Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 52

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Hoodlums Kill Ex-Perm Sec’s Daughter in Imo

The daughter of a retired permanent secretary in Imo state was shot dead after she raised the alarm during an attempt to kidnap her father, Nze Chibeneme Uzoukwu. An eye witness account said Nze Chibeneme was driving to his Oguta country home when the criminals struck. It was learnt that a few metres to his home, a bus overtook his car and two armed men wearing police vests alighted from it and ordered the hapless man out of his car and beat him. It was further gathered that the noise generated by the melee at the gate of family house attracted the man’s daughter and on seeing his father being forced into the booth of his car, she quickly raised alarm. Angered by her shouts, the hoodlums pumped several bullets into her. The criminals abandoned the car in a village at Ogbaku when they realized that their victim had escaped from the booth.

65-Year-Old Killed in Bayelsa Cult Clashes

A 65-year-old man was killed penultimate Sunday night in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, following the resurgence of hostilities between suspected rival cult groups. The deceased, an ex-soldier identified as Mr. Billy, was reportedly hit by stray bullets around the Ovom suburb of the capital city where the cultists were locked in gun duel. Attempt by sympathizers to save the life of the man proved abortive. Trouble began when two cult gangs engaged themselves in a violent shootout over an age-long dispute, along Bishop Dimieri Grammar School, Yenagoa. Residents were said to have scampered for safety as sound of gunshots rent the air.

Nine Suspected Kidnappers Taken to Court

Nine people, including eight women and a man, allegedly caught kidnapping little children in Imo State were on Tuesday taken to an Owerri High Court. However, the matter could not be heard because of the swearing-in of the President, Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Pius Ifeanyi Okpara. A team of fierce-looking policemen brought the suspected kidnappers to court under very tight security and drove them back after waiting for about 45 minutes in the court premises. Some mothers of the stolen children were seen clutching their children and beaming with smiles as they told the story of their ordeals to whoever cared to listen.

Gunmen Kill One in Anambra

Armed robbers, on Tuesday, unleashed terror in Anambra State, killing a middle-aged man and snatching a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) in two separate incidents. According to eyewitnesses, the first robbery occurred at about 3.00pm in Awka Etiti, Idemili South LGA when the gunmen gunned down the victim in a petrol station. Sources said the robbery gang, first attempted to attack to points but could not get through because of the adequate security measures put in place. In the second incident, another group of armed robbers attacked a fast food restaurant in Onitsha, where the hoodlums snatched the SUV from the owner of the restaurant. According to sources, the owner had closed for the day, when the hoodlums, stormed the area.

5 Electrocuted in Anambra

Five persons at Oba in Idemili South LGA of Anambra state were electrocuted on Monday. Trouble started when a medical doctor, simply identified as Obianigwe, moving into a new building, employed the services of an artisan to install his sign post at the building that was formerly occupied by Oba Community Bank. Witnesses say that the long ladder used by the artisan pulled down. But the doctor and 3 others, in a bid to save the life of the artisan, rushed immediately to grab the ladder, but unknown to them, the ladder leaned on a high-tension cable which immediately sparked off light and electrocuted the five of them.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

2 Suspected Robbers Killed in Warri

Two armed bandits were shot dead, last weekend, during a gun battle with men of the Anti-Kidnapping Task Force of Delta Waterways Security Committee (DWSC) in Warri. A gang of robbers had earlier attacked a shop at Ogbe-Ijoh market, Warri, and shot dead a couple and their sales girl for allegedly refusing to handover gold and other jewelries in their shop to them. But policemen attached to the anti-kidnapping task force, who were on township patrol, intercepted an armed robbery gang said to have been terrorising the residents. On sighting the police, the robbers opened fire to scare them, but the policemen succeeded in killing two of them, while the others took to their heels.

95-Year-Old Kidnapped in Delta

A 95-year-old retired headmaster, Pa Emmanuel T.Ofa, in Oghara in Ethiope West LGA of Delta State, has been kidnapped by unidentified hoodlums from his residence in the presence of his children and grandchildren. Pa ET Ofa, believed to be the oldest man in Adagboyeri Community in Ogharefe, was forcefully taken into a vehicle at gunpoint and driven to an unknown destination. Delta State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Charles Muka confirmed the incident in Asaba. He said the Police had already mobilised to ensure that Pa Ofa was released unhurt and that the hoodlums would be apprehended even as he urged residents in the community to remain calm.

