Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 30

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

30 Feared Dead in Vessel Explosion

About 30 people were feared dead in Port Harcourt, Rivers State as multiple fire incidents and explosion wreaked havoc in 3 different locations in the city on Friday. A vessel explosion at the Abuloma Jetty killed about 30 persons on board, mostly crew members, welders who came to carry out maintenance work on the vessel and some students, while 3 others were rushed to the hospital. Eyewitnesses said the vessel explosion occurred when the vessel had berthed to enable welders carry out a maintenance work, following a leakage. In other incidents, an early morning fire gutted the premises of two media outfits; the Rivers State Newspapers Corporation (The Tide Newspapers) and Silverbird's 93.7 Rhythm FM. This came as the Joint Taskforce (JTF), set five tankers used for illegal bunkering on fire along the Eneka-Igwuruta road in the city.

Man Stones Girlfriend to Death after Argument

A young man, Lawrence Ette, has been accused of stoning his 23-year-old girlfriend, Rosaline Christopher, to death in Calabar, Cross River State. An eyewitness, who is the landlady of the deceased, Dorothy Bassey, said Rosaline had a brawl with her boyfriend, before he allegedly killed her. According to her, there was a misunderstanding between the lovers, which prompted the girl to ask Ette to leave, but he returned resulting in a fight. But as Ette stepped out of the room, he got a stone and hit her with it, according to the landlady. She said when he realised that the girl was dead; Ette allegedly attempted to dispose of the body by throwing it over the fence. The Police spokesman, John Umoh, said the matter is being handled by the homicide unit of the police. He promised that the suspect would be apprehended soon.

Man Jailed over Production of Fake Injection Valve

The Federal High Court in Awka has sentenced a 42-year-old man, Peter Otuome to two years imprisonment for illegal production and distribution of fake water for injection. Otuome, who was arrested by officials of National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, in 2007, was said to have used his house for the production of the counterfeit product and about 200,000 injection valves found during the raid by security operatives were also impounded. Justice Peter Olayiwola, who pronounced the accused person guilty as charged, ruled that his sentence would run from July 13, 2012. The judge expressed sadness that many Nigerians were dying daily due to fake and substandard drugs and other products in circulation.

Gunmen Kill Two in Yenagoa

Gunmen suspected to be cultists on Monday killed two men in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The killing occurred a day after pirates unleashed terror on traders along Akassa River in Brass LGA of the state. The victims were simply identified as Orlando and Bishop from Ekeremor LGA. The attack reportedly occurred at about 9am. It was learnt that the assailants trailed their victims who were driving a Sports Utility Vehicle to a street and shot them at close range. The bandits, who reportedly wore bulletproof vests, were said to have driven their SUV closer to the victims before opening fire on them. Police spokesman, Fidelis Odunna, confirmed the incidents.

Fear, Anguish as Soldiers Raid Elechi Beach

Residents of Elechi Beach area in Port Harcourt suffered losses when men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) raided the area and allegedly razed some houses. During the raid, in which the JTF claimed to be an assault on illegal oil bunkering, houses were razed by fire, hundreds of persons were displaced and property estimated in the millions, destroyed. The residents of Elechi Beach accuse the military of deliberately torching their homes after arresting some youths. The JTF said that the raid was aimed at ridding the area of hoodlums engaged in illegal refining of petroleum products and bunkering. The fire, which started as the soldiers set fire to drums of alleged stolen crude, spread to homes in the area. The JTF spokesperson, Captain Sunny Samuel, who denied allegation that the JTF callously razed down properties, said precautionary measures were taken to ensure that the fire did not affect residential homes.

Community, Fulani Herdsmen Clash in Enugu

The conflict that erupted between the Ishi Ozalla Community in Nkanu West LGA of Enugu State and some Fulani herdsmen which led to the death of a Fulani and two cows on Monday is said to have been brought under control following the quick intervention of security agencies. But tension remained high as aggrieved Fulani youths threatened to revenge the killing of their member. It was gathered that some youth in Ishi Ozalla clashed with the Fulani herdsmen within the community for allegedly destroying crops belonging to some natives as well as raping some women in the area. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the incident, and said that the quick deployment of security operatives to the area prevented the escalation of the dispute.

