trial.

Tanker Drivers Begin Strike, Lament Dangers of Bad Roads

Tanker drivers have begun strike in protest against the deplorable situation of Calabar-Odukpani-Itu and Calabar-Odukpani-Ikom highways. Several vehicles including haulage trucks have been abandoned by their owners on the affected roads. Top officials of the Tanker Drivers Union had moved to Odukpani junction to ensure strict compliance with the strike. The drivers alleged that “on daily basis our trucks fall easily and products wasted, sometimes the trucks catch fire”.

CJN Declares Plea Bargain Illegal

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Dahiru Musdapher, has declared Plea bargain as illegal and dubious. Plea Bargain is a prosecution strategy deployed to make suspects accept guilt and forfeit their loot in exchange for light sentences. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) adopted the approach in order to shorten the length of prosecution and come to closure in record time. Musdapher also frowned on the practice of obtaining court injunctions against law enforcement agents, saying it is another obstacle to anti-corruption struggle. He further condemned the practice of parading suspects before the media, declaring it as “trial by media”, because it would be difficult to convince an average person that those paraded did not commit the offence. According to the CJN, plea bargain should no longer be relied on to compromise corruption cases.

Senate Summons Azazi, Security Chiefs over Boko Haram Attacks

The Senate, on Tuesday, summoned the National Security Adviser, General Andrew Azazi (retd), and all service chiefs over the continuous attacks by the Boko Haram sect. Chairman, Senate Committee on Information and Media, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, said the Senate had mandated its committees on Police Affairs, Security and National Intelligence, Defense and Army, Air Force, Navy and Interior to “critically examine the situation and report back.” The Senator disclosed that the committees would engage with various security agencies and would bring back report to the House. Since its inception on June 6th, this will be the third time the Senate will meet with security chiefs.

Labour Issues Deadline on Soldiers’ Withdrawal from PHCN Facilities

The current strike embarked by electricity workers over the deployment of soldiers to Power Holding Company of Nigeria’s (PHCN) facilities across the country took a different turn, as Federal Government said it may treat their action as a criminal act against the state. However, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Thursday, gave the Government two weeks to withdraw the soldiers or face an industrial action. The Acting General Secretary of NLC, Owei Lakemfa, dismissed the claim by government that it took the move to secure the facilities from attacks from the radical Islamic sect, Boko Haram.

Boko Haram Recruits Undergraduates, Minors

The radical Islamic sect, Boko Haram has threatened more attacks in Abuja. According to reports, the group had decided to change the design of the outlook of its operatives from the usually heavily bearded, to the clean-shaven young men, who could easily escape the psychological tests of security operatives. Sources confirmed that some security agencies had already uncovered the new agenda, with the recent arrest of some eight recruits, who fall within the new description. Meanwhile, anti-terrorism experts met on Friday under aegis of the Global Counterterrorism Forum to discuss ways of preventing the financing of armed militant groups, focusing on North Africa’s Sahel desert region. Manuel Lopez Blanco, coordinator for European Union strategy on the Sahel, said Al-Qaeda’s North African branch, known as Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and Boko Haram had a shared agenda and probably cooperated in training and operational tactics.

Robbers Kill Policeman in Katsina

A suspected armed robbery gang, on Monday, killed a police corporal and robbed some passengers on a bus in Charanchi LGA of Katsina State in the early hours of the day. It was also revealed that the hoodlums, who robbed the passengers of the bus, on sighting the policeman, shot him and fled into the nearby bush. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Abubakar Ibrahim, confirmed the incident, saying investigations were ongoing.

Pneumonia Kills Millions of Children Yearly

GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceutical Company has said that globally, pneumonia kills more children under five than AIDS, malaria and measles combined. The company stated this in a release issued in Lagos on Monday to mark this year’s World Pneumonia Day. According to the release, “every year, pneumonia hospitalises between 11 and 20 million children, and kills more than two million children worldwide”. It added that with effective treatment and prevention, 1.3 million of those lives could have been saved.

