Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 43

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Pirates Lay Siege to Bayelsa Creeks, Rapists Attack Girls in Relief Camps

Pirates have laid siege to creeks in Bayelsa State, attacking travellers and victims of the floods that ravaged the state. It was gathered, on Monday, that the pirates attacked some of the displaced persons who were navigating the waters to get to a safe ground in Yenagoa. It was learnt that the Nembe waterways had become vulnerable to pirate attacks, which had worsened the plight of flood victims. Meanwhile, the police are contending with rising cases of rape in relief camps. It was gathered that about five of such cases had been recorded. Some of the suspects were said to have been caught pants down after their victims cried out for help. The suspects were said to have ambushed their victims in dark corners of the camp and sexually harassed them. Meanwhile, Governor Seriake Dickson has signed into law N1.5bn supplementary appropriation bill to enable the government mitigate the flood disaster.

Gunmen Abduct Seven Expatriate Oil Workers

Seven expatriates working for an oil servicing company were, on Wednesday, abducted by gunmen at the Pennington oil platform. The spokesman for the Joint Task Force (JTF), Lt. Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, confirmed the incident. The seven expatriates, six Russians and one Estonian, were working aboard a vessel belonging to Bourbon International Oil Company when the gunmen invaded and took them away. No group has claimed responsibility for the action. The Pennington Platform is owned by Chevron. The military high command has ordered all the Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy located in the Niger Delta to comb the entire area and fish out the kidnappers.

Aluu 4: Court Remands Suspects, Ex-Policeman in Prison

The Magistrate’s Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday remanded 13 suspects arrested in connection with the killing of four students of the University of Port Harcourt. The accused persons were allegedly part of a mob that tortured the four undergraduates to death in Omuokiri Aluu. Presiding Magistrate, Emmanuel Woke, however, said the court did not have the jurisdiction to hear the matter. Woke immediately announced the transfer of the case to the Department of Public Prosecution for legal advice and subsequent arraignment in a High Court. The suspects and others at large were accused of lynching Ugonna Obuzor, Toku Lloyd, Chiadika Biringa, and Tekenah Erikena. The police on Thursday said the policeman involved in the killing, Sergeant Lucky Orji, had been dismissed from the force and was also arraigned.

EFCC Arraigns Port Harcourt Trainer for N10m Job Scam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned one Abraham Walson before Justice UN. Agomoh of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt on charges bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence and fraud. Walson’s arrest and prosecution by the EFCC followed a petition by Fred Atasie, who alleged that the accused was hired as an instructor at a training centre in Port Harcourt in 2010, for the training of youths in pipeline fitting and fabrication. He stated that Walson later recruited his own team and began to extort the unemployed youths by demanding huge sums of money from the trainees under the guise that he would facilitate their employment with SAIPEM, an oil servicing company. The accused confessed to collecting up to N10million from 263 trainees.

Military Rescues 800 Trapped Victims in Anambra Floods

A team of army engineers from the Onitsha Military Barracks, on Monday, rescued about 800 villagers trapped by floods in Ogwuaniocha in Ogbaru and Anambra West LGAs. Also involved in the rescue operations were officials of the state Emergency Management Agency and the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, who is from Ogbaru. The assistance to the flood victims came following distress calls from their relations. The victims were taken to Ihiala, Onitsha and Aguleri, where accommodation and relief facilities were provided for them by state government.

Jonathan Pledges Support to Flooded Communities

President Goodluck Jonathan has assured communities affected by flood in Rivers State of the Federal Government’s support to cushion the effect of the disaster. The president gave the assurance at Mbiama in Ahoada-West LGA after he visited the affected areas. Several communities in Rivers and Bayelsa states are currently flooded. Jonathan expressed worries at the sufferings the flooding had caused the residents of the affected areas. He said that FG was poised to come to the aid of all the affected communities nationwide. The President also promised to build some dams in the upper River Niger and River Benue to stem a possible re-occurrence in future.

