Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 36

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Policemen Killed in MASSOB, Police Clash

A suspected splinter group of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) engaged policemen in a fierce gun battle on Tuesday in Onitsha. The incident happened when the expelled members of the movement sighted policemen on patrol and opened fire on them resulting in the death of two policemen. But the police authorities denied any casualties. It took the prompt intervention of the Onitsha Area Commander, Mr Larry Osita, who mobilised a detachment of mobile policemen to the scene to bring normalcy to the area.

MASSOB Leader, Others Regain Freedom

The leader of the out lawed Movement for  the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike and 280 others detained last week in Enugu on the order of a trial Magistrate, on Thursday, regained their freedom. The MASSOB leader and his members were arraigned before an Enugu Magistrate Court eight days ago for alleged treasonable felony. The MASSOB leader and the others were picked by the police for allegedly wearing Biafra regalia to the 12th anniversary of the Igbo Youth Movement (IYM) where the organizers had lined up activities including an investiture on the ailing former Biafran leader, Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu and three others.

Nigerian on Trial in Netherlands over Alleged Plot to Blow up Shell Pipeline

The trial begins in Rotterdam on Monday of Dutch-Nigerian activist Sunny Ofehe. He’s been charged with plotting to blow up oil pipelines operated by Royal Dutch Shell in Nigeria. Ofehe was arrested in the Netherlands and detained for two weeks on suspicion of people smuggling and forgery. Formal charges were finally laid in early August when a new charge was also added – conspiring to commit an act of terrorism. Mr Ofehe, who is 39, is accused of making plans to blow up several pipelines operated by the Anglo-Dutch oil concern Shell in the Niger Delta. Sunny Ofehe is the founder of the Hope for the Niger Delta Campaign that aims to raise awareness of the extensive environmental pollution caused by oil companies. Ofehe says the terrorism charge comes as a complete surprise.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Kidnappers Kill Two in Edo

Two armed men suspected to be kidnappers abducted the Chairman/Managing Director of Tomline Industrial Company, Mr. Tes Sorae, killing both his driver and orderly in the attack. The state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief’s wife was also shot, and she is said to be in critical situation at an undisclosed hospital. It was learnt that the suspected kidnappers laid siege to the Sorae at Textile Mill residence, Benin. It was learnt the suspected kidnappers opened fire on his vehicle when they arrived from church and were about entering their compound. It was further learnt that the driver and his orderly were shot dead in the process while the wife sustained gunshot injuries.

Delta Commissioner’s Father Abducted

Kidnappers struck in Delta State on Sunday, abducting the 70-year-old father of Mr. Sam Ogrih, a Commissioner in the Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission. The abductors of the septuagenarian, Pa Akpobome Ogrih, seized him at Uzere, Isoko South Council of the state. The abduction, allegedly by a gang of four heavily gunmen, who were said to have driven roughly in an Audi saloon car during the early hours of Sunday, threw the rustic town into confusion. A source said the family members had yet to establish contact with the victim’s abductors.

Delta Arrests Suspected Kidnappers

Men of the   Delta State Police Command have arrested a girl, whose alleged confessional statement led to the arrest of her boyfriend, a suspected kidnapper. Similarly, another gang of kidnappers were dislodged in Asaba. State Police spokesman, Charles Muka, disclosed that, on August 22, one Tommien, was kidnapped in Warri and released after N1m was paid as ransom. But through the mobile phone number used, the girlfriend to one of the suspects was arrested and through her, two other suspects were arrested. The suspects have confessed to the crime and efforts are on to arrest the others. Muka further said that policemen intercepted a Mitsubishi bus with some men that engaged them in a gun duel. According to him, one of the suspects was gunned down and one arrested with ammunition. The suspect confessed that they were on their way to Benin City for a kidnap operation.

11 Crushed to Death on Benin-Ore Road

A couple who was on their way to their hometown in the South-east for their traditional marriage ceremony got crushed to death along with nine others, in a highway accident, along the Benin-Ore road. The accident, which occurred around Okada junction of the Benin-Ore-Lagos highway on Thursday, also claimed the lives of two children. The accident happened when a commercial bus belonging to Peace Mass Transit Company and a truck conveying goods towards Lagos, had a head-on collision.