Man Nabbed for Attempted Murder

A middle aged man, Mr Festus Otete, has been apprehended by the Police in Oleh, Delta State for allegedly attempting to kill one Emmanuel Igbiride, over the ownership of a fishpond. It was gathered that the suspect, penultimate Sunday, ambushed the victim at the fishpond, shot him with a G3 military riffle on his lap and left him bleeding. The victim’s son rushed his father to the hospital and quickly notified the police. The police immediately moved into action and arrested the suspect. Contacted, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in charge of the division, Mr. Chris Sorgbarha, confirmed the incident and said a G3 military riffle and ten rounds of ammunition were recovered from the suspect.

Residents Lament Increase of Checkpoints in Warri

Residents of Warri, Delta State continued their agony over the increasing number of police checkpoints in the city on Monday. However, the increasing roadblocks, residents say, have not reduced the rate of armed robbery and kidnappings in the oil-rich city as over 15 persons were killed by bandits in the past three weeks while several others had been abducted. A robbery operation which lasted several hours on Sunday caused pandemonium along the Warri/Sapele Road and brought economic activities to a standstill. The robbers, who dressed in military outfits, killed four persons and injured several others. There was no visible police presence at the scene close to a police station. But Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has assured the people of the state that their agony would soon end.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Court Frees Man Detained without Trial for 10 Year
…Awards N7 Million as Compensation

Justice Habeeb Abiru of the Lagos State High Court has freed a 43-year-old man, Mamman Keita, who hails from the Republic of Niger, 10 years after he was arrested for manslaughter without trial. The judge ordered his unconditional release, and asked the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and the Commissioner of Police, to pay him N7million damages. Keita was charged with manslaughter at the Magistrate’s Court, Ebute-Metta on July 23, 2001. He was never tried. Keita, a ram seller, claimed that in 2001, his bag containing N177,000, being the proceeds of his sales, was snatched.  He said one of his assailants stabbed him in the buttock. In a struggle to save his life, Keita said he stabbed the hoodlum, who reportedly died some days later due to the injuries he sustained.

2 Killed on Third Mainland Bridge Accident

Two people were killed and a third thrown into the lagoon with about three others injured in a Sunday afternoon accident that occurred on the Third Mainland Bridge. Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and men of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), who arrived at the scene, removed the corpse of one of the victims of the accident. A refuse truck and an Acura Legend car were involved in the accident. It was gathered that the two vehicles were heading in the same direction when the car attempted to overtake the truck. The refuse truck reportedly lost control in the process and was heading for the lagoon when the driver battled to regain control of the wheel and in the process crushed the saloon car. An unidentified person from the refuse truck was thrown into the lagoon while two people from the saloon car were reportedly crushed to death.

Pensioner Dies as Soldiers Demolish Estate in Lagos

A resident of Sonibare Peace Estate, Iba, Ojo LGA of Lagos State, said to be a pensioner have died, as officers of the Nigerian Army began demolishing houses in the estate. The army had temporarily stopped the demolition following protests by the residents, but returned on Wednesday with more armed men and bulldozers to continue. Leaders of the estate were told that a two-year-old son of an officer was kidnapped from the barracks about three weeks ago and had not been seen since then. While a five-year-old daughter of another officer was kidnapped from the barracks, but was found few days later with some body parts missing. The estate leaders said that the army had accused residents of the estate of being responsible for the kidnap of the children.

Robbers Attack Staff of FMC

Armed robbers hit the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Monday, carting away unspecified huge sum of money. The three-man armed bandit were said to have robbed two Accounts Staff of the hospital who were on their way to the bank. The Public Relations Officer (PR0) of the hospital, Segun Orisajo, who confirmed the incident, said that the robbers injured and dispossessed hospital money near elite junction. The hoodlums trailed the hospital’s officials for some minutes before they were crossed with their vehicle and immediately ordered them stopped at a gun-point.