Gunmen Kidnap Rivers Commissioner

Rivers State Commissioner for Power, Mr. Augustine Nwokocha, has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen. It was learnt that Nwokocha was kidnapped, last weekend, at Ede in Onne LGA, while on his way to monitor the progress in one of the camps set up by the state government for people displaced by the flood. It was learnt that about four gunmen blocked his vehicle, shot indiscriminately into the air, pulled him out of the vehicle and drove off while his vehicle was left at the scene. Governor Chibuike Amaechi has directed security agencies in the state to ensure the safe return of the commissioner. Similarly, the Rivers State Chairman of Nigerian Library Association and Librarian of the Federal College of Education, Omoku, Dr Femi Quadri, was last weekend, kidnapped by unknown gunmen in a village near Omoku. Librarians have called for his prompt release.

Bayelsa Police Arrest Armed Robbery Suspects, 21 Others

A gang of four armed robbers, who raided the Rahama bureau de change and carted away foreign and local currencies in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, have been arrested by the police. It was gathered that the robbers were apprehended by the Special Anti Fraud Unit of the police. The Commissioner of Police, Kingsley Omire, who confirmed the arrest, said two locally made pistols and one expended cartridge were recovered from the suspects. Omire said a Mazda car used in the robbery operation was among the recovered items. He said N108,500; ¢1,100 and £430 which formed part of the stolen money, were retrieved from the bandits.

Navy Dismisses 55 Trainees over Forgery

The Nigerian Navy has dismissed 55 trainees, who attempted to join the force with fake certificates. The Commandant, Nigerian Navy Basic Training School, Onne, Commodore Apochi Suleiman, disclosed this on Tuesday while handing over the suspects to the police. Also handed over to the police in the state was a fake Army Lieutenant, who was arrested by the Nigerian Army. Suleiman explained that the Navy training began three months ago while their certificates were forwarded to the headquarters in Abuja for verification. He explained that out of the 1,214 trainees that gained admission to the college for the training, 55 persons were found to have used fake West African Examination Council and National Examination Council Certificates.

One Dead, 3 Injured at Illegal Mine Site

One person was killed and three others severely injured at an illegal mining site in Ebonyi State, prompting the lawmaker representing Ezza South State Constituency in the state House of Assembly, Chris Usulor, to call on the Federal Government to intervene in the activities of illegal miners. It was learnt that the illegal miner, Anele Nwite, died instantly as his head, hand and leg were severed from his body by a large stone which fell on the four illegal miners. Reacting to the development, the lawmaker stressed the need for the Federal Government to urgently intervene in the activities of illegal miners in the area.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

18 Die, Several Displaced Delta Floods

At least 7 persons have died in 18 relief camps in Delta State, while 6 children are missing, after flood submerged 10 communities in Bomadi and Burutu LGAs. Over 42,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are presently taking refuge at the 18 resettlement camps in Delta State as result of the ravaging flood, according to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan. The revelation came as the state government said it had appointed former Supreme Court Justice Francis Tabai to head a committee that would manage the N500 million and whatever money that would be made available to re-settle the victims. Uduaghan explained that the committee would advise the state government the best way to spend the N500 million and the post-camp era. Uduaghan frowned at the activities of some unscrupulous people who broke into some of the IDPs camp to steal and terrorise them. At least 200 orphans are homeless in Irri, Delta State, resulting from the floods that have sacked their community.

Ex-Militants Donate N52.7m to Flood Victims in Niger Delta

Former agitators in the Niger Delta have contributed N52.7 million for victims of flood disaster in the region. Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, Mr Kingsley Kuku, who disclosed this, said the 26,358 amnesty beneficiaries in Phases one and two of the programme, agreed to donate N2,000 each from their October allowances to support efforts of the federal and state governments on the flood disaster. Already, the PAP chairperson, who is also the Special Adviser to the President on Niger-Delta, has constituted an 18-member Flood Relief Committee, comprising key stakeholders and volunteers.

Army Nabs 10 for Oil Bunkering in Edo, Delta

The Nigerian Army, on Wednesday, said it had arrested 10 persons for oil theft in Edo and Delta State. The Commander of the 4 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Abel Umahi, said that the command also seized four tankers used for the illicit act. The Commander further revealed that the command also rescued a middle-aged woman, Bridget Ize-Iyamu, from suspected kidnappers in Benin who abducted her. The soldiers also recovered a pump action gun with 12 live cartridges. Umahi said the troops also arrested two suspected kidnappers in Ughelli, Delta State, and recovered one pump action gun, eight live cartridges and two locally made pistols.

