Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 41

• 
• 

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Man Sets Pregnant Wife, Two Children Ablaze

A man in Enugu state, Alexander Egeonu, on Saturday October 1, set his pregnant wife, Ifeoma Egeonu, and their two children ablaze inside his container-shop for undisclosed reasons. The man had been on the run since the incident happened. With most of her body wrapped with bandage, Ifeoma, who is glad to be alive, explained that she could not tell what might have pushed her husband into the devilish act. She said a woman, who sells provisions close to her husband’s shop, was the person who pushed open the door as he tried to close it and ran away. Ifeoma said that she and her two kids were staying with her mother but decided to visit her husband and celebrate the Independence anniversary with him when the incident happened.

Shell Funded Killings, Clashes in Niger Delta -Report

A report by a London-based oil and gas industry watchdog, Platform, has revealed that the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) was fuelling armed conflicts that resulted in the killing of about 60 persons in the Niger Delta region. The report revealed that the oil major paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to feuding militant groups as well as government forces. The report alleged that Shell’s “routine payments exacerbated local violence, in one case leading to the deaths of 60 people and the destruction of an entire town”. Shell, has reportedly disputed the allegation, defending its human rights record and questioning the accuracy of the evidence. Nigerian lawmakers have set up a committee to probe the allegation.

Police, JTF Launch Manhunt for Leaders of Kidnap Ring Leaders

A combined special squad of the Nigeria Police Force and the Intelligence Unit of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) has commenced investigations into the resurgence of kidnapping and sea-piracy in Bayelsa State. This follows reports that a prominent member of the John Togo led Niger Delta Liberation Force (NDLF) had relocated to the Egbema/ Aganlabiri creeks of Ekeremor LGA where he had recruited boys to carry out attacks. The team of investigators were said to have expressed worry that 12 prohibited AK-47 were in circulation in the state. A source close to the team said evidence collected from the scene of the kidnap of the Ebeni Ibe of Atissa Kingdom and paramount ruler of Ogbogoro community, King Godwin Igodo pointed to the fact that the militant leader was involved in the kidnap. Two suspected kidnappers have been arrested so far in Yenagoa.

ENI Alleges Pipeline Sabotaged

A pipeline in Nigeria belonging to Italian oil firm, ENI, has been sabotaged and is now undergoing repairs, the company said on Tuesday. "There was sabotage on the pipeline Obama-Brass, close to Obama," a company spokesman said. The spokesman said the incident "has not had significant impact on production," without providing further details. Residents said that an explosion was heard near a flow station in the same area of Bayelsa state penultimate Sunday night and claimed that the pipeline had previously been leaking.

Gang-Rape Video: Groups Protest

The controversial Abia State University gang-rape video, which was circulated on social networks some weeks ago came to the fore again on Wednesday, as some groups protested against the act in Lagos. The rally, which was staged by Project Alert, Enough is Enough Nigeria, Rubies Ink, Delta Women, Idea Builders along with several other civil society organisations, took off at the Nigerian Television Authority broadcasting house and ended at the Abia State Liaison Office, Victoria Island. Using the video, which provoked a nationwide reaction, as focus, the groups said it was time to take the battle against rape and violence against women in Nigeria beyond the social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook and be more proactive.

Police Quiz Briton over Arms Import

A female British oil worker was yesterday quizzed by the Police in Onne Port, Rivers State over alleged illegal importation of arm and ammunition into Nigeria.The suspect reported to the security agents following the arrest of the managing director of the shipping company that handled the shipment of her personal effects from the United Kingdom to Nigeria. On the September 28, while conducting a 100 per cent examination of a one by 20 feet container, which was declared to carry personal effects, Nigerian Customs officials at the Onne Port discovered a well concealed revolver pistol (Python 357) and ammunition.

Court Registrar Accuses EFCC Operatives of Forgery

Six officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Enugu are at the centre of a controversial remand warrant with which they used to detain and torture a former banker, Mr. Cornelius Ochi. The operatives had arrested Ochi on the basis of the remand warrant dated March 28, 2011, which they claimed emanated from the Chief Registrar of the Enugu High Court, Dennis Ekoh. But Ekoh, whose official stamp was affixed to the disputed warrant, has denied knowledge of it, declaring that no proceeding of any such took place in any court in Enugu on that day. Ekoh said the last time he signed a remand warrant for the EFCC was in 2008 “in my capacity as a Chief Magistrate”. Ochi has threatened to drag the six EFFC officials to court to enforce his fundamental human rights, which according to him was severely breached by the detention and torture.