Fire Kills Woman, Two Kids In Delta

A middle-aged woman and her two children have been killed by fire in Kwale, Delta State. It was gathered that the fire started about 1:15a.m.   The fire razed the two-room apartment occupied by the victims. Her husband, however, survived with severe burns. The husband tried to rescue his wife and the children to no avail because of the intensity of the fire. When neighbours woke up, they also tried but could not brave the fire which, by then, had consumed the woman and the children. They, however, helped to prevent the fire from spreading to other apartments. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Charles Muka, confirmed the incident.

Rain Destroys 500 Buildings in Delta

Scores of residents in Warri and environs were last week displaced from their homes, following the two days downpour that swept across various parts of Delta State. Investigation revealed that in Warri over 500 buildings were destroyed by flood even as neighbouring towns such as Effurun, Ughelli, Sapele and parts of Ndokwa were not spared by the torrential rains. The Iyara area, Essi Layout, Maciver, Igbudu Market and Edjeba were rendered impassable by the flood making it difficult for residents to go out or come in to their houses.

Chevron to Boost Education in Delta

Chevron Multinational Oil Company has said that education remains a veritable tool for personal, societal growth and sustainable development. It assured that it would continue to support the provision of qualitative education in the country through the initiation of human-oriented programmes. The General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs of the company, Femi Odumabo, made the pledge during the 2010 Chris Ikomi Essay competition award ceremony in Asaba, recently.  One hundred and fifty students qualified for the final stage of the competition in which only six students emerged overall best.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Family of 7 Killed, More Bodies Recovered in Ibadan Floods

Seven members of a family, including a pregnant woman and a four-month-old baby, were on Sunday found dead in the aftermath of the flooding that attended the downpour which lasted for several hours in Ibadan, last week Friday. At Ajara, in Oluyole Local Government Area, the caretaker committee chairman, Mr Ayodeji Abass Aleshinloye, disclosed that that no fewer than 50 people were rescued. He, however, lamented that two of such victims could not be rescued as they had to jump into the flowing river when they were being threatened by a snake on the tree. He added that the snake was eventually killed. At least 102 people are now thought to have been killed by floods in and around the south-western Nigerian city of Ibadan, the Nigerian Red Cross says. Floodwater, resulting from heavy rains that began on Friday, damaged three bridges and caused a dam to overflow.

Police Declare Death of ex-CJ as Murder

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed that the former acting Chief Judge in the state, Justice Ruth Oguntade, was murdered. The body of the former acting CJ was reportedly recovered by the police in her house hours after she was killed on August 21. Our correspondent learnt that the late Oguntade was killed by unknown gunmen at her residence in Ibadan. The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Femi Okanlawon, said Oguntade’s assassination was reported and that detectives from the command were investigating circumstances surrounding her death. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Moses Oniteri, also confirmed the story, assuring that there would be a thorough investigation into the assassination.

Ekiti Police Smash Robbery Gangs

The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested 10 suspects allegedly involved in armed robbery, burglary and conspiracy. The Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr. Mohammed Jimoh, said that two locally made guns, an axe and a cutlass were recovered from a gang which operated at Isinbode. It was learnt that the gang tricked a female trader, Idowu Yakubu, to go into a bush in Isinbode with them claiming that they had bananas to sell to her. One of them was said to have pointed a gun at the trader and robbed her of N50000. The four suspects confessed to have committed the crime. Another gang of four attacked a food vendor and robbed her of her money and belongings at her shop.

Robbers Attack LG Boss, Kill Driver

Armed robbers attacked the chairman, of Olorunda Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Mr Abdul Amida and snatched his SUV, with registration number BK 397 BDG.The robbers snatched the SUV on Monday evening at Ibereko area of Badagry, with the driver, Mr Garba Mohammed, inside.The driver’s dead body was eventually found on Tuesday at Pobe Village on Owode-Idiroko road, Ogun State. The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Badagry Police Station, Desmond Obe, confirmed the incident.

Aregbesola, Others Task Security Agencies on Terrorism

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State and the state House of Assembly have urged the nation’s security agencies to pay more attention on intelligent gathering in order to pre-empt the activities of terrorists. They spoke against the backdrop of the recent bombing of the United Nations (UN) office in Abuja, which claimed lives of about 23 people. The governor, who expressed serious concern about the security challenges facing the country, said the federal authorities must rise up to the occasion by ensuring safety of Nigerians and foreigners.

