Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 28

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Police Uncover Child Trafficking Syndicate in Rivers

Police in Rivers State have smashed a syndicate that specialised in selling new babies. Police spokesman, Ben Ugwuegbulam, said the Police arrested a man and his wife involved in the illicit trade. He said the two specialised in kidnapping girls and arranging for them to get pregnant, while they would hide the pregnant girls until they delivered. Ugwuegbulam said the suspects confessed that as soon as the girls deliver, they would sell the babies. He said the police gave the names of the suspects as Chigozie John and Akwarama John. He added that the police rescued three pregnant women held as captives in the suspects place or residence somewhere in Akpajo. He added that investigation was on to unravel details of the operation of the suspects.

Activists Call for Probe on Killing of 6 Persons by JTF

Human rights activists in Delta State have called on the Chief of Army Staff, to probe an alleged extra-judicial murder of six persons in June by operatives of Joint Task Force (JTF) under the pretext that they were sea pirates. Media coordinator of the JTF, Lt. Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, has denied the allegation, saying those killed were sea pirates, who had been terrorizing the riverside communities. The activists, Omems Ogedegbe and Ozobo Austin, said information showed that the six persons, who were alleged to have been killed in a gun battle with JTF, never had any gun duel with the JTF. Ozobo, National President of Ijaw People Development Initiative (IPDI), added that the deceased were returning from a burial ceremony, when they were arrested on the waterways by soldiers, who took them to Agge community in Bayelsa state, but later shot them dead after telling villagers that they were taking them to Warri, Delta State.

Navy and Maritime Stakeholders to Partner on Security

Rear Admiral Johnson Olutoyin, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Central Naval Command, Yenagoa, says the command will welcome partnership with all stakeholders in the maritime industry to tackle security challenges in the sector. Olutoyin stated this in Yenagoa at the end of a stakeholders meeting with the command. He said the challenges included oil theft, illegal bunkering, sea robbery and vandalism of oil installations. Olutoyin said that for each of the security challenges, the meeting was able to identify measures to be taken by the oil companies themselves and the Naval Units within their areas of operation.

Family of Eight Die after Mother’s Burial

Nine persons, including eight members of the same family, died in their sleep under mysterious circumstances on Saturday night after the burial of their mother in Umuakuru village, Owerri North LGA of Imo State. According to sources, the nine were found dead with foam-like substances in their mouths on Sunday morning. Family sources said the bodies were discovered when the owners of the canopies used at the funeral came to dismantle them. The pervasive silence around the deceased house aroused the curiosity of the people, leading them to force open one of the doors in the compound. Imo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe Obi-Njoku, who visited the scene, contended that only autopsy could ascertain the true cause of death.

NNPC Re-opens Aba Depot

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has disclosed that it was set to re-open its Aba depot for improved distribution of petroleum products in the South-east. Acting Group General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Fidel Pepple, stated that the scheduled re-opening of its Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) depot in Aba, on Monday will boost distribution and supply of petroleum products in the South-east geo-political zone. Pepple explained that the depot was shut down for almost 10 years owing to pipeline vandalism. The Managing Director of the PPMC, Mr. Haruna Momoh, described the re-opening of the Aba depot as a major milestone for the PPMC to ensure unimpeded flow of petroleum products in the South-eastern zone.

Imo State Declares War on Kidnappers

Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, has declared war on kidnappers and other criminals in the state. Okorocha warned unrepentant kidnappers that “henceforth it will be fire for fire.” He assured the citizenry on their safety, saying that the state had taken the necessary measures to curb the menace. Okorocha lamented that his appeals to kidnappers and armed robbers to repent from their criminal activities and engage in meaningful activities fell on deaf ears. Imo State had been under siege, especially from the beginning of this year and despite the huge monetary reward of N1 million announced by the state government for any person that gives credible information that would lead to the arrest of kidnappers and armed robbers.

JTF Arrests ‘General Cairo’ in Yenagoa

The Joint Task Force (JTF) operating in the Niger Delta said it had arrested the leader of a gang responsible for a series of attacks on oil installations in the Niger Delta region. Seifa Gbereke, known locally as “General Cairo,” is also suspected of stealing crude from pipelines. Spokesman for the JTF, Lt.Col Oyeama Nwachukwu, said that the taskforce had been on the trail of Cairo for five months. Gbereke, said to be 25, is accused of orchestrating bomb attacks on pipelines and wells in the three states with the largest crude deposits: Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers. Cairo was arrested in Yenagoa after the JTF tricked him out of his hideout in Warri, Delta state.