Lekki Toll Protest: Fashola Orders Investigation on Alleged Killing of Protester

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola has set up a panel to investigate the allegation that a protester was last Saturday shot dead by riot policemen deployed to keep the peace at the Lekki toll plaza. Placard-bearing protesters had stormed the plaza, blocking the Lekki-Epe highway, to protest the collection of toll which commenced last Sunday. The governor directed the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeola Ipaye, to liaise with the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Yakubu Alkali, to conduct investigation into the alleged case of extra-judicial killing.

OPC Wants Police Cautioned over Parade of Its Members as Robbers

In order not to precipitate any face-off between the Odua People’s Congress (OPC) and the police in Oyo State, Governor Abiola Ajimobi has been asked to intervene in the arrest and detention of 14 members of the socio-cultural organisation paraded last Thursday on allegation of armed robbery. The OPC members, who were arrested where they were fixing their vehicle, were coming from a retreat in Lagos State, according to the state Coordinator of the group, Adeagbo Adeola.  Upon arrest, which they said they voluntarily submitted themselves to, the 14 persons were within 12 hours paraded as suspected armed robbers. Adeola challenged the police to debunk his claim and tell the whole world whether the arrest was made at a scene of robbery incident, maintaining that there was a banner of OPC on the vehicle and every member was carrying an identity card.

Man Charged for Defiling Daughters

A 51-year-old Okada rider, Collins Oleka, has been charged before the Family Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, for allegedly harassing, sexually assaulting and having carnal knowledge of his daughters, aged 15 and 18 years old respectively. According to the eldest of the girls, he had been sleeping with her since she was 12, but her mother warned her not to tell anybody because it will bring shame to the family. However, the girls’ father (Collins), denied the charge and pleaded not guilty. He was admitted to bail in the sum of N200000 and a surety. However, Collins was ordered to be remanded in Kirikiri Prison, when nobody indicated interest in standing as surety for him. In a similar incident, a 29-year-old man, Sabitu Akilo, was on Tuesday arraigned before an Ibadan Chief Magistrates' Court, Iyaganku, for raping an 11-year old girl on December 7. The accused pleaded not guilty.

GENERAL

40 Dead as Boko Haram Bombs Churches in Niger, Plateau

Boko Haram Islamic sect struck again on Christmas day, launching twin bomb attacks on churches in both Niger and Plateau states, leaving at least 40 people dead and several others injured. In the Niger state incident, a bomb exploded in the premises of St. Theresa Catholic Church, Madalla, shortly after the 6am Mass. The second explosion, which occurred shortly after the Maddalla attack, hit a church in Jos, Plateau state killed at least one policeman and destroyed three vehicles. Emergency officials called for more ambulances as rescuers sought to evacuate the dead and wounded. National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) spokesman, Yushau Shuaibu, said the church had been badly affected by the blast, and the number of dead was likely to rise.

Jonathan, Vatican, World Leaders Condemn Madalla Attack

President Goodluck Jonathan has condemned the waves of bombings of churches that destroyed lives and property as acts of irresponsibility and made it clear that any terrorist act such as the one witnessed on the Christmas day church service would not be allowed to continue. The National President (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, urged the authorities to ensure that they apprehend and deal with the perpetrators. World leaders and the Vatican also condemned the Christmas Day bomb attacks that killed at least 35 people. Vatican spokesman, Father Federico Lombardi damned the latest attacks as blind, absurd "terrorist violence" that enflames hate. German Foreign Minister, Guido Westerwelle, and his Italian counterpart, Giulio Terzi, both condemned the attacks. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also condemned the attacks and expressed his condolences "to the people of Nigeria and to the bereaved families."

Jos Blast: Injured Police Officer Dies, Four Arrested

The police officer that was injured in the shootout between hoodlums and the police following the explosion that rocked the Mountain of Fire and Miracle Church, Jos, Plateau State has died in the hospital. Confirming this in a statement, the spokesman of the military Special Task Force (STF) in charge of security in Jos, Captain Charles Ekeocha, said four of the hoodlums had been arrested in connection with the blast and were currently being investigated. Two explosions had hit the church leaving the police officer on guard duty and a few worshippers seriously injured. It was then followed by exchange of gun shots between the security operatives and the hoodlums believed to have planted the explosives.