Gunmen Kill Ogun VIO Chief

Ogun State government has announced the death of Mr. Yomi Bamgbose, a works superintendent in the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) Unit. According to a statement, Bamgbose (53) was shot dead in front of his house in Olorombo, Ijeun Titun area of Abeokuta by some yet-to-be-identified gunmen penultimate Saturday night. The Police Commissioner has assured that the police have intensified investigations to unravel those behind the killing, while the state government assured residents of the state that it has put in place measures to ensure security of lives and property.

Soldiers on Rampage Destroy Factory in Akure

Men of the Nigerian Army from the 323 Artillery Battalion, Owena Barracks, Akure, on Wednesday allegedly invaded the premises of a wood factory located in front of the barracks and vandalised property worth N5 million. It was learnt that the invasion of the military men was based on the claim that the land on which the factory was located belonged to the army. But the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Akintunde Adebiyi, alleged that the action was taken following his refusal to give the soldiers money. According to him, the soldiers had been collecting between N20000 and N30000 from him since he started business in the area in 2006 on the pretext that they were providing security and he was always issued with a receipt indicating that he was paying rent. He added that he stopped paying the fee after he was advised by his lawyer.

34 Die in Ondo Auto Crash

No fewer than 34 persons met their untimely death in a fatal road mishap that occurred around on Monday along the Akure-Owo Road in Ondo State. It was gathered that the tragic incident occurred when two Abuja-bound buses coming from Lagos on high speed collided with a trailer which was also on very top speed from Owo. The two buses were said be trying to overtake the trailer, when it suddenly swerved and crashed into the buses. The trailer and the first bus that ran into it got burnt instantly with all their passengers and driver. The second bus behind did not burn, but all its passengers and driver died on the spot. The Sector Commander of the Federal Roads Safety Commission, Mr. John Meheux said the report he received indicated that 32 persons lost their lives.

GENERAL

SSS Identifies Boko Haram Mastermind

Members of Boko Haram have received training from groups affiliated to al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Algeria, according to a recent internal intelligence. Meanwhile, the State Security Service (SSS) confirmed that the suicide bomber in the UN House explosion had a link with al-Qaeda. The security agency released the images of two suspects arrested in connection with the bombing and declared a third person wanted. SSS spokesperson, Marilyn Ogar, said that security has been beefed up in Abuja and its environs, following their arrests. “Meanwhile the suspects have made valuable statements and are being held at a military facility,” she said. The SSS also unveiled the identity of the mastermind as one Mamman Nur, who is on the run. Nur was said to have a close link with Al-Qaeda and Somali’s Shabaab fighters among other terrorist groups.

Rival Armed Youths Battle in Jos 3 Killed

Jos, the capital of Plateau State, was thrown into confusion on Wednesday  as  rival armed youths took over some major roads within the metropolis, molesting people and in the process killed three of them. Roads were deserted following grouping and re-grouping by youths in the areas to unleash mayhem on one another as a result of the crisis. The intervention of men of the Special Task Force brought calm to the area. Meanwhile, most residents of Jos have remained indoors for fear of being attacked by the youth who were allegedly carrying out secret killings in some parts of the Jos metropolis while more dead bodies were still being discovered within the city.

Kwankwaso Wants Boko Haram Suspects Released

Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has called on the security agencies to release without further delay suspected Boko Haram members detained over spate of bombings in the country. He said the suspects continued detention breached their constitutional rights which stipulate they are either released or charged to court within a stipulated time. The governor disclosed this when he granted unconditional pardon to 20 prisoners as part of his Sallah gesture. Meanwhile, the National League of Veteran Journalists has appealed to Boko Haram to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.

Sect Reveals Identity of Suicide Bomber

Spokesman of Boko Haram, Abul Qaqa, revealed the identity of the suicide bomber who drove the vehicle that hit the UN house saying he was a 27 year-old Nigerian named Mohammed Abul Barra. Boko Haram spokesman said the group bombed the U.N. offices in Abuja because the world body was a partner “in the oppression of believers”. It was also gathered that the Islamic sect has sent 270 of its members to Yemen and Sudan for training. Security sources who have been trailing the activities of the group who revealed this added that some of the sect members who went to some African countries for training on terrorism have returned to the country. This has prompted security agencies to spread its dragnet far and wide with a view to rounding them up.