Jonathan Appoints New Heads for PPPRA, DPR

President Goodluck Jonathan, on Tuesday, announced the appointments of Mr. Reginald Chika Stanley as the new Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and Mr. Osten Oluyemisi Olurunsola as new head of Department for Petroleum Resources (DPR). Both appointments, according to the Presidency, take immediate effect. Meanwhile Senate President David Mark has warned the newly confirmed members of the Board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to live up to expectations or face similar faith as their predecessors, who were disbanded recently. The new board comprises Dr. Tarlilah Tebepah (chairman); Dr. Christian Azubuike Obo (managing director); amongst others.

FG to Ordered to Pay El-Rufai N1m as Compensation over Passport Seizure

A Federal High Court in Abuja, Tuesday, ordered the Federal Government to pay the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, N1 million for deliberately refusing to renew his Nigerian Passport in 2009. Delivering judgment on a suit filed by the ex-minister, Justice Abdul Kafarati said the government was unable to show any verifiable reason why the plaintiff’s passport was not renewed as he had requested via an application. El-Rufai had listed the Minister of Interior, Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Director-General of National Intelligence Agency and Attorney- General of the Federation as defendants in the suit.

NAPTIP Evacuates 93 Nigerian Sex Workers from Mali

No fewer than 93 Nigerians were evacuated from Mali by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP). The Executive Secretary of NAPTIP, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, disclosed on Tuesday that nine traffickers were also arrested with the support of the Malian authorities. Jedy-Agba said the agency moved into action when it discovered that Nigerians were holding fellow Nigerians in slavery for prostitution in Mali. She said NAPTIP, during the raid, discovered that some of the brothels housed young Nigerians between the ages of 14 and 17.

INTERNATIONAL

Over 650 Slaves Freed in Sinai Peninsula

Hundreds of African refugees have been released from captivity in the Sinai Peninsula and allowed to cross from Egypt into Israel, shortly after a CNN documentary aired on November 5, detailing the horrendous conditions the migrants face. The documentary showed evidence that African refugees, mostly from Sudan and Eritrea, were being held captive by Bedouin human traffickers in Sinai, who try to extort massive sums of money from the refugees’ families for their release. While in captivity the refugees are enslaved, many of the women raped and some even killed. Over 600 African refugees were released in Sinai, says Hamdi al Azzazy, an activist for the New Generation Foundation for Human Rights. An Egyptian general said that Egypt's national security agencies were "tracking the rings of organized criminals involved in human trafficking but remain perplexed regarding who exactly is harvesting the organs and where they have been sold."

American Tourists Freed in Yemen

Three French aid workers who were kidnapped in Yemen in May have been released, according to French authorities. They had been seized by suspected al-Qaeda militants in the town of Seyun. The two women and a man worked for French charity Triangle Generation Humanitaire. French President Nicolas Sarkozy thanked the Sultan of Oman for his help in securing their release. No details have been released about the circumstances of the release. The three had appeared in an online video in September, saying the demands of their abductors had not been met.  More than 200 foreigners have been kidnapped over the past 15 years; most have been released unharmed.

Rival Militias in Libya Agree to Truce

Days of fighting between militias from Libya's coastal city of Zawiyah and members of the Wershifanna tribe have ended after a truce was agreed, according to fighters on both sides. Fighting had erupted on Thursday after a row over a military base, a key component of defenses under Muammar Gaddafi, along the main highway from Tripoli to Tunisia. Libyan officials and diplomats say they are concerned at the way local disputes have flared, and say some groups among those towns which rebelled early against the old order appear to be bandying accusations of pro-Gaddafi sympathies among neighbouring groups in order to further their interests in long-standing local feuds. Although Gaddafi is dead, many of the rebel militias that fought to topple him say they will not hand in their weapons until a national army is formed.

Explosion in Myanmar House Kills 10

A mine exploded in Myanmar's northern Kachin state, killing 10 people and seriously wounding 23 others, according to report on Monday. The incident allegedly occurred as a man was demonstrating how to detonate a mine inside his house. The blast killed the man along with nine others and caused fire to spread to two neighboring homes. Other explosions were reported in the country, but with sketchy details as they are being investigated.