Gang Rape: Police Halt Women’s Protest in Umuahia

Civil Liberty Organization (CLO), and women’s group from the South-eastern states, comprising over 300 persons, yesterday stormed Abia State Government House in three mini buses , in readiness to protest peacefully against the gang-rape of a female student by five young men, which allegedly took place in the state university. They were, however, tactically diverted to the Central Police Station, (CPS), Umuahia, by a female Divisional Police Officer, (DPO). The women urged the government and police to conduct deeper investigation into the ugly incident. Their protest comes as the police promised to reward any person with information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators or identification of the rape victim with N500000.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Police Hunt for Kidnappers of Catholic Priest

The police have launched a manhunt for the gunmen in Benin who abducted a Catholic priest, Reverend Father Sylvester Chukwura. Chukwura, who is the Parish Priest of St Bernard’s Catholic Church, Eguaholo in Orhionmwon LGA of Edo State, was said to have been abducted from his residence at the parish by gunmen numbering 10. According to two officials of the parish, Pullen Iserhienrhen, the church Catechist and Pullen Omoigui, the Parish Secretary, the gunmen were said to have invaded Chukwura's house in the early hours of September 3.

Clark Fears Fresh Crisis in Delta Community

Former Minister of Information, Chief Edwin Clark, fears a crisis may be looming in Ugborodo community in Warri South LGA of Delta State. Clark called on the Federal Government to intervene in the face-off between the community and multinational oil company, Chevron, in the interest of peace. Clark recalled that while there were no basic amenities like water and electricity, the fishing and farming occupation of the people had been destroyed. He accused Chevron of fraudulently obtaining awards in the United States for excellent community development activities in the Niger Delta, particularly in the Escravos and Benin River, whereas the opposite was the case.

6 Illegal Aliens Arrested in Delta

Following reports that some members of the Boko Haram sect had allegedly arrived in Warri area of Delta State, the State Security Service was said to have arrested six illegal aliens recently. The aliens were said to have been handed over to immigration officials in Asaba who screened them. After the screening, one of them was found to possess a resident document while others were in the country illegally. State Controller of Immigration, Alhaji Salihu Abubakar Sakwa, said that the arrested persons were not members of the dreaded sect.

Police Probe Alleged Polls Scandal

The office of the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Zone 5 Benin City has begun investigations into allegation of thumb printing of ballot papers by an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the last April polls into the National Assembly in Ovia Federal Constituency in Edo State. The probe is sequel to a petition written to the Inspector-General of Police by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Charity Amayanbo, who claimed that the INEC official manipulated the election materials in favour of his Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) opponent, Isaac Osahon.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Gunmen Kill Police Anti-Robbery Boss, Daughter

Gunmen, on Monday, shot dead Mr. John Ibizugbe, the head of the police anti-robbery section at Area F Command, Lagos and his 22-year-old daughter, Bola. Ibizugbe, an assistant superintendent of police, was killed around 3am in the Agbado area of Ogun State. The Baale of Asorobi, Agbado, Mr. Oladipo Williams, said Bola was still breathing, when policemen arrived, but she died on the way to the hospital. The incident is thought to be an assassination because the gunmen did not steal anything from the apartment. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Samuel Jinadu, and his Ogun State counterpart, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi, both confirmed the incident.

Robbers Kill One at Ex-Governor’s Residence

Armed robbers, Wednesday, stormed the Lagos residence of Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, former governor of Abia state, shot one person dead and carted away N2 million. The robbers were said to have trailed the deceased and two others, who had gone to the bank, to withdraw some money. The Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Samuel Jinadu declined comment on the incident.