Residents Allege Secret Killings in Jos

After the last Monday’s violence in Jos, silent killings are now the order of the day as many people have been announcing the disappearance of their relations.A community leader in the Abattoir area of Jos North LGA, Mr. Lekan Nathaniel, appealed to the Special Task Force (STF), soldiers, the police and other security agencies to intensify their patrols by extending them to the suburbs. His calls came on the heels of the alleged secret killings in the suburbs. Nathaniel said that credit should be given to the soldiers by rescuing the Muslims who were trapped at Rukuba Road praying ground on Monday, saying that there would have been more bloodshed if they had not evacuated the Muslims.

Soldiers Kill Two Boko Haram Suspects

Men of ‘Operation Tsaro’, the military outfit maintaining peace in Adamawa State, on Thursday killed two motorcyclists suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect.Lt.-Col. Idachaba Idu, Public Relations Officer, 3 Armoured Division, Nigeria Army, Jos, said that the suspects were armed with an AK47 and two magazines loaded with 17 rounds of 7.62 calibre ammunition.“The suspects tried to escape after firing a shot, but were shot by the soldiers. Meanwhile, the state government has revealed plans to set up a communication hotline linking the office of the governor with traditional rulers and their scommunities to effectively combat violent crimes across the state.

5 Killed in Benue Oil Tanker Explosion

An oil tanker, last weekend, exploded into flames killing five people, and injuring about 20 others, in Okpokwu LGA of Benue State. The explosion occurred when some residents approached the scene where the tanker had overturned after skidding off the road with fuel gushing out from it. Chairman of the LGA, Mr. Robert Idoko, said the victims were mostly women and children. He further urged the state government as well as other Nigerians to come to the aid of the victims.

UN Probes Attack on Abuja Office

United Nations has said it would undertake a probe of the recent bomb attack on its building in Abuja to understand how its defences were breached. A car rigged with explosives rammed into the reception area of the building and exploded killing at least 23 persons. Acting Deputy Spokesperson for the secretary-general, Farhan Haq, who noted that the building was considered well-defended, said the investigation would also help prevent future attack. While noting that the organisation had been increasing its security profile in a number of areas around the world to ensure buildings' compliant with different potential threats, he said the attack on its building in Abuja was a sign that some attackers might be able to breach the organisation's defences. Police said an all-encompassing investigation was being carried out that would look at the Islamist sect known as Boko Haram, which has claimed responsibility, as well as a range of other factors and past attacks.

PENGASSAN Calls for Overhaul of Security System

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has described Friday’s bombing of the United Nations House in Abuja as barbaric and callous and called on the president to overhaul the country’s security and disaster management systems in order to effectively respond to, and apprehend the growing threat of terrorism in the country. While urging President Goodluck Jonathan to carry out a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s security apparatus, the oil workers  called on the heads of the country’s various security agencies to either live up to the demands of their respective offices or resign.

UN Vows Not to be Deterred by Bomb Attack

The United Nations (UN), on Sunday, vowed that the attack on its building in Abuja, on Friday last week, will not deter the body in its work and will not win any new sympathy to whatever cause that might be the motivation. This came as the UN’s Deputy Secretary-General, Asha-Rose Migiro, said four unnamed UN staff had been flown to South Africa for medical attention, as, according to her, 26 still remained in intensive care in hospitals in Abuja.

Gunmen Kill Islamic Cleric in Zaria

Unidentified gunmen, last weekend, trailed an Islamic scholar in Zaria, Mallam Jafar, and shot him at his residence. Although no person or group has so far claimed responsibility for the killing, his younger brother, Mohammed Bello, had alleged that the gunmen were sent to the cleric. The killers were said to have driven to the cleric’s house in two expensive cars and sought audience with him after returning home from the mosque, where he performed the Tarawi prayers. But neighbours alleged that it was a robbery case.

Senator Task FG on UN Building Attack

More condemnations have continued to trail last Friday’s bombing of the United Nation’s (UN) House in Abuja. A member of the National Assembly, Senator Boluwaji Kunlere, said the bombings would continue if the Federal Government failed to accord necessary priority to intelligence report Kunlere, while lamenting the inability of security operatives to rise up to the occasion, said bombing would not end unless President Goodluck Jonathan tackles the issue headlong. The lawmaker, who accused some prominent Nigerians of sponsoring the Boko Haram sect, said their action was targeted at making Nigeria ungovernable for President Jonathan.