FG Targets Six Weeks for Bonga Spill Clean-up

The federal government intends to probe the oil spill from Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company’s Bonga deepwater field, Minister of Environment, Hajia Hadiza Ibrahim Mailafia, said in Lagos on Sunday after an inspection of the facility. She also said the clean-up of the environment, which is being undertaken by various local and international experts, is expected to be completed within six weeks. The minister, who noted that Shell gave an “accurate report” in terms of the quantity of crude oil spilled, which she estimated at 30,000 barrels, noted that the use of dispersants for the clean-up had been very effective, but acknowledged that the spill would affect marine life. Meanwhile, a SNEPCo statement has confirmed that the oil leaked from the Bonga facility continues to thin as a result of the effective use of dispersants.

Police Earmarks N212m for Dogs, Horses

The Nigeria Police Force has earmarked over N212 million for the purchase and maintenance of dogs and horses in 2012. This is contained in 2012 budget details submitted to the National Assembly last week by President Goodluck Jonathan. In the proposal, the police will spend over N212 million on dogs and horses while the sum N431, 253,686 was set aside for the procurement of arms and ammunition. The dogs and horses will be used by the policemen in all the police commands and zones.

Police Tightens Security in Kano
…as Suspected Leader of Boko Haram Arrested

Boko Haram on Monday threatened to launch "endless and violent attacks" on Kano and its environs as a revenge for the arrest of its members. As a result, security in the metropolis is tight, with the police searching vehicles on major routes. Kano State Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Idris, on Tuesday, said that police officers had been deployed to ensure the security of lives and property.  He urged residents to cooperate with the police in their effort to rid the state of undesirable elements. This is as one of the leaders of sect was arrested after a shoot-out in the northern city of Kano, police say. Muhammed "Hamza" Aliyu was held as he tried to flee the city after an exchange of fire outside his residence, they said. Three police officers and four militants were killed in the shootout.

Explosion Kills another Bomb Maker, as Sect Threatens More Attacks

A suspected member of the Boko Haram Islamist sect was accidentally killed on Monday in Damaturu, Yobe State, while trying to assemble an explosive. Two others were lucky to escape with varying degrees of injuries. This came barely three days after three members of the group were killed in similar circumstances in Maiduguri – a casualty figure confirmed Monday by the leadership of the sect. The Commissioner of Police, Tanko Lawal, said the police were already on the trail of the two others. In Kaduna, it was a case of another error as another bomb exploded Monday along Ibrahim Rintiyi Street, Unguwan Magaji, behind the National Eye Centre, injuring those believed to be assembling explosive devices.Three suspected members of the group died in an early morning explosion at Shuwari in Maiduguri, penultimate Saturday.

5 Burnt in Kogi Accident

Five passengers were burnt to death in a multiple accident that occurred along Abuja-Lokoja-Okene road last weekend. The accident, which involved two heavy duty vehicles and two buses conveying products to Kaduna, occurred at about 5am. According to an eyewitness account, the buses ran into a trailer that got spoilt at the center of the road at night. The two buses exploded as a result of the impact which led to the burning of the two buses, killing all occupants. Another vehicle that ran into the trailer had two survivors, who were critically injured.

Court Jails Two for Running Fake NYSC Camp

Two suspected members of an illegal National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp recently unearthed by the Niger State Command of the State Security Service (SSS), in Bosso LGA of the state have been dragged before a Chief Magistrate Court. The two accused persons, Idiong Inima and Osinomumu Kenechukwu, were charged with the allegations of being   members of a syndicate that specialized in forging NYSC call up letters, certificates as well as operating illegal NYSC orientation camp. The two accused persons pleaded guilty to all the counts and were summarily convicted and sentenced to one-year imprisonment each or option of N100000 fine.

Accident Claims 7 Lives in Kebbi

Seven people including the driver of a Starlet car lost their lives in a motor accident that happened in Ambrusa development area of Kebbi State on Wednesday. A witness disclosed that the car was trying to avoid a motorcycle rider who crossed their way recklessly and in an attempt to avoid knocking the motorcycle down, veered into a speed breaker and suddenly a trailer loaded with goods also coming from the same market crushed all the seven passengers in the car to death instantly.