Kidnapped Delta Regains Freedom

Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Hope Eghagha, has been released by his abductors. Eghagha was abducted at Abavo, September 29, on his way from Warri to attend the country’s 52nd Independence anniversary thanksgiving service in Asaba. It was gathered that he was dropped off at about 8pm on Monday night at Agbarho, Ughelli North LGA. He said the commissioner, who spent 16 days in the den of the kidnappers, came back unhurt and no ransom was paid. The State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Charles Muka, said the police was still investigating the matter. He, however, said no arrest had been made in connection with the kidnap.

Octogenarian, Others Paraded for Kidnapping in Edo

The Nigerian Army in Benin, Edo State, on Wednesday, paraded suspected criminals, who had been laying siege to Edo and Delta states. Commander of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Abel Umahi, said the arrest of the suspects was recorded following the deployment of newly acquired tracking system in the states. Among the suspects were a 75-year-old witch doctor, kidnappers, drug dealers and armed robbers. Umahi, who frowned on the increasing use of military uniforms by criminal elements in the states, particularly urged management of tertiary institutions in the states to discourage their students from using the uniforms.

Soldiers Arrest 17-Year-Old, Others for Carjacking

A 17-year-old son of an oil worker and five other members of a kidnap/armed robbery gang have been arrested by soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, Nigerian Army, Effurun, Delta State, for alleged car snatching. Commanding Officer of the Battalion, Lt-Col Ifeanyi Otu, said soldiers seized the suspects in Warri and Benin where they allegedly carried out their operations. The 17-year-old suspect, in his confession, said they used wood to obstruct road and rob unsuspected victims of their vehicles at gunpoint.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Vigilance Group Rescues Abducted Speaker’s Wife

The abducted wife of the Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Najeem Salam, has regained her freedom from her kidnappers after about five days in captivity. The speaker’s first wife, Muiba, was abducted in Ejigbo, Osun State, penultimate Tuesday, by gunmen, who trailed her to her residence. Security operatives, last weekend, stormed the hideout of the kidnappers at Ogunmakin, on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and rescued Mrs. Salam after an exchange of gun fire. Two of the suspected kidnappers who attempted to smuggle the Osun Speaker’s wife from the hideout were shot dead by the rescue team. Three other members of the gang were reportedly arrested and handed over to the Police. The state Commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye, confirmed the arrest.

Robbers Raid Journalist’s Home, Kill Cohorts, Three Others

At least four persons were shot dead and several others injured at Anglican Road in Sango Ota, Ogun State when a 12-man armed gang stormed the area in the wee hours of the day.  The robbers also shot dead two members of the gang, taken for residents of the neighbourhood. Armed robbers have, in recent times, carried out several operations within the area, sometimes even on the Lagos-Abeokuta highway. In their latest raid, the armed gang stormed the street at about 1.45am and first shot the security dog dead and then went on to kill the two security men on the street, before proceeding to the home of their victim, a former journalist and current Director with Environment Rights Action/ Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Akinbode Oluwafemi.  He was lucky to have escaped their bullets.

Man Remanded in Custody for Attempted Kidnapping

A 35-year-old man, Johnson Akinwale, has been remanded in custody by an Osogbo magistrate’s Court for allegedly attempting to kidnap a two-year-old girl, Jelilat Okunade. Akinwale, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. Akinwale, alongside with other suspects at large, allegedly tried to kidnap Jelilat on October 11, 2012 at Sabo, Osogbo. Defence counsel, Sunday Atofarati, urged the court to grant him bail. The Magistrate, Mr. Olusola Aluko, however, asked Atofarati to file a formal bail application on behalf of Akinwale.

EFCC Arraigns 2 for Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday arraigned a 30-year-old stockbroker, Ibukun Adedayo, in Lagos for allegedly stealing N41 million from his customer. EFCC counsel, Mr Takiyudeen Arabi, alleged that Adedayo committed the offences while she was the head of Structured Financial Group of Ventures and Trust Ltd, an investment company. Arabi alleged that the defendant had between June and November 2008, fraudulently debited N41 million from the account of a customer, Mrs Olajumoke Obafemi. Similarly, a 40-year-old manager with a bureau de change was arraigned in Lagos on Monday for allegedly stealing US$44,000 (about N6.6 million) belonging to her employer. The defendant pleaded not guilty.