28 Nabbed for Cultism in Cross River

At least 28 persons have been arrested in Calabar, Cross River State, for alleged cult-related activities in the last two weeks. Two rival cult groups had clashed in Calabar recently. The 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army arrested 14 persons allegedly to be cult members on Monday following the clash. The Quick Intervention Squad (QIS) also arrested 14 others in different locations in the metropolis, recovering substance suspected to be Indian hemp and cocaine as well as machete from some of them, hiding in a shrine near Etim Edem Park.

BENIN/WARRI/ENVIRONS

Police Deploy More Men to Edo Ahead of Guber Poll

Ahead of the July 14, 2012 governorship election in Edo State, over 320 additional policemen have been deployed to the state to strengthen security. It was gathered that more security personnel including intelligence officers would be deployed to Edo State before the election. The Commissioner of Police, Edo State, Olayinka Balogun, disclosed this while addressing members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Ogida and Evbuotubu Police Divisions. Olayinka Balogun told the PCRC members that their cooperation would enhance the desire for free and fair election in the State. Meanwhile, the command reminded members of the public that the ban on the use of siren by unauthorized persons was still in force.

Man, 52, Arrested for Stealing Boy in Delta

A 52-year-old father of 14 children was among five persons arrested by the Delta State police command on Wednesday for allegedly stealing a seven-year-old boy from his mother’s residence. Detectives were detailed to fish out the culprits, who were trailed and one Collins Osekihe (24) and the 52-year-old man, Chuks Elue, were arrested. The suspects led detectives to Agbor where the boy was rescued before he could be sold out at N250,000 by the wife of Chuks Elue identified as Patience Chukwuemeka, a mother of seven. Two others were arrested as accomplices. Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Charles Muka, said the suspects had confessed that they bargained to sell the boy for N250,000.

Serial Arson at Delta Poly

The national president of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Dr Chibuzor Asomugha, has intervened in the face-off between lecturers at Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku and the management, over the recent fire outbreak which gutted the exams and records office. At least 17 of the 200 lecturers, deputy rector, Steve Osafina and five non-academic staff had been quizzed by the police, in connection with the incident. Dr Asomugha described the serial fire incident within a short space of time as worrisome. In another development, students of the institution have expressed shock at the arrest of two of their colleagues for kidnapping. Two students of the institution were paraded for abducting one Michael Isitua, a 17-year-old student of Delta State University, Abraka, in June.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Customs Kill Smuggler at Idi Iroko Border

Smugglers and officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), last weekend, clashed at the Idi-Iroko border town in Ipokia LGA of Ogun State. It was gathered that the clash was triggered by the death of a smuggler of frozen poultry products, who was hit by stray bullets.  An eyewitness disclosed that the deceased wanted to beat Customs after he was stopped, but was stopped by the stray bullet allegedly fired by an official of the NCS. He died on the spot, drawing the attention of his cohorts, and residents who mobilized against customs men.

Ogun Police Arrest 8 Armed Robbery Suspects

No fewer than eight suspected armed robbers have been arrested by men of the Ogun State Police Command in raids on different parts of the state, while a total of 16 stolen vehicles were also recovered. The Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, stated that the recovered vehicles were stolen from different parts of the country. Adejobi also attributed the success of the raid carried out with the cooperation with the members of the public. The police disclosed that assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered from the criminals’ hideouts.

Police Arrest Female Kidnap Suspect in Kwara

Police in Kwara state have arrested a middle-aged woman, who was alleged to be a member of a kidnap syndicate that specialised in abducting school children in Offa town. The woman was nabbed when she was discovered to have kidnapped a school girl. It was also learnt that the woman confessed that her gang sold kidnapped victims for ritual purposes or sold abroad. The suspect was later handed over to the police.

Three Killed, 30 Vehicles Burnt in Ibese Clash

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested six persons in connection with the mayhem that occurred at the trailer park of Dangote Cement Factory in Ibese, Yewa North LGA of the state on Wednesday. The six were said to be members of a group, which allegedly set ablaze about 16 trucks, belonging to the Dangote Group, during a scuffle which ensued be-tween trailer drivers and miscreants over the custodian of a commercial sex worker. Police claims that no life was lost to the mayhem. But witnesses claimed that 3 persons died and about 30 vehicles were burnt. The violence was said to have later escalated and became an inter-tribal crisis. About 25 articulated vehicles, three cars and five motorcycles were said to have been destroyed in the violence.