Aid Workers in South Sudan Moved to Safety over Growing Violence

Oxfam, an international aid agency will relocate workers and scale back operations in South Sudan's Upper Nile state following a surge of violence along the border with Sudan. Oxfam has been providing clean water and sanitation for 64,000 people in the Upper Nile state, but said it feared for its workers' safety after they reported bombing and heavy artillery penultimate Friday. The aerial attacks follow the bombing a day earlier of the Yida refugee camp in South Sudan's Unity state. Tensions have been rising since South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in July. The Sudanese army says it is fighting rebel groups in the border region. The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay called Friday for an "independent, thorough and credible investigation" into the bombing at Yida.

18 Killed in Suspected Drone Attacks

Suspected U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan's tribal region killed 18 alleged militants Tuesday night, intelligence officials disclosed. Two Pakistani intelligence officials said the suspected drones fired two missiles at different sites in South Waziristan. South Waziristan is one of the seven districts of Pakistan's volatile tribal region bordering Afghanistan. U.S. officials rarely discuss the CIA's drone program in Pakistan; though privately they have said the covert strikes are legal and an effective tactic in the fight against extremists.

Soldier Faces Court Martial over Allegations of Sport Killings

The court-martial of another US soldier accused of taking part in killing unarmed Afghan civilians for sport began, on Wednesday. Staff Sgt. David Bram is one of 12 members of the Army's 5th Stryker Brigade facing charges in connection with the killings that took place over a period of five months at or near Forward Operating Base Ramrod in southern Afghanistan's volatile Kandahar province last year. Three have pleaded guilty to the murders and agreed to testify against fellow soldiers. Another six have been convicted of lesser crimes. A military court-martial found another, Staff Sgt. Calvin Gibbs, guilty of murdering three Afghan civilians, illegally cutting off pieces of their corpses to keep as "souvenirs" and planting weapons to make the men appear as if they were Taliban fighters.

Somali Pirates Face Trial in France

Six alleged Somali pirates went on trial Tuesday in Paris for hijacking a yacht and taking a French couple hostage off the coast of Somalia in 2008. The six men, now between the ages of 21 and 35, are accused of seizing the yacht and holding Jean-Yves Delanne and his wife, Bernadette Bignon, for two weeks. The men allegedly demanded a ransom of $2 million for the release of the couple. The pirates were arrested and brought to France after French Special Forces boarded the yacht and rescued the couple. The group faces charges of hijacking, kidnapping and armed robbery. The trial is closed to the public and is being held in a juvenile court, since one of the six was 18 years old at the time of the hijacking. The men face sentences of up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

Cholera Outbreak in Kenya Camp

There has been an outbreak of cholera in the world's largest refugee camp in Kenya, home to Somalis fleeing famine and conflict, the UN has said. It may have started among new arrivals at the camp where one person has died and there are now 60 cases, according to reports. The aid operation at Dadaab camp was scaled back last month after the abduction of two aid workers. Kenya blames Somali Islamist militants for the kidnappings and has sent troops into Somalia in pursuit of them. But the al-Shabaab group, which controls most of central and southern Somalia, denies it is behind the abductions.

Karzai Urges US, NATO Troops to End Night Raids

United States and NATO must agree to stop carrying out night raids on Afghan homes as a precondition for Afghanistan to sign a partnership deal with the US, President Hamid Karzai said on Wednesday. Night raids, which foreign troops say are one of their most effective weapons in the fight against insurgents, are a major cause of friction between Karzai and his Western backers, as Karzai has said repeatedly he wants them stopped. The strategic partnership agreement, still under discussion between both countries, will govern American involvement in Afghanistan after the deadline for the exit of foreign combat troops by the end of 2014. Afghanistan is also negotiating similar agreements with Britain, France, Australia and the European Union.