Police Arrest Journalist’s Family over Story on Governor’s Wife

Benue Police Command, Wednesday, raided the house of Mr. Henry Ibya, a Makurdi-based journalist, taking away his wife, child and 60-year old uncle over a story on Governor Gabriel Suswam’s wife. The story chronicled how the governor’s wife allegedly misappropriated N100 million meant for a programme. It was learnt that the publication set the journalist on a collision path with the government, which ordered his arrest and prosecution. Journalists in Makurdi expressed dismay at the arrest of their colleague’s wife, saying it was wrong to visit the sins of a person on another. They said the action was capable of severing the relationship between the police and the media in the state. The police, however, denied detaining the journalist’s wife, child and elderly uncle. They explained that the woman was invited for questioning but was never put in the cell.

Explosions Rock Yobe, Borno States as Boko Haram, Police Clash

Multiple explosions rocked Pompomari Area of Damaturu, Yobe State, on Thursday. Less than 30 minutes after the multiple explosions rocked Damaturu, several others followed in Maiduguri, Borno State, trapping people in markets and offices. Several gunshots were also reported in different areas of the town. Meanwhile, police and sect members were reportedly exchanging gunshots in Potiskum, Yobe State, at the time of filing this report. The Gun battle continued in Damaturu, Yobe State at the weekend as the clash between security agents and Boko Haram, raged. Sources said scores of people, including some of the terrorists, soldiers as well as police officers and men, had been killed in the gun duel in Damaturu. The shootings which subsided on Friday night resumed on Saturday following another bomb blast in which four persons were injured.

Islamic Group Threaten to Bomb Jos

An unidentified Islamic group is threatening the bombing of churches and other targets in Jos, Plateau State before December 26, 2011. Last year Christmas Eve attacks and reprisals killed many in Jos last year. Many fliers in circulation, signed by someone claiming to be Idris Musa, list 21 targets in the planned attacks. Charles Okeocha, an army spokesman in Jos said authorities took the threats seriously and would do everything possible to stop the criminals. State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Diipo Ayeni, has warned those planning to attack Jos and other areas in the state to desist from the evil plan. The commissioner said, intelligence reports also indicated that there are some areas in and outside Jos that have been targeted for bombing. He however assured that security measures have been put in place to ensure that the perpetrators do not succeed.

Gunmen Kill 5 in Kaduna Midnight Attack

Unknown gunmen, Tuesday, killed five persons in Kaduna state. It was gathered that the unknown attackers invaded Angwan-rami village, near Kagoro, in Kaura LGA of the state, under the cover of the night and started shooting indiscriminately at the men of the vigilance group on patrol. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Aminu Lawan, confirmed the incident, saying that there was actually an attack resulting in the killing of five persons in the village.  Although, the motive for the attack could not be ascertained, it was alleged that five persons including a boy of about six years old were killed during the raid. But no arrest has been made as at the time of filing this report.

Robbers Kill 10, Invade 3 Banks in Kogi

Suspected armed robbers, on Tuesday, stormed three banks in Okene, Okene LGA of Kogi state and carted away millions of naira, leaving over 10 people dead. Ten people were reportedly killed at different areas during the robbery. A witness disclosed that the robbers, numbering over 20, stormed the city, armed with AK 47 rifles and other dangerous weapons and operated for over one hour. The police spokesman, Ajayi Okasomi, confirmed the robbery. An armed gang, had on Monday morning, invaded the Gbedde community in Kogi where they bombed a police station and a. No casualty was recorded, but the robbers, numbering 15, were said to have carted away arms and ammunition and set free suspects in the police cell before they decided to bomb the police station.

800 Nigerian Soldiers Complete Pre-Deployment Training for Sudan

The Nigerian Army, on Wednesday, vowed to continue to provide highly-trained professional soldiers capable of confronting the multi-dimensional challenges of contemporary conflict environment to the United Nations Peace Missions in various parts of the world. The Commandant of the Infantry Corps, Major-General Mohammed Isah, warned of against any form of indiscipline among the nation’s troop to the peacekeeping. Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the 800-strong troops who participated in the pre-deployment training course at the centre, the Commandant of the Nigerian Army Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji, Kaduna, Brigadier-General Paul Boroh, said the troops, scheduled to be deployed to Darfur, Sudan, were drawn from the 24 Battalion of the Nigerian Army.