Police Arraign Lebanese for Stealing N64m

The police in Lagos, on Thursday, arraigned a 29-year-old Lebanese, Hamza Koudeih, for allegedly stealing $409,780 from two Nigerians. Koudeih was arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court on two separate charges, which he pleaded not guilty to. One of the charges involves the stealing of $329,780 (N51.4m) from Alhaji Isa Hassan in January 2011 and the other involves the theft of $80,000 (N12. 5m) from Stanley Eze in March 2012. The magistrate, Mrs. A.O. Adedayo, granted bail to Koudeih but under different conditions in the two charges. Among other conditions, she ordered that the accused must provide a letter of undertaking from Lebanese embassy in Nigeria to assure that the he would not jump bail.

Man with Weapons, Military Accoutrements Arrested at Lagos airport

The Nigeria Customs Service at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos (MMIA) has arrested a passenger with two Barretta pistols, 10 pieces of bulletproof vests, five pieces of jacket knives,  three pieces of military attires, walkie-talkie, shocker, knee pads, tear gas, head caps, chargers flight light, radios, batons and traffic bars. The passenger was arrested on July 1, 2012 on arrival from aboard South African Airways. The passenger was alleged to have smuggled the prohibited items into the country aboard South African Airways without permit from relevant authorities. The passenger, whom the Customs Area Controller, Eporwei Charles Edeke, identified as Bashir Alli, allegedly tried to bribe Customs officers, but was rebuffed. He described the Barretta air pistols as high calibre ammunition, which could be converted to regular pistols with its attendant danger.

Two Killed, Several Injured as Armed Men Raid Ogun Community

Armed thugs suspected to have been hired by land speculators on Tuesday night sacked the residents of Ajambata village in Ado-Odo Council of Ogun State. At the end of the three-hour mayhem, two elderly persons were feared killed, many others injured and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed. An eyewitness said the invaders announced their presence with sporadic shootings. The village head, Chief Adeleke Akinde, alleged that the attackers were led by “a professional land grabber” with the connivance of some persons from a neighbouring village. The Ogun State Director of SSS, Joseph Okpo, confirmed that the villagers had a week earlier submitted a petition alleging “harassment and invasion of their village by the land grabbers,” disclosing that his men were still investigating the case.

GENERAL

Senator, Assemblyman Killed in Mass Funeral after Kill over 100

The serving Senator, Gyang Dantong, and a member of the Plateau state House of Assembly representing Barkin-Ladi Constituency, Gyang Fulani, were among scores of mourners killed on Sunday in Matse village by suspected Fulani gunmen. The lawmakers were killed when they attended a mass burial for 63 victims of Saturday’s attack in Riyom LGA. Another lawmaker, Hon. Simon Davou Mwadkwon, with the Federal House of Representatives and the Chairman of Barkin Ladi LGA, Emmanuel Lomang, were seriously wounded. The weekend attacks, which saw over 100 deaths, forced the state government to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew on four LGAs. Fifty more bodies, linked to the Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN), were discovered in the house of a pastor, where they had run to for safety. The attackers were said to have pursued them into the house and set it ablaze. STF spokesman, Capt. Salihu Mustapha, confirmed that the attackers, dressed in military uniforms, were heavily armed and wore bulletproof vests during the raid.

JTF, Terrorists Clash in Damaturu, 3 Killed

Three suspected Islamic militants were, last weekend, killed in a gun duel between the sect members and the Joint Task Force (JTF) while a lady was arrested in Damaturu, Yobe state. The clash was occasioned by explosions and exchange of gunfire which lasted several hours before the situation was brought under control. The JTF launched a pre-emptive offensive attack on a building suspected to be a hideout of some members of Boko Haram, but was resisted by gunfire. The JTF quickly responded by opening fire on the residents of the building and succeeded in killing three of the occupants while a lady was arrested. The JTF also recovered arms and ammunition including AK47 rifles, magazines loaded with bullets from the building. But reports indicate that two soldiers and two policemen also died in the raid. Commissioner of Police, Patrick Egbuniwe, confirmed the death of the policemen, but could not confirm that of the soldiers.

Boko Haram Kills 9 Construction Workers in Maiduguri

Nine construction workers were killed in Maiduguri on Monday by suspected members of Boko Haram. Spokesman of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, while confirming the killing, said that the nine slain construction workers were working at the Shehu of Borno Central Mosque. Musa said the construction workers were killed at their residence by suspected members of the sect at about 1.45am on Monday, but was reported to the JTF by 06.05am. He said no arrest was yet to be made as efforts to apprehend the culprits have been intensified.