Two Killed as Blast Hits Iranian Pilgrim Bus

A roadside bomb blew up near a bus carrying Iranian pilgrims in northern Baghdad on Wednesday, killing at least two people and wounding 18 others. The bus was attacked as the pilgrims returned from a visit to a Shi'ite Muslim shrine in the city of Samarra. Iraqi security forces are trying to quell a stubborn Sunni Muslim insurgency more than eight years after the U.S.-led invasion that ousted Sunni dictator Saddam Hussein. Military leaders have expressed concern that militants will step up attacks as U.S. forces withdraw. The remaining 24,000 U.S. troops are due to leave before year-end under a 2008 security pact.

Johnson-Sirleaf Win Liberian Presidential Polls

The Liberian Electoral Commission has declared President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf the winner of the presidential run-off election. The Chairman of the commission, Elizabeth Nelson, said Johnson-Sirleaf’s Unity Party beat the Congress for Democratic Change in the run-off that was boycotted by the opposition party. The chairman said the commission had not received any complaint on the November 8, 2011, run-off presidential election, while it had disposed 48 out of the 53 complaints received in the general elections on October 11, 2011.

Child Deaths from Somali Violence on the Rise

The United Nations (UN) children agency, UNICEF, on Wednesday, warned that an increasing number of children are being caught in attacks and crossfire across south and central Somalia. According to UNICEF, 24 children were killed in conflict in Somalia in October. Kenyan troops moved into Somalia to fight al-Shabaab militants in mid-October, but a UNICEF spokesman, Jaya Murthy, said UNICEF is not attributing the increased violence to a particular group. Meanwhile, the UN refugee agency said that there are 60 cases of cholera in the world’s largest refugee camp in eastern Kenya. UNHCR said the cases were believed to have been contracted in Somalia, as refugees were en route to Dadaab. Heavy rains are complicating efforts to fight the outbreak.

UN Secretary General Draws Lessons from Thai Flooding
…Calls for Urgent Action on Climate Change

The United Nations (UN) Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, has called on world leaders to learn lessons from the flood in Thailand and address climate change without delay. The worst flood in decades has been plaguing Thailand since July, killing about 564 people. Ban asked international community to address the climate change “with the strongest possible political leadership and organising necessary fund.” Ban asked member-states to deliver $30 billion by the end of 2012 to help the developing countries adapt and mitigate the impact of climate change. He also urged for clear guidelines and framework to deliver a hundred billion dollars of fund by 2020.

Syrian Military Defectors Attack Military Base

Syrian army defectors have attacked a major military base in Harasta, near Damascus. Parts of the Air Force Intelligence building in Harasta were reported to have been destroyed, but there were no reports of casualties. It was the most high-profile attack by Free Syrian Army (FSA) since Syria’s anti-government protests began. The attack came ahead of an Arab League emergency meeting in Morocco to discuss ways of ending the bloodshed. The UN claims that more than 3,500 people have died since protests started in March. The Syrian authorities blame the violence on armed gangs and militants.

Norwegian Killer Admits Massacre in Open Court

Speaking in an open court on Wednesday, Norwegian anti-immigration militant, Anders Behring Breivik, admitted killing 77 people at a July youth camp, but denied any guilt, saying he was a military commander in a far-right resistance movement, according to reports. Breivik rejected the jurisdiction of the court to hear his case because it “supports multiculturalism.” Oil-producing Norway, home to the Nobel Peace Prize, is known for its open society, peace and relative prosperity.

20 Killed in School Bus Accident

Eighteen children and two adults died after an overloaded school bus collided with a coal truck on Wednesday in northwest China. The bureau blamed over-loading. Most of them were children from Yulinzi's Little Doctor Kindergarten. Five people, including the bus driver, were reported to have died at the scene. Another 45 people, most of them children, were injured and are being treated.

Dangerous Storm Sweep through South Carolina

Search teams combed through rural South Carolina on Thursday morning after a storm swept through the Southeast, killing five people and causing injuries in several states. At least three people died and five others were taken to hospitals after a storm hit York County in South Carolina, according to the sheriff's office. A fourth person died in Forsyth County, Georgia, when a tree fell on a car, the fire department said. Downed trees, damaged homes and buildings, and power outages were reported across Alabama and Georgia, including in metro Atlanta.