3 Robbers, Policeman Killed in Ondo Bank Robbery

Four persons, made up of a mobile policeman and three armed robbers, were killed, on Thursday, following an attack on a first generation bank in Owo, Ondo State. The three robbers, who were members of the gang that invaded the bank, were shot dead in Sabongida-Ora, Edo State while attempting to flee, while the mobile policeman was killed by the robbers at a pin down point in Ipele. Four members of the gang were also arrested at Sabongida-Ora after a shootout with men of the Ondo State police command, while a policeman was also wounded at the scene of the robbery. The 20-man robbery gang was said to have invaded the bank and ransacked the banking hall, shooting sporadically into the air to scare people. Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Adeniran Aremu, said the police also recovered one of the buses used for the operation by the robbers.

Customs Intercepts Bags of Indian Hemp

Men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Wednesday, intercepted 121 bags of Indian hemp along the Iwoye-Imeko bush path in Ogun and Oyo states. Iwoye and Imeko are two of the busiest border communities between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. The area is notorious for smuggling activities. Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC), NCS, Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos, Mr. Victor Dimka, who confirmed the interception of the hard drugs, said the street value of the weeds was about N11.5 million.

Drivers’ Unions Clash in Ekiti

Members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) engaged in a free for all in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State on Monday.The clash in which weapons were freely used, led to the disruption of commercial activities in the town, with members of RTEAN protesting what they said was the arrest of their chairman, Chief Rotimi Olanbiwoninu, by the police. It was gathered that Olanbiwoninu, also known as Mentilo, was arrested following the violent disruption of a ceremony by a former state chairman of the NURTW, Chief Omolafe Aderiye, where he (Aderiye) was opening a new transport company. According to RTEAN members alleged that Aderiye was locating “a private transport business on an illegal location.” In retaliation, the group loyal to Aderiye launched their own attack on Monday.

3 Drown In Lagos Boat Mishap

Three people were, early Thursday, feared drowned, while 12 others escaped death, as a commercial passenger boat capsized around Aloro village, on the Lagos Island. It was gathered that the accident occurred when the passengers, mostly traders and factory workers, were hurrying to meet the office resumption time. A police source at the Marine Section of the Lagos State police command stated that the commercial speedboat had taken off from Kirikiri   and was heading to Aloro village, when the accident happened. Two bodies had been recovered.

Customs Kill boy in Ogun

Residents of Yewa South LGA of Ogun State on Wednesday protested against the killing of a native of the town, Mr. Morufu Soni, by men of the Nigerian Customs Service. According to eyewitnesses, Soni was driving through a checkpoint set up by the customs men when he was shot by them. An irate mob threatened to take the body of the late Soni, well known in the town as Yaro, to the palace of the Alale of Ajilete, Oba Dauda Akinlade, but were prevailed upon by some elders of the town. The mob sacked the checkpoint and set ablaze the sheds used by the customs men. However, policemen in the area intervened and took the body of the businessman to the Owode-Yewa Police Divisional Headquarters.

Thunder Kills 2 in Abeokuta

It was a tragic end for a bricklayer and the son of a mobile policeman in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital as they were struck dead by thunder penultimate Saturday. Two others were seriously injured and are currently receiving treatment. The deceased bricklayer, Azeez Salami, was engaged in bricklaying works at Surulere Oke-Odo while the son of the policeman, whose identity was not immediately known, was asleep when thunder struck him. An eyewitness, Mr. Adeyanju Mufutau said the unfortunate incident occurred within just a minute “and the once lively Azeez and the policeman’s son became lifeless.” Although the matter had been reported at the Lafenwa Police Divisional Headquarters, the authorities there said the matter was beyond them because “there is nothing criminal about it.”

Robbers Woman at Her Residence, Cart Away Property

A woman and mother of 6, was shot dead in front of her children after a midnight armed robbery attack at her residence in Ajegunle, Lagos. The robbers allegedly shot her at close range, after dispossessing her of all valuables. The victim, Alhaja Tawakalitu Afolayan, and her six children were said to be sleeping in their two-room apartment when the bandits broke in and ordered them to surrender everything in their possession, an instruction, they promptly obeyed. Her death has fuelled speculations that the incident was an assassination rather than a mere robbery attack. The Area ‘B’ Police Commander, Mr. AlHassan Ali, has vowed to fish out the perpetrators and bring them to book.

Two Arrested Over Theft of Police Salaries

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two members of staff of the Nigeria Police Force Micro Finance Bank on allegation of stealing over N11m police salaries. The money was allegedly stolen from the vault last weekend. A senior police officer said the police were making headway in their investigations. He added that the theft must have been carried out by insiders.