Jonathan Commissions Ballistics Vest Factory in Kaduna

President Goodluck Jonathan, on Monday, commissioned a ballistics vest factory complex for the production and sale of military ancillary products, including personal protection armour such as tactical ballistics vests (bullet-proof vests) and night vision goggle equipment, saying that Nigeria will no longer import any military goods that can be produced by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON). President Jonathan stated that the Federal Government would also work with any firm which is ready to partner and site defence industries anywhere in the country. The ballistics vest factory, situated in Kakuri, Kaduna State, is the result of a joint venture agreement between DICON and an Israeli firm. DICON is producing rifles, pistols, sub-machine guns and General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG). It will also have the prototypes of the RPG (Rocket Propelled Gun Grenade) Launcher and the 81mm mortar lined up for production.

Explosions Rock Abuja, Damaturu

A car bomb, on Tuesday, exploded at the Banex Plaza in Abuja. Police spokesman, Frank Mba, confirmed the incident, adding that there were no casualties and no damage in the explosion.  FCT Police are continuing with their intensive overt and surveillance patrols of the city and wishes to reassure the residents of the police preparedness to continue to provide a safe and secured environment for social and economic activities to thrive unhindered, the spokesman said. There were huge explosions and gunfire in Damaturu, Yobe state on Saturday. Police spokesman, Gbadegesin Toyin, confirmed the incidents, but could not provide further details.

Reps Cautions NYSC on Posting Corps Members to Troubled States

The House of Representatives has directed the authorities of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) “to cancel forthwith, the posting of NYSC members to trouble-prone states in the North East zone. The house however stressed that any corps member who wishes to be posted to such crisis-prone areas should be obliged by the authorities of the NYSC. The House, on Tuesday, also directed the NYSC to comply with the directive until the present security challenges are resolved. The resolution followed the fear amongst the Batch B NYSC members posted to security-challenged parts of the country as well as their parents and relations.

Police Arraign 26 Recruits for Forgery

The police have arraigned 26 recruits undergoing training at the Police College, Kaduna for certificate forgery. The recruits were arrested during screening and arraigned before Chief Magistrate Nasiru Idris in Kaduna on Monday. The police prosecutor, Usman Simeon, accused them of criminal conspiracy, forgery and impersonation. According to him, a Special Task force, led by Maji Michael to screen the recruits, discovered that the affected recruits used forged certificates and also impersonated owners of certain results. The prosecutor claimed that the task force also discovered that the accused forged primary school leaving certificates, SSCE/NECO and NCE, while others used other persons’ credentials to join the force.

Four Die as Fire Guts Yola Prison

Four prison officials were feared dead, while two others were injured in a fire out-break which engulfed the Yola Prison in Adamawa State. But the Prison Controller General, Andrew Barka, declined to comment on the cause of the incident, which destroyed property worth millions of naira. This comes as gunmen attacked the Jimeta Prison in the heart of the state capital and security agents in a gun battle. Men of the state police command, however, repelled the attack and beefed up security around the prison. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nemuel Yoila, confirmed that there was an attempted jail break.

Drug Dealer Gets Life Sentence

Justice Bature Gafair of the Federal High Court in Maiduguri, Borno State, has sentenced a cannabis sativa dealer to life imprisonment. The convict, Saje Modu Askira (42), is the first person to get a life sentence for drug trafficking in the state. According to Justice Gafair, the convict has a pending case before he was re-arrested in connection with drug trafficking. Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade, commended the Judge for what he described as a bold step towards reducing the problem of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country. Similarly, operatives of the NDLEA, Aminu Kano International Airport Command, have arrested a Malaysian-based Nigerian student, Umar King George (21) with 500 grammes of substances believed to be methamphetamine. Luck ran out on him as he was nabbed during the outward screening of passengers of Egypt Air Flight en route Cairo to Kuala Lampur, Malaysia, with the substance neatly concealed in his shoes.

Policeman Murdered in Plateau
…Gunmen Kill GM in Borno

A police corporal, Friday Babale, attached to the Special Task Force (STF) in Plateau State, was on Monday, murdered by unknown gunmen, who carted away his rifle, in Barkin-Ladi LGA. The Media/Information Officer of the STF said Babale was shot while on his way to ease himself some metres away from his duty post. The STF has commenced search for the weapon and the perpetrators. Similarly, the General Manager of Borno State Housing Corporation, Isa Madu Ngaram, was killed by gunmen on Wednesday in Maiduguri, Borno state. It was gathered that the gunmen trailed Ngaram to his office and shot him. The Army on Wednesday confirmed an explosion along Kaduna-Zaria road in Jos. The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division, Kaduna, Col. Sani Usman, said only one person sustained injury.