16 Injured as Armed Men Invade Onitsha Parks

There was palpable tension in the commercial city of Onitsha, on Thursday, when armed youths invaded motor parks, leaving no fewer than 16 persons with severe injuries, while a car and operational office of the Anambra State task force also known as “Mpiawazu” were burnt. The youth, numbering over 500, suspected to be members of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, (MASSOB) were alleged to have been engaged by an official of the state government, who was bent on controlling the motor parks. Trouble started when officials of the state task force, who went to resume duties at their office were challenged by the boys. The leadership of MASSOB said the attack was not carried out by their members.

Robbers of Drug Store Arrested in Onitsha

Police in Ondo State said on Thursday five out of the 20 armed robbers who carted away drugs estimated at N34m at the Ondo State Central Medical Stores Akure on May 25 had been arrested. The suspects were arrested in Onitsha, Anambra State, according to the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Aremu Adeniran. He said the police mounted strict surveillance at some of the major markets across the country after the incident. The drugs were invariably sighted at the Onitsha Head Bridge drug market, leading to the arrest of five of the armed robbers and the stolen drugs. Large quantities of the drugs worth N2m have been recovered.

Eight Die in Enugu Road Accident

About eight persons lost their lives on Monday in an auto crash involving a trailer and a mini bus along the Enugu/Nsukka highway. Three of the victims were burnt beyond recognition. A witness disclosed that the trailer had lost control and rammed into the bus said to have loaded at Nsukka. Police Public Relations Officer in Enugu, Ebere Amaraizu, said that efforts were on to track down the fleeing driver of the said trailer.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Police Arrest 4 Suspected Kidnappers, Kill Robbery Suspects

The Delta State Police Command, Wednesday, killed two armed robbery suspects and arrested four members of a notorious kidnap gang after several hours of gun battle in Asaba. Police spokesman, Charles Muka, confirmed that the four kidnap suspects were arrested during a gun battle that also left two of the gang members seriously injured. He said that the gang had been responsible for the series of kidnappings in the state adding that the police acted on intelligence reports from members of the public. Muka said that the gang’s hideout was uncovered around Saint Brigit’s Grammar School where they were overpowered by the security agents. He disclosed that guns, ammunitions and other dangerous weapons were recovered from the suspects.

Police Recover Bodies of Drowned Policemen

Police in Edo State on Monday said they had recovered the bodies of Inspector Johnson Aghedo and Constable Odudukudu Greg, who drowned while conveying voting materials to riverine areas of Edo State during the recent governorship election in the state. The two policemen and an INEC official died when the boat their capsized on Ologbo River, in Ikpoba-Okha LGA. Deputy Inspector-General of Police in-charge of Operations, Force headquarters Abuja, Mr. Marvel Akpoyibo said this when he paid a condolence visit to the families of the late policemen. Both officers were attached to Ologbo Division. While Aghedo is survived by four children: two boys and two girls; Greg left behind a four-year old daughter and a wife.

Delta Shuts Hotel, Warn Against Harbouring Kidnappers

Delta State Government, on Wednesday, shut down a hotel in Asaba, for allegedly harbouring suspected kidnappers. The government alleged that the hotel, Lucy Guest House, had become a hideout for criminals. Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Ovuozuorie Macaulay, said the action was part of the efforts to curb kidnapping in the state. The government further threatened to arrest and prosecute landlords, who harbour suspected kidnappers. He also said the council ordered the closure of the hotel he described as a “kidnap den” because it had been confirmed that it was being used by criminals.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Police Inspectors, Suspect Die in Auto Crash

Two police inspectors in the Ogun State Police Command were on Tuesday killed along with an unidentified suspect in an auto crash along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway. The officers were killed when their collided with a DAF stationary truck. Another 16-passenger yellow Nissan Urvan bus marked Lagos XM 440 BDG also rammed into the police Hilux van from behind. Ten other passengers in the bus also sustained injuries in the accident. Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the death of the policemen. The Federal Road Safety Commission Unit Commander for Itori, Fatai Bakare, confirmed that one other person in addition to the two police officers was killed in the accident.

Robbers Attack Bullion Van, Kill By-Standers

Armed bandits, in Lagos, killed a policeman and by-standers in Badagry area of the state while robbing a bullion van owned by a bank. Eyewitness said the vehicle was being escorted by another van when hoodlums in an SUV opened fire on them. The robbers, who shot sporadically, also killed a pregnant woman while other persons were hit by stray bullets. One of the robbers was also shot before they made away with money from the van. The Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, said efforts were being made to arrest the hoodlums. Meanwhile, the command has arrested three persons for alleged armed robbery. The police also recovered five AK-47 rifles and rounds of live ammunition from the suspects, who allegedly belong to an eight-man gang.