Robbers Operate Unhindered on Lagos Street

A gang of armed robbers allegedly operated unhindered for about two hours in Alimosho LGA of Lagos on Wednesday. It was learnt that the robbers armed with rifles, axes and machetes stormed the community around 3am and moved from house to house, dispossessing residents of their belongings. It was also gathered that the robbers overpowered the only night guard on the street and tied him to a pole. A landlady in the area, who craved anonymity because of fear of reprisal, told our correspondent that though no lives were lost, the robbers were ruthless in their operations.

Woman Remanded over Alleged Killing of 2 Children

Wife of former Kick against Indiscipline, KAI Marshal, Alhaja Rabiatu Oyenuga, has been remanded in prison custody by an Ebute-Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, following a charge of alleged killing of two children and injuring their mother in a motor accident. The accused, was arraigned on a five-count charge of dangerous driving and unlawful damage leading to the death of David Lawani  (4yrs) and Tobilola (4months), and inflicting bodily harm on their mother,  Mrs. Ibiyemi Lawani. Magistrate M. Olubi granted the accused bail for N500,000 with two sureties, who must provide evidence of three years tax payment to Lagos State Government, reside within the magisterial district and show proof of means of livelihood. The case has been adjourned till October 26, for further hearing.

GENERAL

US Begins Trial of Abdulmutallab, Failed Bomber

The trial of 24 year old Nigerian, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, accused of trying to blow up a packed airliner bound for the US on Christmas Day in 2009 has begun. Abdulmutallab faces charges that he tried to kill nearly 300 people aboard a Northwest Airlines flight from Amsterdam to Detroit. The trial will be closely watched, as it comes three days after the killing of al-Qaeda kingpin Anwar al-Awlaqi in a US airstrike in Yemen. The prospects of courtroom drama are high with Abdulmutallab, having fired his lawyers and insisted on representing himself. The Christmas Day plot was foiled when explosives stitched into Abdulmutallab’s underpants failed to detonate and caused only a small fire, allowing passengers and crew members to restrain him. Abdulmutallab insists he will make his own opening statement and will question witnesses during the week-long trial.

Police Arrest 7 over Zamfara Killings

Police in Zamfara State said they have arrested seven people suspected of involvement in an Independence Day raid on a village that left 19 people dead. Dozens of attackers suspected of belonging to a gang of robbers armed with guns and machetes Saturday October 1, raided Lingyado, a remote farming and herding village, killing at least 19 people, wounding six others and burning homes. Zamfara state Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, disclosed that the state police chief informed him of the arrests. The pre-dawn attack was in reprisal for the extra-judicial killings of suspected robbers some months ago by local vigilante groups formed by villagers to end spates of robberies in the area, police said. Those that survived the vigilante onslaught regrouped and started reprisal attacks including the Saturday raid.

Group Urges Jonathan to Strengthen Security at Borders

An Islamic group, The Muslim Congress (TMC) on Monday, urged the Federal Government to strengthen security at the country’s borders if it was serious about combating the Boko Haram menace in the country. The TMC Chairman in Ogun State, Taofeek Ghazali, described the country’s borders as “porous,” adding that there was need to strengthen them to combat the influx of mercenaries from neighbouring countries.

EFCC Arrested 3 Ex-Governors

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, arrested three former governors: Chiefs Gbenga Daniel (Ogun); Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyo); and Alhaji Aliu Akwe Doma (Nasarawa) over misappropriation of public funds while in office. They were mostly picked from their homes and were flown to Abuja for further interrogation and prosecution.

Armed Robbers Snatch LG Funds in Borno

Dare-devil robbers on Thursday attacked a convoy of vehicles conveying the salary of Kaga Local Government workers in Borno, killed the council cashier and snatched undisclosed amount of money.  It was gathered that an official of the local government had approached the Kaga Divisional Police station in Benisheik to release some of its men as escort to convey the money. It was gathered that the police immediately released their men as escort in a vehicle provided by the local government. State Commissioner of Police, Simeon Midenda confirmed that that the cashier actually approached the police for escort but left police behind and drove in his personal car to withdraw the money.