Nigeria Ranks Second in New-Born Deaths

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and a global non-governmental organisation, Save the Children, have ranked Nigeria second among developing countries like India, Pakistan, Democratic Republic of the Congo and China in the area of new-born deaths. Despite heightened global efforts for new-born survival, progress is too slow in these five countries as more than half of these deaths now happen partly because of their large populations. Nigeria, rated the world’s seventh most populous country and ranked fifth in neonatal deaths in 1990 is now next to India due to an increase in the total number of births while the risk of new-born death has decreased only slightly. China moved from second place to fourth place. These were findings of a new study published in the medical journal PLoS Medicine. The study covered 20 years and all 193 WHO member-states.

17 Killed in Deadly Jos Clashes

As Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid el Fitr on Tuesday, their counterparts in Jos, Plateau State, were fighting, resulting in the death of at least 17 persons. As many as 30 cars and several houses were also burnt in the riots which escalated to Massalasi Jumat, Angwa Rukuba and Angwa Rogo, all in Jos North LGA. The state government, while condemning the violence, said it was working in conjunction with hospitals treating the injured victims. Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr. Ayuba Pam, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Yiljap Abraham, assured residents that adequate security measures were being put in place to avoid further escalation and breakdown of law and order.

Soldiers Kill, Arrest Suspected Bank Robbers

The 23rd Armoured Brigade, Yola has on Tuesday killed one armed robbery suspect suspected to be among those who raided two commercial banks in Gombi, Adamawa State where 16 persons were killed. Items recovered from the bandits include 17 rounds of ammunition of AK 47 rifle and other sophisticated weapons. The Army Public Relations Officer of the Brigade, Lt. Olumide Olukoya, who paraded the corpse of the suspect and one other accomplice, disclosed that both were arrested at a checkpoint. Olukoya debunked the insinuation that they were members of Boko Haram Sect and maintained that investigation was still on-going, adding that it was too early to say that they were members of the sect. Meanwhile, the Brigade had disclosed that the other suspect had given useful information as to where to locate the rest of the bandits.

INTERNATIONAL

Thousands Evacuated as Typhoon Hits Taiwan

Taiwan, Monday, evacuated thousands of people and halted rail services as Typhoon Nanmadol swept across some of the island's most densely populated areas. The typhoon, which left at least 13 dead in the Philippines last weekend, made landfall near the city of Taitung on the east coast of Taiwan on Monday. Two years ago, Typhoon Morakot left more than 700 people dead or missing in Taiwan, a bureau official said. The typhoon was slowly moving northwest. Island-wide, authorities moved more than 8,000 people to safer places, according to the Central Emergency Operation Centre. The ministry of defence deployed thousands of troops to assist in evacuations, some navigating flooded areas in armoured personnel carriers.

Rebels Free 10,000 Prisoners in Libya

More than 10,000 prisoners held by the regime of Moammer Gaddafi have been released since the rebels captured Tripoli, but nearly 50,000 are still missing, a rebel military spokesman, Ahmed Omar Bani, said last weekend. Expressing deep concern about their fate, he said “many people in Tripoli are now discovering mass graves around former detention centres and the prison in Abu Slim.” Abu Slim, a generally pro-Gaddafi neighbourhood, has seen fierce fighting between rebels and Gaddafi loyalists.

Iran Condemns Israeli Spy to Death

Iran on Sunday sentenced to death, Majid Jamali-Fashi, the man accused of playing a key role in the 2010 murder of a top nuclear scientist and of spying for Israel. Jamali-Fashi had pleaded guilty to murdering Massoud Ali-Mohammadi in January 2010, the first of several attacks on scientists which Iran said were the work of enemies that wished to stop it developing nuclear technology. The prosecution said Jamali-Fashi had travelled to Israel to receive training from the Mossad intelligence agency, and had been paid $120,000 for the assassination. Meanwhile, Iran’s supreme leader ordered the pardon of 100 “security”-related prisoners including some involved in the huge protests against the disputed June 2009 re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Libyan Rebels Kill Nigerians, Other Black Africans

Reports out of Libya say that rebels of the National Transition Council (NTC) are killing black Africans in the country. According to reports, the victims include Nigerians, black Libyans and other citizens of sub-Saharan African. It was said that no fewer than 20 black men were found dead outside Col Moammar Gaddafi’s compound after Libyan rebels captured Tripoli, and they bore signs of torture. There are reports that the ousted Gaddafi employed nationals from different Africans nations as part of a special protection force. Reports from the African Union Chairman, Jean Ping, said the Libyan rebels may be indiscriminately killing black people because they have confused innocent migrant workers with mercenaries.