Teenager, 4 Others in Prison for Robbery

Four persons, including a teenager were, on Tuesday, ordered to be remanded in prison custody by an Akure Magistrates’ Court for armed robbery and receiving stolen properties. The culprits were charged before Chief Magistrate Charity Adeyanju over a three count charge of felony, armed robbery and receiving stolen properties. While three were charged for armed robbery, one was charged with unlawful receiving of the items stolen.

Policeman Kill Resident at Makoko Waterfront

A man was shot and 12 arrested at the Makoko waterfront, Lagos. The area is currently under demolition by the Lagos State Government. A police corporal shot and killed one of the residents who were appealing for more time to pack their properties before the demolition of their homes, when the corporal aimed his gun and shot. The trigger happy policeman, Corporal, Pepple Boma, allegedly aimed his weapon at other protesters but was stopped by his colleagues. The policeman attempted to escape but was held back by the youths. Corporal Boma was taken to the homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, for further investigations.

17 Killed in Kwara Boat Mishap

Seventeen persons reportedly drowned while three others remain missing on Thursday, following a boat accident on River Kaduna in Kwara State. The boat, which was loaded with about 50 passengers, was coming from Patigi in Kwara State to Nupeko village, Niger State. According to the source, about 30 persons in the ill-fated canoe were rescued. It was gathered that the canoe capsized shortly after hitting a log of wood in the river. While the Niger State Commissioner of Police, Mrs Desire Diseye, confirmed the incident, but said it did not occur within the Niger state jurisdiction, the Kwara state Police spokesman, Olufemi Fabode, said that the command was not aware of the incident

1 Drowns as Flood Sacks Ibadan Communities

Some communities in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, have been sacked by flooding following the rain that lasted several hours last weekend. Some bridges linking the affected communities were submerged, while others were washed away. A part of the Apete Bridge was said to have been washed away. A resident of Apete said the flooding had cut the community from Ibadan metropolis. The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Bosun Oladele, said the incident had further exposed some of the structures that were on the water ways. One person was feared to have drowned in the floods.

Policeman Kills Robbery Suspect, Arrests One in Lagos

A policeman attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Lagos State Police Command, penultimate Sunday, foiled a robbery operation in Ikeja, killing one armed robbery suspect and arresting another. The suspects, who were four in number, had attempted to rob the occupants of a car in Agidingbi. The robbers, on two motorcycles, were said to be in possession of sophisticated weapons and were about to rob the driver of the car when the policeman sighted them and opened fire. A shootout ensued during which one of the robbers was killed while another was arrested. The other suspects however escaped. Police spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, said arrested suspect had been taken to SARS Department and investigation was ongoing.

GENERAL

Kaduna Police Arrest 174 Suspected Terrorists

The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested about 174 suspected terrorists in the state within the last two months. The state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, said 27 of the suspects were arrested in the Rigasa area where several policemen had been killed in the past while 147 of the suspects were arrested during the recent crisis in the state. A confessed terrorist led a team of detectives to Rafin-Guza area of the city where a house, believed to be the hide out of terrorists was raided. Some of the items recovered include different cans of explosives, a bomb making powder, four military uniforms,  two bags of chemical used in making bombs, two masks, one AK 47 magazine with 27 rounds of live ammunition among others.

Nasarawa Police Arrest 34 Robbery Suspects in Two Weeks

The Nasarawa State police command has apprehended 34 suspected armed robbers and recovered 50 arms and ammunition in the last two weeks. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Abayomi Akeremale, who appreciated members of the public for furnishing the command with useful information which led to the arrest, added that the suspects were rounded up in different areas within and outside the state capital, Lafia. He added that 31 arms, 19 ammunition, 10 vehicles, one motorcycles, five handsets and three masks were recovered from them.

One Dies as Youth, Gunmen Clash in Kaduna

One person was reportedly killed in an attack on Mahuta village in Kaduna state, penultimate Saturday, by suspected Boko Haram members. The Police Public Relations Officer in Kaduna, Aminu Lawan,   who confirmed the incident, said two gunmen were apprehended by residents. An eyewitness disclosed that the gunmen had gained access to the residence of the village head but the monarch jumped the fence and escaped. The quick intervention of youths of the area was said to have saved the situation as the youths confronted the gunmen and in the process seven of the residents were shot. The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested three suspected Boko Haram members at Rigasa community after a stiff operation. Those arrested are minors below the age of 18. The command also recovered bomb making equipment and an AK 47 rifle.