Soldiers Kill Boko Haram Suspects

Two suspected Boko Haram members were on Wednesday shot dead by soldier while attempting to gun down a tea seller in Zannari, Maiduguri. The Borno State Police Commissioner, Mr Simeon Midenda, said the suspects had gone to the area in search of their target before the alarm was raised by the people. He said, “They had gone to kill a tea seller but the people were alerted while they were asking questions. In the process a patrol team of the Joint Task Force was alerted, leading to a cross-fire.” Midenda added that an AK-47 rifle belonging to the suspects and two magazines were recovered. He said the bodies of the militants had been deposited at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

Kano Police Arrest Suspected Rapists

The Kano State Police Command has arrested three male suspects accused of raping and sexually assaulting four minors all aged between six and eight years. Police spokesman, Magaji Musa Majia, said that one Pascal Elijah, aged 32 years and one Felix Godson, aged 38 years, have been taken into custody for their alleged involvement in the crime. The duo allegedly lured their three victims into a room and sexually assaulted them while adding that the victims were children of the suspects’ neighbors. The third suspect, 25 years old Nafiu Abubakar was arrested in connection with the assault of a seven years old girl in the state capital. The suspect, who is a resident of Sheka quarters, committed the act on the same date.

1,200 Nigerians, Others Evacuated from Libya

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), on Monday, said over 1,200 African migrants, including Nigerians who were stuck in the southern Libyan town of Sabha for weeks, have been evacuated and are on their way to Chad. The migrants were stranded in Sabha due to fighting. “A convoy of 15 trucks with 1,206 migrants left Sabha on Sunday for Gatroun and is now en route to Chad,” IOM spokeswoman, Jemini Pandya, disclosed. Libyans ended Gaddafi’s 42-year rule in August, when rebel fighters stormed the capital. The migrants will be taken to Zouarke, along the Nigerian-Chadian border, a trip that will take a week before going to Faya-Largeau in Chad.

National Hospital Rejects Accident Victims

A female auto crash victim in Abuja died, penultimate Saturday following National Hospital’s alleged refusal to admit her at the Accident and Emergency Unit. It was gathered that there was an “order from above” that patients should not be admitted to the hospital in anticipation that there might be bomb blast victims as a result of the threat by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta to carry out bombings in Abuja during the 51st independence anniversary on Saturday. Apart from MEND, which allegedly carried out bombings in Abuja last year, Boko Haram, the fundamentalist Islamic sect, also vowed to carry out more bombings.

Police Parade Suspected Car Snatchers

Plateau State Police Command has paraded four groups of suspected armed robbers who specialised in snatching cars. The state Police Commissioner, Mr. Emmanuel Diipo Ayeni, said that, in collaboration with the Special Task Force (STF), the Police had arrested some criminals in connection with various crimes in the state. The suspects confessed to being car snatching experts. A Brownie Pistol with 13 rounds of life ammunition, a bunch of master keys, among other things, was reportedly recovered from them. He said the other two groups were accused of criminal conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearms and would soon be charged to court. Ayeni reiterated his call on residents to always volunteer credible information, which would assist in combating crime to the security agencies.

Senate Seeks ECOWAS, AU Cooperation on Human Trafficking

The Senate has condemned the scourge of human trafficking in Nigeria and urged the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) to strengthen cooperation among member states in efforts aimed at combating human trafficking. This followed the passage of a motion on the scourge sponsored by Senator Dahiru Kuta (PDP, Niger) and 33 others. Moving the motion, Kuta lamented that Nigeria’s notoriety as a veritable source of the human commodity was such that baby factories were springing up in illegal hospitals and maternity homes where expectant teenagers were harboured with a view to selling off their new born. UNICEF has estimated that at least 10 children are sold daily in Nigeria and will ultimately be subjected to inhuman treatments and other forms of involuntary servitude in Europe and other parts of the world.

Police Arrest Suspected Rapist, Robbers, in Katsina

The Katsina State police command has arrested a 25-year-old man, Mannir Goma, for allegedly raping an 80-year-old woman. Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Mohammed, confirmed the arrest on Monday while parading 15 other suspects. The police boss added that Goma had confessed that he committed the dastardly act. Mohammed disclosed that the command had also arrested nine suspected armed robbers at different locations. The sum of N490,000 was recovered from some of the suspects, while charms, an AK47 gun, five locally-made pistols, rounds of ammunition, broken safe and army uniforms, among others, were recovered from them. He added that four thieves were also arrested in Daura for allegedly breaking into shops. A woman was also arrested in connection with the murder of a police constable in Runka village of Safana LGA.