Benue Police Arrests 135 Crime Suspects

As part of the efforts towards reducing crime during the Yuletide period, the police in Benue state have arrested 135 suspects. The new Commissioner of Police, Mr. John Haruna, said the provision of maximum security would be his Christmas gift to the people of Benue state. He warned those that may capitalize on congestion at motor parks during the festivities to cause breach of peace to abandon the plan as the patrol teams have been increased along with more fire power. Haruna said officers and men of the command have been instructed to raid all hideouts so that there would be peace and tranquility during the Christmas and New Year. Haruna gave the following phone numbers to be used to reach the police on any issue: 07067374913, 08105484405, 08066006475 and 080080792550. The police commissioner urged people living in Makurdi to use 07067375262 to call while those in Gboko and Otukpo could call 07060573146 and 07031297313 respectively.

Army Raises Special Squad to Combat Boko Haram

The Nigerian Army has established a special squad to combat the menace of Boko Haram. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, on Wednesday, said the suicide attacks carried out by Boko Haram had only indicated that the group did not have respect for human lives. Ihejirika said the Special Response Group would complement the efforts of the Joint Task Force and other security operatives in the battle to restore sanity in the society. Ihejirika noted that security operatives had encountered difficulty in protecting potential victims of terror attacks because of the nature of the operations of those behind such attacks.

Kano Lawmakers Impeach Speaker

The Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Honourable Abdullahi Yusuf, has been impeached, in absentia, over allegations of incompetence and fanning the embers of disunity among members. The house immediately elected a new speaker, Honourable Garba Salau from Kiru LGA. Salau defeated two others to become the speaker. They are Honourable Ibrahim Abba, who got one vote and Honourable Kabiru Al-Hassan Rurum, seven votes. The elected speaker bagged 22 votes. Honourable Salau, in his acceptance speech, said he would strive to work in a harmonious way with the executive arm of government to move the state forward.

INTERNATIONAL

Over 900 Killed as Tropical Storm Hits Philippines

Over 900 persons have been reported dead as Tropical Storm Washi moved away from the southern Philippines early Monday, according to the Philippine Red Cross. There were no public storm warnings, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. A report released by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council noted that the storm had affected more than 135,000 people, nearly 47,000 of whom were in evacuation centers. The Red Cross noted that hundreds are missing after entire villages were swept away, suggesting the death toll could rise further.

ICC Dismisses Charges against Alleged Rwandan Rebel Leader

The International Criminal Court has dismissed charges against Callixte Mbarushimana, an alleged Rwandan rebel leader, and ordered his release. Mbarushimana was arrested in France last year under an ICC warrant involving allegations of mass rape and other crimes committed in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Prosecutors had argued he was a senior member of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) -a group that the ICC blames for instigating war in Congo as part of its efforts to topple the government in neighboring Rwanda. But ICC judges declined to confirm the charges and ordered Mbarushimana's release. Their decision is open to appeal. They "found that there was not sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe that Callixte Mbarushimana could be held criminally responsible for the charges against him.

Several Army Deserters Shot Dead in Syria

Dozens of army deserters have been shot dead by Syrian troops as they tried to flee their bases and join anti-government protests, reports say.  Activist groups said more than 70 defectors were gunned down in the north-western Idlib province. They said Monday's death toll across the country could exceed 110. On Monday, the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a soldier who defected had reported the deaths of 60-70 army deserters by machine-gun fire in Idlib province - the main stronghold for army defectors. In a separate development, the UN General Assembly voted by a strong majority to condemn the Syrian authorities for the crackdown, which has left some 5,000 people dead since the protests against President Bashar al-Assad began in March. The non-binding resolution demanded an immediate end to human rights abuses.