FG Reconstitutes NNPC Board

President Goodluck Jonathan, Monday, reconstituted the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), charging the members to discharge their duties efficiently and with integrity in order to enhance positive transformation of the petroleum sector. The board has the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Deziani Allison-Madueke as chairman, alongside other members. According to Presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, the board is to lead the reform and the improvement of the oil and gas industry for the benefit of the people of Nigeria.

Boys Killed in Jos School Attack, Bauchi Explosion

A ten-year-old boy was on Tuesday killed when an assailant fired a heavy weapon at an Islamic school in the city of Jos, Plateau state. Witnesses described a man dressed in red firing “a rocket launcher” at the school. Police spokesman, Emmanuel Abuh, said the assailant fired a “rocket propelled grenade” from the Jero road that runs adjacent to the school. Abuh added that the attacker fled the scene before he could be apprehended. Another 10-year-old boy was killed and 10 people were injured in a bomb blast at the Bayan Gari area in Bauchi state at the weekend. The bomb is said to be a leftover of a bomb that exploded in the area recently.

Jonathan Lifts State of Emergency in Borno, Others

President Goodluck Jonathan, Wednesday, lifted the state of emergency imposed on fifteen LGAs in Plateau, Yobe, Niger and Borno states in December 2011. President Jonathan had declared a state of emergency in a nationwide broadcast on December 31st, 2011 shortly after the Christmas Day bombing of St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla.  With the end of State of Emergency, the appropriate authorities at the Local and State Government levels shall be responsible for the maintenance of security, law and order in the affected areas, according to a statement issued  by the Justice Minister and Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke. Meanwhile, the Yobe state Commissioner of Police, Patrick Egbuniwe, said suspected members of the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, on Monday, attacked three police targets in Damaturu. He said police and army fought back.

Shell, FG Disagree over $5bn Fine on Spillage

Oil giant, Shell, and the Federal Government have disagreed over the FG’s decision to slam a fine of $5 billion on one of its subsidiaries. The Director-General of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Dr Peter Idabor, said that the amount represented “administrative penalty” prompted by the environmental impact of large quantity of the oil spilled from Shell’s Bonga facility. Idabor said the regulatory agency was guided in reaching that decision in line with international best practices in the oil and gas industry. However, Shell said that the imposition of the fine was not supported in law and is absolutely unwarranted. The Corporate Media Relations Manager, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO), Tony Okonedo, stressed that the company did not see any legal basis for the fine.

Wali Elected as New NBA President

Mr. Okey Wali, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was on Tuesday elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). Port Harcourt-based Wali garnered 688 votes to defeat his challengers Emeka Ngige and Blessing Ukiri. His election coincided with the naming of the new NBA secretariat in Abuja after Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, a former President of the NBA. Akeredolu served as the NBA President between 2008 and 2010. Outgoing NBA President, Joseph Daudu, named the secretariat after Akeredolu while inaugurating the building on Tuesday. Daudu said Akeredolu was honoured as a result of his meritorious service to the bar.

Two Chinese Nationals Arrested for Murder in Kano

Two Chinese nationals, Jimbo Zhao Dang Dong and Smith Zhhang Ze, have been arrested for allegedly killing two other Chinese during a brawl in Kano state. It was learnt that during the brawl, the Chinese nationals used dangerous weapons resulting in the deaths of the two men. It was learnt that the brawl was precipitated by a debt owed the suspects by one of the deceased. The Kano state Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, on Monday, said the police were still investigating the remote and immediate causes of the death. Idris added that preliminary investigation revealed that the two suspects killed Xucheng and his friend after taking intoxicant. The suspects, who are employees of Zhao Dongs Nigeria Limited and some visitors at Xucheng’s residence, were arrested by the police at the scene of the incident on July 11.

Residents Ordered to Vacate 5 Plateau Villages

The Defence Headquarters has ordered inhabitants of over five villages in Plateau state, including Mahanga, Kakuruk, Kuzen, Maseh and Shong II, suspected to be used as a major hide out by the terrorist groups perpetrating havoc in the state to temporarily relocate so as to avoid collateral damages in a planned offensive in these areas. This is coming against the backdrop of the recent massacre of over 150 people in Barkin Ladi and Ryom villages in the state by suspected terrorists using military type uniforms and camouflages. The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Col. Mohammed Yerima, said the directive is necessary for successful operations in the planned onslaught by the Special military Task Force (STF) to root out the terrorist groups in the state.