700 Nigerians in Thai Prisons

Bishop Frank Owali of the World Overseer of Hebron-Harvest International Ministry, with headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, has raised alarm over alleged hostile treatment and harassment of Nigerians by the authorities of Thailand. The cleric, who fled the country, alleged that at the time of his departure no fewer than 700 Nigerians have been arrested and clamped into detention and there were no effort by officials of Nigerian Embassy in the country to wade into the matter. Bishop Owali said that the Thailand legal system was so draconian that it did not give room for suspects to defend themselves, as many Nigerians were said to have been in prison custody for several years without appearing in court for trial.

FG to Remove Fuel Subsidy

President Goodluck Jonathan, on Tuesday, sent the 2012 to 2015 Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF) and the Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), to the National Assembly. The document, which indicates government’s income and expenditure profile for 2012 to 2015, shows that while oil receipts are expected to be on steady rise during the period, the Federal Government is ready to remove fuel subsidy by 2012. The document also indicates that the Federal Government intends to devalue the national currency by three naira. However, the government expects growth in the non-oil exports areas, as well as a consistent reduction in domestic debts.

Man Shoots Daughter Dead in Error

A resident of North-Bank Area of Makurdi, the Benue State capital, James Igoche, is in the police custody for allegedly killing his daughter. The Police Public Relations Officer, Alaribe Ejike, said Igoche had a quarrel with his son and brought out his locally made gun to kill him but mistakenly shot his daughter. Ejike said the police had commenced investigation to unravel the reason for the action.

INTERNATIONAL

Dozens Dead In Somalia Bombing

A truck filled with explosives rammed into a government complex in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu on Tuesday, killing dozens of people. Col. Abdullahi Barise, a Somali police spokesman described the incident as carnage. Al-Shabaab, an Islamist group claimed responsibility and threatened more attacks. Somali President, Sharif Ahmed, who deplored the strike said more than 70 people were killed and 150 people were injured, most of whom were young students. Lt. Col. Paddy Nkunda, an African Union forces spokesman, initially said more than 30 people were killed. Along with the students and parents, casualties included several federal government soldiers, the African Union forces said. Al-Shabaab said in August that it was withdrawing from Mogadishu, and the Transitional Federal Government, backed by African Union peacekeepers, now control most districts of the capital city.

Rebels Kill Aid Workers, Others in Congo

Rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo killed 10 people, including members of a local aid group, in attacks on vehicles travelling in the province of South Kivu. Seven people were killed and three injured on Tuesday in an attack on a vehicle owned by a local NGO, on a road south of the town of Baraka near Lake Tanganyika, according to local administrator Selestin Kalume Mwanshima. The same armed group killed three more people when a motorbike was attacked on the same day, Kalume said, blaming the killings on a Congolese rebel band known as Mai Mai Yakatumba.

ECOWAS Recommends Expansion of Maritime Security Committee

Following the alarming increase in crime in the coast of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sub-region, the Committee of Chiefs of Defense Staff (CCDS) has recommended immediate expansion of membership of its sub-committee on maritime security from five to 10. This recommendation is part of the efforts of the committee to consolidate regional response to security threat, especially in the wake of escalating piracy, drug and human trafficking and other transnational organised crimes in West Africa. The enlarged committee would be assisted by three maritime legal experts. Meanwhile, in preparation for the forthcoming presidential elections in Liberia, the ECOWAS is to contribute at least 820 armed troops to provide security during the period. Four countries, including Nigeria, however, are mandated to provide the needed troops.

Death Toll Hits 2,900 in Syria’s Unrest

The United Nations human rights office has disclosed that the death toll in Syria has risen to more than 2,900 people since the pro-democracy protests began in March. The announcement came a day before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva reviews Syria’s record. The UN body had previously put the death toll at 2,700. On Tuesday, the UN Security Council failed to agree on a resolution on taking action against Syria. But opposition activists said 16 people died in different parts of the country on Wednesday as protests continued. President Bashar al-Assad has cracked down on them, blaming the unrest on “terrorists and armed gangs”.