Suicide Attack Kills Afghan MP, 14 Others

A suicide bomber attacked a funeral in north-eastern Afghanistan on Sunday killing at least 10 people including a Member of Parliament, named Abdul Mutalib, from Takhar and wounding 39 others, said Abdul Jabar Taqwa, the governor of Takhar. The attacker detonated his vest after mourners gathered for the funeral of a government official in Takhar. In a funeral ceremony this afternoon a suicide attacker targeted the gathering killing 10 people including, the governor said. Mutalib was a former Mujahedeen commander and the former police chief of Kunduz province, he added. Taqwa said except for the MP the dead were all civilians.

13 Shipwreck Survivors Found Adrift after 2 Days

Thirteen people left adrift off the coast of Indonesia after their boat sank have been rescued by a passing coal freighter, the head of the local search and rescue agency said on Tuesday. The number of survivors found from the boat, which went down last weekend, now stands at 49, a fraction of the 218 to 248 people estimated to have been on board. Disaster management officials have said that most of those on board the ill-fated vessel, which was headed for Australia, were asylum-seekers. Hopes for recovering any remaining passengers are fading, though. The rest of those who were on board the boat missing and feared dead, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman of the National Disaster Management Agency, said Monday. The boat's capacity was about 100 people, but had over 200 on board, he said.

Committee Issues Arrest Warrant for Iraqi Vice President

An Iraqi investigative committee issued an arrest warrant Monday for the country's vice president, Tariq al-Hashimi, who is accused of orchestrating bombing attacks against government and security officials. The Interior Ministry, at a news conference, showed what it called confession videos from people identified as security guards for al-Hashimi, the country's Sunni vice president. In the videos, the men described various occasions in which they purportedly carried out attacks under direct orders from al-Hashimi. Three of the vice president's security guards were detained earlier this month. Over the past few days, al-Hashimi's office, said it feared that his three guards would be forced to make false confessions. Confession videos in Iraq have been controversial. Human rights groups have reported previously on allegedly forced confessions.

Palestinians Rejoice as Israel Releases 550 Prisoners

Thousands of Palestinians celebrated the penultimate Sunday night release of 550 inmates from Israeli prisons, part of the second phase of the deal that won the freedom of captured Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit. Tayeb Abdel Rahim, general-secretary in Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' office, was among those officials greeting the line of freed prisoners, as they all paid their respects at Arafat's grave. Hamas' armed wing, the Izzedine al Qassam Brigades, welcomed the news even as they, like Rahim and other Palestinian leaders, continued to push for the release of others in Israeli custody. Their release follows a deal, signed between Israel and Hamas in October that won Shalit's release from Hamas in exchange for allowing more than 1,000 Palestinians to leave Israeli jails. A total of 477 prisoners were freed in October under the first stage of the swap.

North Korean Leader, Kim Jong-il, Dies at 69

North Korean leader, Kim Jong-il, died on Saturday, December 17 at the age of 69. According to reports, he died of a heart attack while on a train trip. Kim Jong-un, Kim Jong-Il’s youngest son, is seen as the leader-in-waiting after he was appointed to senior political and military posts in 2010. He was at the head of a long list of officials making up the funeral committee, indicating he would lead it, and a key sign that he had taken, or been given, charge. South Korea, still technically at war with the North, placed its troops and all government workers on emergency alert. But Seoul's Defense Ministry said there were no signs of any unusual North Korean troop movements.

Egypt: Military Offers 'Regret' for Attacks on Women

Egypt's ruling military council Tuesday expressed "great regret" to Egyptian women over recent attacks on female demonstrators by military police and vowed to hold accountable those responsible. Days of clashes around Cairo's Tahrir Square were stoked by the weekend beating of a woman by military police officers, prompting a "Million Women" march on Tuesday. The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces called for calm and said it is willing to discuss any proposal "that might help in achieving stability and safety for Egypt."

South Sudan Announces Death of Rebel Leader

The Republic of South Sudan has announced the death of a prominent renegade rebel leader, Lt. Gen. George Athor. Athor and one of his soldiers were killed in a clash with the country's military, Vice President Riek Machar, disclosed on Tuesday. He said they had infiltrated South Sudan on their way out of Rwanda via the eastern border area of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. A dissident commander of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), Athor rebelled after losing a gubernatorial election in the spring of 2010. He called for numerous orchestrated clashes after the announcement of his defeat. The death of Athor was not part of a government plan, because the government had declared general amnesty to all rebel groups in South Sudan, the vice president told reporters. The government is appealing to all of Athor's followers to heed the amnesty, which was declared on July 9 when the country celebrated its independence from Sudan.