ICC Tasks Nigeria on Prosecution of Suspected Boko Haram

The Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Mrs Fatou Bensouda, Thursday, implored the Federal Government to take the prosecution of suspected members of the Boko Haram Islamic sect very seriously, saying the sect has committed crimes against humanity. Bensouda, who stated this during a visit to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke Bello, decried the increasing spate of violence and wanton destruction of lives and property by the sect. She said the team was in Nigeria on a fact-finding mission, noting that from their findings, though crimes being committed by the Boko Haram sect might be classified as terrorist attacks. Adoke said the government was poised to ensure that those behind the ongoing insurgency were fished out and prosecuted accordingly.

Heavy Downpour Displaces 10,000 in Borno

A heavy rainfall in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, from Wednesday has displaced over 10,000 residents, with property worth millions of naira destroyed. In Jajeri Moslem Cemetery in Maiduguri and Jere Council Area, over 500 dead bodies were washed up from their graves. The down-pour was said to be the heaviest in the state since the commencement of the rainy season. Meanwhile, Governor Shettima has said the state government has awarded contracts worth N14 billion for the construction of roads and drainage in Bullumkutu, Dala, Abuja Talaka, Bullumkutu Tsalake, among other wards of the metropolis, to check flooding.

Two Suspected Nigerian Members of Al-Qaeda Docked

Two alleged members of the Al-Qaeda network, Babafemi Lawal and Luqman Babatunde, natives of Ogun and Lagos states, respectively, were on Thursday arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja. Lawal and Babatunde allegedly received the sum of N1m from the terrorist organisation, Al-Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula, (AQAP) in Yemen, to fund the recruitment and transportation of prospective Nigerian members of the terrorist group to Yemen. The alleged action constituted an offence contrary to Section 13(a) of Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011. Their alleged attendance of a meeting of the terrorist network is an offence under the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011. The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the six-count charge brought against them.

Police Arrest Suspected Bombers of Station, Banks

The police in Taraba State have arrested four of the 30 suspected terrorists who recently attacked several places in Wukari Local Council. But the residents claimed that youths in the area also arrested two more suspects, whom they handed over to soldiers deployed in the area. A police station, a brewery firm and three banks were attacked by the terrorists, who also carted away an unspecified amount of money from the banks. Police spokesman, Amos Olaoye, said four of the suspects had been arrested and would be arraigned in court soon.

435 Personnel Train for Counter Terrorism

The Army Base Camp, Kachia, in Kaduna State, Thursday, began the training of 435 security personnel on Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency (CTCOIN) to address the nation’s security challenges. The personnel included 379 soldiers and 60 Armed Squad personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). CTCOIN Director, Brig-Gen. Tijjani Golau, said the training was aimed at tackling the upsurge and attack on security agencies and structures. Golau said the trainees would be actively engaged in internal security duties at the expiration of the programme and advised them to take all instructions seriously.

Court Sentences 2 Brothers to Death for Armed Robbery

Two Fulani brothers were, last weekend, sentenced to death by hanging by a state High Court in Makurdi, Benue State for armed robbery. The convicts, Abubakar Yau and Ibrahim Yau, were found guilty of robbing their victims of a sum of N39040 and handsets at gunpoint. The Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Iorhenen Hwande, asserted that the law maintained that a person convicted of armed robbery faces the death penalty.

Gunmen Kill Ex-Councilor, Others in Kano

Gunmen, last weekend, stormed Kurna Asabe area of Kano state and killed a former LG councilor, and 5 others. The attackers invaded the area, throwing explosives and firing gunshots. According to eyewitnesses, the ex-councilor, Husaini Adamu, was trailed to his residence and shot. After killing him, the attackers threw an explosive into his house. Similarly, a woman was killed when gunmen ambushed a motorcycle conveying her and her husband. Her husband was injured. Another young woman and a boy were also killed in the spate of attacks. In letters said to be circulated during the attack, the gunmen reportedly claimed that whoever was killed must have committed an act that warranted the punishment. Police spokesman, Rilwanu Dutse, confirmed the attack.