Maryam Mukhtar, First Female CJN, Sworn-in

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Monday, swore in the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Maryam Aloma Mukhtar, and also conferred on her the national honour, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). Mukhtar was the first female lawyer in the defunct Northern Nigeria and first female high court judge in the North before rising to become the first female Justice of the Appeal Court and the Supreme Court. The president advised the new CJN to acclimatise to her new portfolio so as to tackle the numerous challenges of reforming the Nigerian judiciary. The president assured Mukhtar of his administration’s continued support.

Military on Two Weeks Operations in Jos Villages

The Defence Headquarters on Monday said that the planned military operation in four villages surrounded by mountains in the Riyom and Barking LGAs of Plateau State would not last more than two weeks. Chief of Policy and Plans at the Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Dick Iruenabere, who said this, described the security threat confronting the nation as unusual and should be nipped in the bud in order to prevent it from escalating. According to him, an air investigation carried out by the military revealed that some of the terrorists believed to have carried out the recent killings in Plateau State were still hiding in the mountains. He urged residents to exhibit an appreciable level of security consciousness during the operation.

Bomb Factory Disguised as Church, Mosque Discovered in Kogi

The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, Mr. Muhammed Katsina, on Monday said the command had uncovered another bomb factory in Okaito, a remote village in Okehi LGA. He said police officers uncovered the bomb factory with the help of the suspect arrested in connection with the recent bomb explosion near two Churches in Okene. Katsina said the police recovered from the bomb factory, 46 Improvised Explosive Device, three bottles of potassium Chloride, 15 fuses, 15 capacitors, five litres of acid and one electrical detonator. Others items, according to him, were Bibles, Qurans, detonating cord, three remote controlled siren GSM sets, rolls of firing cables, nails of various sizes, ammunitions, motorcycle, and other household items. He said the factory buildings were designed as a church and a mosque ostensibly to deceive people.

Human Trafficking Ring Worth $9.5bn Globally -Report

The United States has estimated the global human trafficking industry to be worth about $9.5 billion when estimated alongside other forms of crime that are linked to it. The Human Rights Officer of the US Embassy in Abuja, Michael Kiselyncznyk, disclosed this on Tuesday. Speaking on the downgrade of Nigeria from Tier one status to Tier two in TIP by the US Department of State, Kiselyncznyk said it occurred because no country is expected to remain on the same level. The Director of Investigation and Monitoring of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, (NAPTIP), Ezekiel Kaura, outlined some of the challenges being experienced by the agency in the prosecution of apprehended traffickers. He said the existing Nigerian laws against TIP do not address emerging trends like the sale of babies.

Marketers to Shut Down Depots, Jetties over Unpaid Subsidy

Petroleum products marketers under the aegis of Jetties and Petroleum Tank Farms Owners of Nigeria (JEPTFON), Thursday, resolved to shut down operations with effect from Monday next week over the alleged withholding of payment of subsidy. The association also described as unacceptable and libelous, the manner with which top government officials take delight in labelling their members as crooks, and demanded an apology and immediate retraction of those unguided statement. The jetties and tank farm owners also stated that the action of government was threatening the continued survival of their business and the larger economy.

Gunmen Kill Three in Kano

Suspected gunmen on motorcycles shot dead three persons at Kwanar Freedom Radio in Sharada area in Kano metropolis late Thursday evening. The gunmen arrived at the junction while people were trading and begin shooting, leaving three dead. Police spokesman in the state, Rilwanu Mohammed (DSP) confirmed the attack, but said only two persons were shot dead and while a police corporal was injured during the attack. It was also gathered that the gunmen fled the scene of the attack immediately after the shooting.

Bomb Attack Averted in Abuja Catholic School

The men of the bomb disposal units of the Nigeria Police on Thursday foiled a bomb attack on St. Alloysius Schools, in Abuja. A security man said the item was planted under a mango tree near where pupils buy biscuits and other items after school. According to him, a woman who saw the bag became curious and called the attention of the church security personnel to the strange item. The security personnel called in the police, and the bomb disposal unit that defused the device. Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association of the School, Dr. James Agbonhese confirmed the incident. He was full of thanks to God that the device was discovered on time.

Muslims Begin Ramadan

Muslims across the country began this year’s Ramadan fasting on Friday. Already, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Sa’ad, has urged Muslims who sight the new moon of Ramadan to communicate to relevant authorities. Muslims are mandated to fast in the month of Ramadan for either 29 or 30 days depending on the sighting of the moon.