Finland Probe China Bound Patriot Missiles and Explosives

Finland has launched a probe after 69 surface-to-air Patriot missiles, explosive material and propelling charges were found in a ship bound for the Chinese port city of Shanghai, police said. The missiles, produced by US firm Raytheon, were discovered following a customs search on the British-registered Thor Liberty, owned by Danish firm Thorco, at the port of Kotka, about 120 kilometres from Helsinki. Finnish customs are investigating the case as one of illegal export of defense material. "There are grounds for customs to open an investigation into crime concerning the export of these items to third countries," head of Finnish customs anti-crime unit, Petri Lounatmaa, said. Finnish law requires permission from defense officials to move such material across the country's borders.

Pirates Free Italian Tanker Hijacked after 10 Months

Somali pirates have freed an Italian oil tanker hijacked in February with five Italians and 17 Indians on board after more than 10 months in captivity, the Italian government said on Wednesday. It was alleged that a ransom of $11.5 million had been paid but the Italian foreign ministry denied it had paid any money. It also said that "military action had been avoided so as not to put in danger the security of the hostages," adding that the liberation was the result of "constant pressure" on Somali authorities to make "every possible effort". The 105,000-ton tanker owned by Naples shipping company, Fratelli D'Amato was seized on February 8 after five pirates aboard a skiff opened fire on it with rocket launchers and submachine guns near the Yemeni island of Socotra.

DR Congo: Opposition Alleges Police Killing of Civilians after Elections

At least 24 people have been killed by police in the Democratic Republic of Congo since last month's disputed elections, a US rights group has said. President Joseph Kabila was sworn in for a second term this week, but his rival, Etienne Tshisekedi, says he won. Human Rights Watch (HRW) said most of the deaths occurred in the capital, Kinshasa, where Mr Tshisekedi has strong support. It said it had evidence security forces had tried to cover up the deaths. The elections were the first to be organised locally since the end of a devastating civil war in 2003, which left some four million people dead.  The results were announced on 9 December, but were immediately rejected by Mr Tshisekedi and his supporters, leading to clashes in the capital. International observers said the electoral process had been too flawed to be credible.

Suicide Bombers Hit Government Facilities in Syria

Two suicide car bombs that bare the hallmarks of al Qaeda exploded Friday outside the offices of two security branches in the Syrian capital of Damascus. The attacks follow the arrival of an Arab League committee in the country to discuss the parameters of a pending mission to monitor the violence that has beset Syria in the wake of an uprising against President Bashar al-Assad. The bombers targeted the State Security Directorate and another security branch, according to media reports. A number of military and civilian casualties were reported, the media reports said. The two attacks, according the investigations, were carried out by two suicide bombers with two booby-trapped cars, reports say.

62 Reporters Killed in 2011

Sixty-six journalists were killed worldwide in 2011, many of them covering Arab revolutions, gang crime in Mexico or political turmoil in Pakistan, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said on Thursday. Ten journalists were killed in Pakistan, most of them murdered, making it the most dangerous country for news coverage for the second year running. With pro-democracy demonstrations prompting violent reprisals from Arab governments, the number of reporters killed in the Middle East doubled to 20 this year. A similar number were killed in Latin America, where criminal violence was rife.

Over 60 Killed as Coordinated Attacks Rock Baghdad

A wave of bombings ripped across Baghdad on Thursday morning, killing at least 60 people in the worst violence in Iraq for months. The apparently coordinated attacks struck days after the last American forces left the country and in the midst of a major government crisis between Shiite and Sunni politicians that has sent sectarian tensions soaring. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. But, the bombings bore all the hallmarks of al Qaeda's Sunni insurgents. Most of the attacks appeared to hit Shiite neighborhoods, although some Sunni areas were also targeted. In all, 11 neighborhoods were hit by either car bombs, roadside blasts or sticky bombs attached to cars. At least 40 people were killed in similar attacks on Wednesday in 13 locations. The blasts come amid fears of rising sectarian tensions as the unity government faces internal divisions.