Anti Gaddafi Forces Extend Deadline for Sirte Surrender

Anti-Gaddafi forces have extended a deadline for loyalists to surrender peacefully in the Libyan city of Sirte. The rebels had threatened to launch a full military assault, but officials say they will allow loyalists another week to negotiate a settlement. Rebel forces have encircled Sirte, one of the last places under the control of forces loyal to Col Muammar Gaddafi. Meanwhile senior diplomats are meeting in Paris for a major international conference on Libya's future. Members of Libya's interim government, the National Transitional Council (NTC), are at the meeting, hosted by French President Nicolas Sarkozy and British Prime Minister David Cameron. Fugitive ex-leader Col Gaddafi has not been seen in public for months, with rumours spreading that he has taken refuge in Sirte, Bani Walid or Sabha - the only three places still loyal to him.

Businessman, Wife Arrested over Berlusconi Blackmail

An Italian businessman and his wife have been arrested on charges of blackmailing Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi over his alleged use of prostitutes. Giampaolo Tarantini has admitted he paid for escorts to attend the PM's so-called bunga bunga parties. The police say he extorted more than half a million euros in exchange for telling investigators the PM was not aware the women were prostitutes. Mr Berlusconi admits the payments but says he was helping a family in need.

11 Die in Hurricane, 4 Million Affected by Power Outage

Eleven people have been reported dead with over four million affected by power outage in the United States after the tropical storm, Hurricane Irene hit New York City on Sunday. Most of those who died were killed either by falling trees, or in accidents relating to the sheer amount of water on the streets. It also forced the closure of New York’s mass transit system and the cancellation of thousands of flights. While the wind was said to be weakened by Sunday afternoon, the swirling storm was said to still hit hard, sending waves crashing onto shorelines and flooding coastal suburbs and broad swathes of New Jersey, where residents reported basements full of water and numerous trees down.

Turkey Expels Israeli Ambassador over Gaza Flotilla Attack

Israeli navy commandos intercepted the Mavi Marmara and other ships Continue reading the main story. Turkey is to expel the Israeli ambassador after details emerged of a UN report into last year's deadly raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla. Officials in Ankara said it was also suspending all remaining military agreements with Israel. Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said some of the report's findings were unacceptable. Turkey wants Israel to apologise for the raid but Israel has refused to do so. Nine Turkish pro-Palestinian activists were killed when Israeli forces stormed the flotilla in May 2010. The United Nations report says Israeli forces did use excessive force when they intercepted the Turkish-led flotilla trying to break Israel's blockade of Gaza, but the Israel's naval blockade of Gaza is legal.

Man with Weapons Arrested in Norway

Norwegian police have arrested a man after recovering weapons and explosives at his home. The suspect, known to police as a right-wing extremist, was arrested on Saturday after they discovered the weapons cache at his home near Oslo on Tuesday following an apparent threat from the man, who has not been named. “The police have no information linking him to mass-killer, Anders Behring Breivik. His lawyer, Vidar Lind Iversen, said the suspect was being investigated for “possession of unauthorised weapons, possession of explosives, and making threats”.

NTC Rejects Talks with Gaddafi

The National Transitional Council (NTC) in Libya has rejected an offer by embattled former leader, Muammar Gaddafi, to negotiate. This is as the NTC said they have captured the eastern town of Bin Jawwad, forcing regime loyalists to flee after days of fighting. With his regime crumbling, Gaddafi is on the run, but his chief spokesman, Moussa Ibrahim, confirmed that Gaddafi is still in Libya. As the call for negotiations came, new signs emerged of arbitrary killings of detainees and civilians by Gaddafi forces during the rebels’ push into Tripoli, including some 50 charred corpses at a regime lockup. The rebels dismissed Gaddafi’s proposal, relayed by Ibrahim by phone, to have his son al-Saadi lead talks on a transitional government as delusional.