JTF, Gunmen Clash in Maiduguri

Six persons were killed, on Thursday, in Maiduguri, Borno state in two separate incidents as gunmen attacked the city’s largest market while suspected members of Boko Haram also clashed security agents. At least four traders were shot dead while two others seriously injured. Witnesses said following the attack on the shops outside the market, the management of the market had to lock up the six main entrances, forcing traders to remain indoors for hours, until it was later opened. Also, men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) clashed with gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect in Gambouru ward of Maiduguri, killing two persons. An eyewitness said the clash occurred when suspected gunmen attacked a military patrol vehicle. The Borno State Police spokesman, Gideon Jibrin, confirmed the incidents.

Govt Recalls Oteh, Suspended SEC DG

Suspended Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Arunma Oteh, has regained her job after being recalled by the government. She was suspended on June 11, 2012 by the former board of the commission, four days to the end of its tenure. Some members of staff summoned an emergency meeting to protest the government’s directive to recall Oteh. Oteh’s ordeal started when she had a running battle with the House of Representatives Committee on the Capital Market, which was probing the crisis in the sector. The Federal Government, Tuesday, cleared the DG of any serious abuse of office and reinstated her. The government, however, admonished Oteh to henceforth follow due process.

FG Presents PIB to NASS

The Federal Government yesterday morning submitted the final certified copy of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) to the National Assembly. Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Deziani Alison-Madueke, that the new bill, unlike the preceding one had security measures including water marks, a signing across each page that says the Petroleum Industry Bill for 2012 and the nation’s Coat of Arms to forestall multiple versions. Alison-Madueke emphasized that this is the only Petroleum Industry Bill from the FG. Therefore all other versions or adaptations are not valid and have never been.

INTERNATIONAL

Suicide Bomber Kills 22 at Afghan Wedding

A suicide bomber blew himself up at a wedding reception in northern Afghanistan on Saturday, killing at least 22 people including a prominent politician, and wounding 40 others, police said. Influential Afghan lawmaker Ahmad Khan Samangani, who hosted the party for his daughter’s wedding, was among those killed, provincial governor Khairullah Anosh said. The Taliban denied responsibility for the attack. Samangani, a powerful political figure from Samangan province, was a former mujahideen chief, who fought against the Soviets in the 1980s, and against the Taliban.

Suicide Bomb Kills Syrian Defence Minister

Syrian Defence Minister, Daoud Rajiha, and Deputy Defence Minister, Assef Shawkat, were killed in a suicide bombing at the headquarters of the National Security Bureau in the capital Damascus. Others are said to be critically hurt. Ministers and officials were meeting inside the building at the time. The attack comes amid claims of a major rebel offensive on the city. Syrian officials have downplayed the attacks. Rebels declared the battle to "liberate" Damascus has begun as heavy fighting raged across the city. The opposition Syrian National Council meanwhile said Syrians will seek new ways to confront President Bashar al-Assad if the UN Security Council fails to threaten sanctions. At least 19 people were killed as the fighting raged.

Israel Blames Iran for Attack in Bulgaria

Israeli officials, Wednesday, confirmed that Israeli citizens were targeted in an attack on tourists at Bulgaria’s Burgas airport, which Bulgarian ministry sources said left three people dead. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed Iran for the deadly blast and promised a tough response. Netanyahu noted that the attack followed similar attempts in India, Georgia, Thailand, Kenya and Cyprus in recent months. The development came as a 97-year-old Hungarian man suspected of abusing Jews and helping deport thousands of them during the Holocaust was taken into custody, questioned and charged with war crimes. The case of Laszlo Csatary was brought to the attention of Hungarian authorities last year by the Simon Wiesenthal Centre, a Jewish organisation active in hunting down Nazis who have yet to be brought to justice.

Two Die in Toronto, Alabama Shooting

An “unprecedented” shooting at a large outdoor party in Toronto, Canada, left two people dead and about 19 others injured, including an infant. Similarly, a gunman opened fire in a bar in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, wounding at least 16 people, four of them critically, while the gunman remained at large, and police ask the public for help finding the suspect. Toronto police Chief, Bill Blair, said that the two killed on Monday in the gunfire were a teenage girl and a man in his 20., He did not provide the age of the child who was injured but said the injuries are “not life-threatening and the child will be fine.“ Blair said it’s unclear how many people actually fired shots, but there was more than one person responsible for the gunshots.