Man Throws Wife into Pit Toilet

The Ogun State Police Command, on Tuesday, paraded a man who allegedly killed his wife by throwing her into a pit toilet. The State Commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye, said that the 46-year-old man committed the act on October 7 and was arrested after a distress call reached the police. He said that the police responded promptly but met the victim dead in the pit. The police also paraded an 80-year-old man and his wife over an allegation of illegal possession of firearms. Okoye said the couple were arrested after the police conducted a search on their house. Okoye appealed to members of the public to assist the police with useful information that could lead to the arrest of criminals in the state.

Grandson Kills Grandparents in Ibadan

Two grandparents killed in Ibadan by their grandson identified as Dekunle were on Monday buried. Pa Busari Ogundeji, 140, and Madam Olalonpe Ganiyu, 120, were penultimate Sunday hacked to death by Dekunle, who reportedly has mental challenges. According to an eyewitness, the entire neighbourhood was alerted to the happening at the house when another old woman, identified simply as Iya Eleko, watched as Madam Olalonpe was being butchered and raised the alarm. The alarm from Iya Eleko drew the attention of the residents, including Pa Busari Ogundeji, who, on getting to the scene, was overpowered by Dekunle and was hacked to death. The police say Dekunle will be prosecuted.

GENERAL

Gunmen Open Fire on Muslim Worshippers, Kill 20

Gunmen opened fire on Muslim worshippers as they were leaving a mosque in Kaduna state, penultimate Sunday, killing at least 20 people. The attack happened in Dogo Dawa, a remote village in Kaduna, said Abdullahi Muhammad, the traditional ruler and councillor of Birnin Gwari LGA. The state police commissioner, Olufemi Adenaike, confirmed the incident, but did not give details. Meanwhile, there was confusion in Kaduna a day earlier when a policeman allegedly killed a printer. The victim, Elisha Joseph, 40, according to an eyewitness, was said to be making peace between a policeman and a prisons official involved in a traffic offence. The development forced hundreds of youths to barricade the Lagos Roundabout and all entrances leading to Magaji Garin Police Station, protesting the death of the printer. Adenaike, however, denied that the man was killed by a policeman.

Jos Killings: STF Deploys Special Forces

The Special Task Force (STF) in Jos, Plateau State, has drafted Special Forces to Barkin Ladi and Riyom, the two councils that have been ravaged by internecine ethnic strife between the itinerant Fulani herdsmen and their Berom hosts. The development followed in the wake of resurgence of killings in the areas. No fewer than 20 people have been killed since last Wednesday in several pre-dawn attacks in some villages in the two local government areas. Four people were killed and four others seriously wounded penultimate Saturday when gunmen invaded three villages in Riyom LGA of Plateau state. Two people were killed in Rakung in Riyom, while another two were killed in Gurando near Kura Falls. The killings came on the heels of heightened tension in Riyom when over 2000 women of Berom extraction took to the streets to protest the killing of a woman by gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

20 Killed as Explosions Rock Yobe State

Over 20 persons were said to have been killed in an explosion that rocked Potiskum in Yobe State, on Wednesday. Yobe State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Egbuniwe, confirmed that there was an explosion and the JTF had cordoned off the town for the safety of innocent civilians. Also confirming the incident, the JTF said the attack at Anguwar Jaji (Jigawa) left a policeman dead, while a soldier sustained injury and four houses completely burnt by the sect. Trouble started when men of the JTF went to arrest some suspected Boko Haram members at Anguwar Jaji Potiskum. Another explosion, allegedly targeted at a JTF patrol team went off at the Kasuwan Kuturu market in Mubi, Adamawa State. It was also disclosed that the patrol team also repelled the attack, which led to exchange of gunshots in the town.

Senate Endorses Life Sentence for Terrorists

The Senate has passed the amended version of the Anti-terrorism Bill forwarded by the Executive. The bill endorsed a life sentence for terrorists. Presenting the report of the Joint Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters and Drugs, Narcotics, Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption, the Chairman, Senator Mohammed Magoro, said the committee endorsed that the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) will be the coordinating body for counter-terrorism measures in the country; this is to ensure timely and well-co-ordinated response by all law enforcement and security agencies which are to continue to perform their statutory roles with respect to counter-terrorism and other violent acts in the country.