Court Remands 10 in Prison for Murder

A Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court, on Tuesday, ordered that 10 suspects, including the son of a police officer, be remanded in prison custody for allegedly killing two persons. The suspects were said to have shot the two persons Oluchukwu Atama and John Dakpokpo during robbery operation. The police prosecutor, Sgt. Michael Ewoh, alleged that a complainant told the police that a group of persons numbering about 15 armed with guns, axes and cutlasses, attacked and shot the victims, who died on the spot. The prosecution said the accused were arrested in connection with the offence. He, however, said that the rest suspects were still at large. The pleas of the suspects were not taken, while the Chief Magistrate, Dan Ogo, adjourned the case till July 11.

SON Confiscates N2.7b Substandard Products

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) says it has removed N2.7 billion worth of sub-standard products from the Nigerian market since it launched its zero tolerance campaign. The Director-General of SON, Dr Joseph Odumodu, said the products range from cables, toys, tyres, automatic voltage regulators among others. He said the organisation had issued a two-week ultimatum to marketers to remove sub-standard products from the markets or face prosecution. The SON boss regretted that foreigners were conniving with some Nigerians to ship sub-standard products into the country, adding that the organisation was working to check that.

INTERNATIONAL

Dozens Die as Flash Floods Devastate Parts of Russia

At least 78 people have been killed after torrential rains leading to flash floods swept through parts of Russia. The floods in the south Russian Krasnodar region reportedly came at night without warning. Crude oil shipments from the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk have suspended. At least 67 people died in the town of Krymsk, nine in Gelendzhik and two in Novorossiysk. Hundreds of properties have been flooded and the Krasnodar-Novorossiysk road was cut. The transport system in the region is said to have collapsed.

At Least 30 Killed as Heat Wave Sweep through US

At least 30 people have been reported dead as heat waves engulfed parts of the United States, The heat sent temperatures soaring over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in several cities, buckled highways and derailed a Washington-area train even as another round of summer storms threatened. At least 30 deaths were blamed on the heat, mostly among the elderly.  Thousands of mid-Atlantic residents remained without power more than a week after deadly summer storms and extreme heat struck the area.

Government, Groups Condemn Public Execution of Afghan Woman

The public execution of a young woman accused of adultery in Afghanistan has been condemned by the country's government and human rights campaigners as a video of the killing emerged. The footage shows her being shot several times in the back in Qol village in Parwan province just north of the capital Kabul - in front of a crowd of men. The 22-year-old woman, named as Najiba, was married to a member of a hard-line Taliban militant group and was accused of adultery with a Taliban commander, Parwan provincial spokeswoman Roshna Khalid said. The Afghanistan Human Rights Commission also expressed outrage over the killing.

Assad Issues Counter-Terror Laws in Syria

Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad, issued three new “counter-terrorism” laws on Wednesday. The new law states that “Those who create or direct terrorist groups may be sentenced with 10 to 20 years of hard labor, but the punishment may be more severe if the goal is to change the regime or the structure of the state”. “If these (terrorist) acts result in death or disability for the victims, the death sentence may be imposed,” it added. Meanwhile, the Syrian government has welcomed the communiqué issued by the action group meeting on Syria after its meeting last weekend. Syrian foreign ministry, however, said there are a few points that need clarification.

Man in Afghan Police Uniform Kills NATO Soldiers

Three NATO soldiers from the British troops were killed by a gunman in Afghan police uniform in Helmand, southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said. The MoD said the soldiers were shot and fatally wounded as they left a checkpoint in Helmand province. More than 20 foreign personnel have been killed in so-called rogue shootings in Afghanistan this year. The gunman was injured and later detained, NATO said. The NATO-led ISAF force is training Afghan counterparts ahead of a handover of security responsibility by 2014.

Assad Claims Regrets over Downing of Turkish Jet

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is quoted as saying he regrets "100%" that a Turkish jet was shot down after entering Syrian airspace. The plane went down in the Mediterranean in June and the bodies of the two pilots were found during the week. The incident has heightened tensions between the two countries, as Turkish PM, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, condemned the action and described Syria as a "clear and present threat". Turkey's border areas were reinforced with rocket-launchers and anti-aircraft guns, while the Turkish air force scrambled fighter jets after Syrian helicopters were said to have approached the border. Assad, who is seeking to reduce the tensions, maintains that the plane was engaged in Syrian airspace, something the Turks dispute.