38 Die, 100 Missing as Zanzibar Ferry Sinks

About 38 people are feared dead after a ferry sank off the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar. A Zanzibar official, Thursday, said there was no hope for more than a hundred people still missing. The vessel, which was officially carrying at least 290 passengers and crew, went down in choppy waters off Zanzibar after leaving Tanzania’s commercial capital Dar es Salaam around midday on Wednesday. Emergency workers had rescued more than 140 people so far, recovering 38 bodies. Officials said the ferry had been carrying 291 persons, according to the passenger list. But ferries in the region very often carry additional passengers who do not feature on the manifest.

Hundreds Flee Syria’s Raging War

Hundreds of people have fled Damascus flashpoints after the army warned of violent clashes with rebels following a bomb blast that killed three security chiefs. Meanwhile, Russia and China again vetoed a United Nations (UN) Security Council resolution that would impose sanctions against Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad if he does not end the use of heavy weapons. It was the third time in nine months that Russia and China have used their powers as permanent members of the 15-nation council to block resolutions on Syria. Major General Robert Mood, head of the UN monitoring mission, warned that Syria was not on track for peace and that the violence continues.

Gunman Kills 12 at Movie Premiere in Colorado

A gunman in a gas mask and body armour killed 12 people at a midnight premiere of the new "Batman" movie in a suburb of Denver early on Friday, opening fire on moviegoers after hurling a gas canister into the theatre. Armed with an assault rifle, a shotgun and a pistol, he wounded 59 others with gunfire during a screening of "The Dark Knight Rises" at a mall in Aurora. Arriving on the scene within 90 seconds of the first emergency calls, police immediately took into custody the suspect, identified by police as James Eagan Holmes, 24, in a parking lot behind the cinema, where he surrendered without a fight, Aurora Police Chief Dan Oates said. Police said Holmes also booby-trapped his Aurora apartment with what appeared to be sophisticated explosives, creating a potential hazard for law-enforcement and bomb squad officers.

HIV/AIDS Prevention Drug Approved by United States FDA

The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) in the United States of America (USA), Monday, approved a new drug that could be used by adults to reduce their chances of contracting HIV/AIDS. It would be the first time the FDA would be approving a drug for the ailment. The drug is called Truvada, an antiretroviral medication made by Gilead Sciences Inc. Truvada is a combination of two HIV medications – emtricitabine (Emtriva) and tenofovir (Viread) – rolled into one pill that is taken once a day. Its efficacy is said to be better enhanced when taken with other HIV drugs, when treating the HIV infection. More significantly, the drug presents an opportunity for Africa and Asia, which have been ravaged by the ailment.

Indian Fisherman Killed by US Navy in Gulf

An Indian fisherman was killed and three others were wounded on Monday when a US navy ship fired at their small boat off Dubai in the tense waters of the southern Gulf, officials said. US defence officials said the motorboat had ignored warnings not to approach the refuelling ship USNS Rappahannock, and that sailors on board the American vessel feared it could pose a threat. A United Arab Emirates official said one fisherman was killed and three other Indians were wounded. A statement from the US Fifth Fleet, which is based in Bahrain and on alert for possible Iranian action in Gulf waters, said the crew had opened fire as a last resort. The US navy has been building up its forces in the oil-rich region amid mounting tensions with Iran.

Afghan Soldier Sentenced to Death over French Killings

An Afghan soldier has been sentenced to death for killing five French soldiers in a "green-on-blue" attack in Kapisa province in January. The incident, in which the soldier turned his gun on his French colleagues, prompted France to speed up its planned withdrawal of troops from NATO operations in Afghanistan. The man, Abdul Sabor, was sentenced to death by hanging in a military court in Pul-i-Chakri prison on Monday, a defence ministry source said. Four unarmed French soldiers were killed and 15 others were wounded as they jogged on their military base on January 20. A fifth French soldier died weeks later from his wounds.

Armed Men Rape Women in Mexican Camp

An armed gang raped seven young women in a brutal attack on a youth camp just outside Mexico City, state prosecutors said. The gang of about a dozen people, penultimate Friday, beat, abused and robbed youngsters at the retreat located in a park in the State of Mexico just southeast of the capital, the local attorney general's office said. The attorney general's office in the state said it had witness descriptions of the attackers. Mexico's most populous state, the State of Mexico was ruled by President-elect Enrique Pena Nieto between 2005 and 2011. Human rights groups complain the state has one of the worst records in the country on violence against women.