Afghans Ask Foreign Troops to Leave Country

On the eve of the 10th anniversary of the United States (U.S.)-led war against Taliban and al-Qaeda network in Afghanistan, hundreds of Afghans took to the street against the US in Kabul on Thursday, demanding an end to the U.S. military presence in the country. The protesters called for an early end to the war in their war-ravaged country. “On October 7, 2001, the U.S. and allies invaded Afghanistan under the fake banners of ‘democracy’, ‘war on terror’ and ‘women’ s rights’. In the wake of September 11, 2001 attacks, the U.S.-led alliance launched an offensive against Taliban regime and toppled it within weeks for harbouring the al-Qaeda leader, Osama Bin Laden, the alleged mastermind of strikes.

13 Killed as Gunmen Open Fire on Bus in Pakistan

Thirteen people were killed when gunmen ambushed a passenger bus outside of Quetta, in the southwestern Pakistani province of Balochistan. All of the fatalities were Shia Muslims, Quetta Police official, Ahsan Mehboob, said. Another eight people were injured, Mehboob said. Police said the gunmen stopped the bus, walked in and opened fire on the victims. Balochistan province has long been plagued by sectarian violence between Sunnis and Shiites. Police suspect the victims were targeted because they were Shiites. In another incident, a truck carrying fuel for NATO forces was set ablaze on Tuesday by suspected militants in Balochistan, police said. The truck was on its way to NATO forces in Afghanistan when unknown assailants ambushed it and set it on fire. Trucks carrying fuel and supplies for NATO forces have become frequent targets of militants.

13 Workers Killed China Coal Mine Blast

An explosion in a coal mine in China has killed at least 13 workers. Five other workers are missing after the blast Tuesday in a mine in the south-western province of Guizhou, while 13 miners managed to escape, but three of those died in a hospital. China's coal mines are the most dangerous in the world, although the industry's safety record has improved greatly in recent years as smaller, illegal mines have been closed. Annual fatalities are now about one-third of the high of nearly 7000 in 2002.

Severed Heads Found in Mexico City

Police in Mexico City found two severed human heads on a street near a military base on Monday. Decapitations are frequently carried out by gangs in drug-violence-plagued cities, often to intimidate or threaten rivals. This is the first multiple decapitation in the capital since January 2008, when two heads were found near the city's international airport. The office of Mexico City Attorney General, Miguel Mancera said that the heads were accompanied by a note referring to the "Mano con Ojos" or "Hand with Eyes" drug gang. Meanwhile, the Mexican army said Monday that it has detained two of its soldiers in connection with the kidnapping of a 13-year-old girl and that they will be discharged in order to face charges in a civilian court.

ICC Opens Investigation into Cote d’Ivoire Post-Election Violence

The international war crimes court said it would investigate post-election killings and rapes in Cote d’Ivoire.Luis Moreno-Ocampo, the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor, requested the right to investigate crimes allegedly committed by forces loyal to ousted leader, Laurent Gbagbo as well as those backing his rival, Alassane Ouattara.ICC judges said they would allow the prosecutor to open an investigation. Gbagbo refused to cede power to Ouattara following the November 2010 election, triggering months of violence before Gbagbo was captured in April. Ouattara said he would be tried in Cote d’Ivoire for "economic crimes" and also face justice at the ICC. Gbagbo's supporters have complained that no member of Ouattara's camp has been arrested, despite evidence of abuses by the troops.

Woman Killed in New York Helicopter Crash

A helicopter plunged into a river in New York City, killing a woman and critically injuring two other people on Wednesday. New York Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, said that the helicopter was upside down when it crashed, but it was not clear what caused the crash. Aboard the helicopter were a pilot and four passengers - a husband and wife, their daughter and her friend. The 40-year-old victim was recovered by rescue workers and pronounced dead at the scene. She was trapped inside the back of the chopper as it sank about 50 feet below the surface of the water, police said.

Pirates Target Tanker off Benin Coast

Pirates armed with automatic weapons fired upon and boarded a chemical tanker off the Republic of Benin before stealing cash, a piracy watchdog said on Monday. The Crew retreated into the citadel and remained there for the entire night. The crew emerged from the citadel the next day and found that ship cash was stolen." The coast of Benin, which neighbours Nigeria, has seen at least 20 piracy incidents this year compared with none last year. Benin and Nigeria launched joint sea patrols recently to tackle the surge in piracy.