More Syrian Soldiers Defect to Turkey

Another 85 Syrian soldiers, including 14 senior officers, had defected across the Turkish border. It is one of the biggest groups of army defections since the March 2011 uprising in Syria began. UN human rights chief, Navi Pillay, has said that both Syrian government forces and the opposition have been involved in operations that harmed civilians. At least 78 people were killed in violence throughout Syria on Monday, opposition activists reported. Clashes were reported on Tuesday in suburbs of Damascus and government forces were operating in the cities of Deraa and Deir al-Zour, the Local Co-ordination Committees (LCC) activist group said

Several Killed in Series of Bombings across Iraq

At least 25 people have been killed and 40 wounded in a truck bombing at a market in the Iraqi city of Diwaniya. Dozens more have been killed and wounded in bomb attacks in cities across the country, reports say. In the central city of Karbala, four people were killed when two car bombs targeting Shia pilgrims exploded. There has been a spike in attacks across Iraq in recent weeks. The Diwaniya blasts took place in a market near a Shia mosque where pilgrims were gathering to make the 130km (80-mile) journey to Karbala for a religious festival, according to reports. Police have imposed a partial curfew and closed all entrances to the city.

95 Dead, Millions Homeless as Floods Wreak Havoc in India

Flooding described by India's prime minister as the worst in recent times, has left at least 95 people dead and almost 2 million others homeless in the country's remote Assam state. The Brahmaputra River overflowed during monsoon rains over the past week, flooding more than 2,000 villages and destroying homes, officials said. Most of the dead were swept away by the fast-flowing water, while 16 were reported to have been buried by landslides caused by the heavy rains. Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, said that almost half a million people were living in relief camps, and the remaining of the displaced were staying with relatives or living in the open, using tarpaulin sheets for shelter.

Scores Arrested after 17 Die in Kenyan Church Attacks

Kenyan police detained scores after gunmen masked in balaclavas hurled grenades at two churches last weekend, killing 17 people in the town of Garrisa, near Somalia. Authorities held more than 30 people after the twin explosions in Garissa town, penultimate Sunday, according to Philip Ndolo, the regional deputy police chief. At least 20 remained in custody after police released others because their interrogations yielded no results, he said. The arrests include Kenyans and foreigners of Somali origin, according to the police chief. The explosions near the Somali border wounded at least 40 others when gunmen stormed the Catholic Church and African Inland Church when church services were under way, prompting a stampede.

Protesters, Police Clash Claim 3 Lives in Peru

Anti-mining protesters stormed a government building in northern Peru on Tuesday, leaving three people dead and more than 20 wounded, the Interior Ministry disclosed. Among the victims were soldiers, police officers and a 17-year-old, it said. Sixteen people were detained after the violence took place in Celendin, a town in the northern region. Protesters are upset over the development of a nearly $5 billion gold mining project, which is operated by the U.S.-based Newmont Mining Corp. They say the project will have a negative impact on water supplies and harm the ecosystem. Clashes over mining projects are common in Peru, a major metals producer.

2 Policemen Killed in Kashmir Attacks

Two police officers were killed in two separate gun attacks in Indian-controlled Kashmir a week after a historic Sufi shrine in the Himalayan region's capital was destroyed in a fire. The attacks took place on Tuesday in Pulwama and Kulgam districts, close to the capital, Srinagar, a police spokesman said. In both cases, the assailants used pistols at close range to fire at the on-duty police officers before fleeing. Kashmir is a disputed territory over which India and Pakistan have fought two wars. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attacks on the police officers, which came a week after the 200-year-old shrine burned down, provoking widespread anger and violence. At least 20 people were injured in the ensuing clashes.

France Hands over Afghan Province to Local Forces

The French military handed over control of the Afghan province of Kapisa to local forces, a French military spokeswoman said Wednesday. This announcement comes weeks after new French President Francois Hollande visited the troops in Afghanistan and said his country will withdraw 2,000 troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2012. After 10 years of European military engagement in Afghanistan, now Afghan security forces are taking the responsibility of their own security, and it is time for us to leave," Hollande said during the May visit.

NATO Supply Trucks Cross Pakistan Border after Row Ends

Trucks supplying NATO in Afghanistan crossed the border from Pakistan for the first time in seven months after Islamabad reopened transit routes. Pakistani officials said at least two NATO containers passed through the Chaman border point on Thursday. Many more remain in the southern Pakistani port of Karachi awaiting clearance to proceed. Pakistan reopened the routes after the US apologised for killing 24 of its soldiers on the border in November. The decision will save the US hundreds of millions of dollars as it prepares to withdraw from Afghanistan. Pakistan has said it hopes the move will improve relations with the US and other NATO countries. But the Pakistani Taliban has threatened to attack the NATO trucks used for supplies to coalition forces in Afghanistan. The militant group said the supplies are used to target its members fighting against occupation in Afghanistan.