AU Okays Peace Force in DR Congo

The African Union (AU), in a bid to curb unrest in the eastern part of DR Congo, said it was ready to send peacekeeping troops there. This comes as the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a new arrest warrant for Congolese General, Bosco Ntaganda, for alleged war crimes. Ntaganda is already wanted by the war crimes court for conscripting child fighters in DR Congo. The AU Commission chairman, Jean Ping, said that the AU was “prepared to contribute to the establishment of a regional force to put an end to the activities of armed groups,” in the DR of Congo. The ICC also issued an arrest warrant for Sylvestre Mudacumura, the leader of the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda) militia operating in the Kivu provinces, saying he was suspected of war crimes between January 2009 and September 2010 in the area.

Dlamini-Zuma Elected First Woman to Head AU Commission

South African diplomat, and ex-wife of South African President, Jacob Zuma, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has been elected as the new chairman of the African Union Commission. Dlamini-Zuma, who was elected by the 54-member pan-African bloc in Ethiopia last week, becomes the first woman to head the AU Commission. An experienced diplomat, Dlamini-Zuma, 63, is known for her competent management and stern personality. A doctor by training, she was health minister when Mandela became the country's first black leader. Dlamini-Zuma has the backing of the predominantly English-speaking southern African region and is the first person from the region to hold the top Commission job since the AU was created a decade ago.

Drug Tunnels Found Under US-Mexico Border

The Mexican army said it had uncovered another drug smuggling tunnel beneath the US-Mexico border. This is the third of such tunnel found recently. The latest tunnel, still under construction, links the border city of Tijuana with San Diego in southern California, they said. An earlier tunnel discovered, had a ventilation system, wooden supports and already had part of a system of rails to transport drugs, General Gilberto Landeros said. The entrance was found in a storage building some 250 meters from the border, and had not yet come out on the US side. Almost at the same time, in another warehouse in a rural area east of Tijuana, soldiers seized 40 tonnes of marijuana stored in five trucks. Three people were arrested, said Landeros, adding that it was not yet known to which drug cartel the tunnel or the drugs belonged.

240,000 Evacuated as Rain Wreaked Havoc in Japan

Nearly 240,000 people were ordered to leave their homes in southwest Japan on last weekend as heavy rain pounded the area. Three days of heavy rain had left about 20 people dead, officials and reports said. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of more landslides and floods on the main southern island of Kyushu as rainfall of up to 11 centimetres (4.3 inches) per hour was recorded. Evacuation orders had been issued to about 240,000 people in the north of Kyushu where more rivers burst their banks, according to the authorities. They were told to go to designated shelters such as schools and other public facilities.

US Pastor Abducted in Egypt

The family of a Boston Pentecostal pastor abducted in Egypt on Saturday appealed to his captor to release the 61-year-old man, saying he is a diabetic and the family fears for his health. The son of Rev. Michel Louis said that his father was on a church trip with 23 other members of the clergy and worshippers when he was abducted. Along with him, a 39-year-old Boston woman in the group and a tour guide were kidnapped in broad daylight Friday. Jirmy Abu-Masuh, an Egyptian Bedouin, took responsibility for the kidnap. He said they would be released only after police release his uncle from prison, and he vowed to take more hostages if his demands were not met.

Lawyers Protest Security Crackdown in Sudan

About 300 Sudanese lawyers, on Monday protested and called for President Omar Hassan al-Bashir’s security forces to stop using force against peaceful protests. Sudanese activists estimate some 2,000 people have been detained since small-scale protests began four weeks ago against austerity measures including cuts to fuel subsidies, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said. Bashir, in power since 1989, has dismissed the protests as insignificant. Sudan is suffering a severe economic crisis after losing much of its oil production when South Sudan broke away to become independent a year ago.

Investigation Exposes Arms Trafficking Network in Mauritius

An investigation by the Conflict Awareness Project (CAP) initiated by the United Nations has exposed an active arms trading network of associates of former trafficker, Viktor Bout, which involves companies from the United States, South Africa and the United Kingdom, among other countries with its centre in the island of Mauritius. The traffickers' ultimate goal was to access countries such as Iran, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and possibly Syria, the report said. Kathi Lynn Austin, executive director of CAP and former UN arms investigator, was able to track down this network led by two main actors who once were Bout's top lieutenants. According to the investigation, Mauritius is a strategic spot due to its location as a gateway between Africa, Asia and the Middle East.