Steve Jobs, Apple Founder, Dies at Age 56

Steve Jobs, the visionary who led a mobile computer revolution with the creation of wildly popular devices such as the iPhone, was mourned Thursday by admirers and competitors as much of the world awoke to news of his death. Jobs' death was announced Wednesday by Apple, the company he co-founded with Steve Wozniak. He was 56. The hard-driving executive pioneered the concept of the personal computer and of navigating them by clicking onscreen images with a mouse. He had battled cancer for years and stepped down as chief executive in August because he could "no longer meet (his) duties and expectations."

Over 230 Killed in Thai Floods

The death toll from months of devastating floods in Thailand has risen to 237, authorities said Wednesday. More rain could hit the waterlogged nation in the next few days when the remnants of what is now Typhoon Nalgae arrive, Interior Ministry officials said. Nalgae, which battered the Philippines earlier, has weakened significantly now to a tropical depression and not much rainfall is expected from it. Flooding has affected 28 Thai provinces and more than 2 million people, authorities said.

Police: Raid Rescues 30 from Forced Prostitution

Police in Barcelona have arrested 39 members of a suspected Chinese mafia and freed 30 young Chinese women whom they allegedly forced into prostitution. The arrests, which occurred during the week, was the biggest strike to date against Chinese-run mafias involved in forced prostitution in the northeast region of Catalonia, whose capital is Barcelona, said the senior officer, Xavier Cortes, head of the Catalan police unit that fights human trafficking. In recent years, the Chinese crime syndicate had crowded out others from the prostitution market in the Eixample district of Barcelona by using forced prostitution and charging below-market rates, Cortes said. The women were forced to work in unsanitary conditions and in marathon sessions.

Turkey Approves Cross-Border Raids

Turkish lawmakers Wednesday voted to authorize the Turkish military to carry out cross border attacks against Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq. Its passage came a day after Turkish police arrested more than 100 people across the country, suspected of links to rebels with the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK. Lawmakers from the main Kurdish nationalist party, the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP), denounced the arrests. Some observers are sounding the alarm about the escalating tensions between Turkey and its ethnic Kurdish minority. Last month, at least three people were killed by an explosion in the heart of the Turkish capital, Ankara. A Kurdish rebel splinter group later claimed responsibility for the attack.

Police Capture Suspected Beheader in The Philippines

Philippine police have arrested an Abu Sayyaf gunman who allegedly helped behead seven Filipino workers while singing a militant song in a grisly 2007 crime, officials said on Wednesday. Police said Adzhar Mawalil was captured on Tuesday by government forces on Southern Jolo Island. Mawalil, 32, has also been implicated in the 2000 kidnappings of 21 mostly European tourists from a dive resort in neighbouring Malaysia and the 2009 abductions of three Filipino, Italian and Swiss aid workers. Mawalil appeared in a video circulated by Abu Sayyaf militants showing them beheading six road project workers and a factory worker while singing a. The video helped authorities identify and capture Mawalil.

Plot to Kill Afghan President Foiled

Afghanistan's intelligence agency said on Wednesday it had thwarted a plot to assassinate President Hamid Karzai after arresting a bodyguard and five people with links to the Haqqani network and al Qaeda. The alleged plotters had been trained to launch attacks in the capital Kabul and had recruited one of Karzai's bodyguards to kill the president, the National Directorate of Security (NDS) said. Karzai has been the target of at least three assassination attempts since becoming Afghan leader in 2002.

NATO Kills Senior Haqqani Commander

NATO-led forces fighting in Afghanistan said on Wednesday that an airstrike had killed a senior commander of the Taliban-linked Haqqani network and two of his associates in eastern Khost province. Dilawar, who was only known by one name, was a "principal subordinate" to Haji Mali Khan, who NATO captured last week and said at the time was the top Haqqani commander for Afghanistan. NATO also said that Dilawar helped foreign militants move into Afghanistan and had links with both al Qaeda and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. The Afghan and coalition force had conducted more than 530 operations to disrupt Haqqani network activities in eastern Afghanistan so far this year, NATO said.