Mystery Illness Kills Several Cambodian Children

The World Health Organization is helping the Cambodian Ministry of Health investigate the cause of a mysterious illness that has killed dozens of children in the country since April. A statement from the WHO and the ministry said 61 of 62 children admitted to hospital had died from the disease. The majority of the reported cases came from southern and central Cambodia. Man Bunheng, the Cambodian minister of health, said possible causes of the disease are being considered, but definite identification of the cause and source may take some time. Initial reports indicate that the illness struck children below seven years of age.

Ex-Argentine Dictators Found Guilty, Sentenced in Baby-Stealing Trial

An Argentinian court, Thursday, found two former dictators guilty of stealing dozens of babies during the country's dirty war. Jorge Rafael Videla, who ruled as a dictator between 1976 and 1981, was sentenced to 50 years in prison; while Gen. Reynaldo Benito Bignone, who ruled from June 1982 until the nation's return to democracy in December 1983, was sentenced to 15 years in prison. They were the two most high-profile defendants found guilty of systematically stealing babies from political prisoners and giving them new identities. Videla, who was among the coup leaders who overthrew then-President Isabel Martinez de Peron in 1976, was previously convicted in 2010 of human rights abuses during his rule and is currently serving a life sentence. Bignone was sentenced in 2009 to 25 years in prison for kidnapping and torturing 56 people.

China Smashes Trafficking Gangs, Arrests 802
…Frees 181 Victims

Chinese police have broken up two major child-trafficking gangs and freed 181 children, officials say. Authorities arrested 802 suspects on Monday in an operation across the country, the Public Security Ministry said. Kidnapped children are often sold for adoption, or as labour and household servants. In the latest operation, the children were rescued from traffickers in 15 regions and provinces.  Investigations that led to the current round of arrests began in December 2011 when four suspects were caught in Henan province while attempting to sell four babies. A “most-wanted” suspect, Shao Zhongyuan, was caught in Pingyi County, the ministry said. He was alleged to be from a gang that had trafficked more than 100 children.

Rebels Disarm Congolese Troops after Clashes

Congolese soldiers have fled into Uganda following clashes with rebels, residents of the border town of Bunagana have disclosed. Several Bunagana inhabitants said that many soldiers had crossed the border, where they had been disarmed by Uganda's security forces. The rebels are believed to have seized control of the Congolese side of the town, which is shared with Uganda. Bosco Ntaganda's rebels took up arms in Democratic Republic of Congo in April. They defected from the army after pressure increased on the government to arrest Gen Ntaganda, who is accused of war crimes by the International Criminal Court.

London Police Arrest Sic in Anti-Terror Operation

Five men and a woman suspected of terrorism offences have been arrested in London as part of an intelligence-led investigation involving MI5. The arrests relate to a possible plot involving Islamist extremists, with potential UK targets. Three of those held are brothers. The brothers, aged 18, 24 and 26, were detained in Abbey Road, in Stratford, east London, during an operation involving armed officers. Richard Dart, a Muslim convert who uses the name Salahuddin al Britani, was also detained in the raids. Police said the six were arrested on suspicion of the "commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism". Detectives were searching eight homes in east, west and north London, and one business address in east London. The Metropolitan Police said the arrests were not linked to the Olympics or Paralympic Games.

Libya Releases ICC Envoys after 4 Weeks

Four envoys of the International Criminal Court (ICC) who were detained in Libya after visiting Seif al-Islam, the son of slain leader, Muammar Gaddafi, have been released. The four, including Australian lawyer, Melinda Taylor, have been held in Zintan since June 7 after travelling there to help prepare Seif al-Islam’s defence. Taylor was accused of carrying a pen camera and attempting to give Seif al-Islam a coded letter from his former right-hand man, Mohammed Ismail, who is wanted by the Libyan authorities. Libya accused the team of “breaching national security.” Libyan Deputy Foreign Minister, Mohammed Abdelaziz, said the release was the result of an agreement between his country and the ICC.

Four Aid Workers Regain Freedom in Somalia

Four foreign aid workers kidnapped in Kenya’s Dadaab refugee camp, Monday, returned safely to Nairobi after being released following a short gunfight in southern Somalia. The two men and two women with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) looked exhausted and were covered in dust after their three day ordeal. NRC said it was “relieved and pleased” at their release, naming them respectively as Steven Dennis, 37, Astrid Sehl, 33, Glenn Costes, 40 and Sadazai, 38. Costes limped from a bullet wound to the leg, but the four appeared to be in good health.