Explosions Hit Bauchi Metropolis, 4 Set Ablaze in Bus Attack

Twin bomb explosions rocked Gudun Hausawa and Zango areas in Bauchi Metropolis, Wednesday night, while as four persons were set ablaze in a bus attack in Gwatukuru near Dass. It was learnt that one of the explosions destroyed the pulpit of the COCIN Church in Zango and a building near the church while the second explosion destroyed a fence in Gudum Sayawa. There were no casualties in both explosions. Meanwhile, some people suspected to be Fulani herdsmen have attacked a bus killing four people in Gwatukuru village near Dass LGA in Bauchi State. Nine people were seriously injured after the bus belonging to the Seyawa Council of Elders and Traditional Rulers was set ablaze.

Suspects in Killing of Police, FRSC Officers Arrested in Kano

The Kano State Police Command, on Thursday, arrested 10 suspects in connection with the recent killing of two policemen and two officers of Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in the state. The state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Idris, said that eight of the suspects were being quizzed over the killing of the policemen, while the other two were masterminds of the attack which claimed the lives two FRSC officials in Madobi area. The police said one of the suspects sustained gunshot injuries and later died in the hospital. The suspect, Inusa, was also said to have confessed that he organised and participated in various killings, including the recent killing of some FRSC staff. The suspect confessed that his gang deceived their victims with a telephone call that there was an accident along Madobi Road, which needed their intervention, disclosing that it was when they were on their way to Madobi that they were ambushed and killed.

20 Dead in as Multiple Explosions Hit Mubi

About 20 persons were killed and others injured in Mubi, Adamawa State, when multiple bomb explosions rocked the city. According to an eye witness, the explosion was targeted at a patrol vehicle belonging to the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) which was maintaining peace at a popular market, Kasuwan Kuturu, some metres away from the General Hospital in the town. The multiple explosions which began in the morning, continued into late afternoon and left scores of people injured. Meanwhile 7 suspects, including a 19-year-old, have been arrested in connection the explosions. The teenager was in possession of a bucket allegedly containing improvised explosive device (IED) on the fateful day.

ECOWAS Court, NHRC Meet over Rights Violations in Nigeria

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has approached the ECOWAS Court of Justice for partnership to be able to protect the rights of Nigerians. The NHRC is said to have expressed serious concern over rising cases of the violation of the rights of the citizens by individuals and organisations despite the avalanche of laws protecting Nigerians from such breaches. The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Prof. Bem Angwe, is said to have led a strong delegation of the Federal Government agency to meet with the President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja, Hon. Justice Awa Nana Daboya, during which the issue of rights violation was examined and measures to contain it, proffered.

Police Rescue 5-Year-Old, Kill Suspected Kidnappers in Zamfara

The Police in Zamfara killed two suspected members of a syndicate that specialised in kidnapping and trading in human parts during a raid. Malam Usman Gwary, the Commissioner of Police, said a five-year-old girl was rescued in the raid. Gwary said that two suspects were killed in a cross fire with the police along the Sokoto-Gusau highway. He said the suspects were first intercepted as they were trying to negotiate the sale of the five-year-old girl in Zamfara. The commissioner of police said that his men acted on a tip-off and laid ambush for the suspects at strategic points on the border between Zamfara and Sokoto states.

FG Approves Construction of New Dams

President Goodluck Jonathan has announced the decision of the Federal Government to build more dams on the Upper Niger and Benue to avert re-occurrence of the flood disasters in some states of the federation. President Goodluck Jonathan, during a tour of flood disaster relief camps and flooded communities, said that the decision was based on studies conducted on flood disasters in the country insisting that the last time the people of the Niger Delta, especially Bayelsa State, experienced this magnitude of flood was in 1969.

24 Boko Haram Members Killed in Gun Battle

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in Borno State Tuesday disclosed that it killed 24 suspected Boko Haram members in different parts of Maiduguri metropolis on Monday night during series of encounters with its personnel. At least 16 explosions were heard in some part of the metropolis in the daytime even as the explosions and gun battles continued into the night. Residents said the military then swarmed the area, engaging suspected Boko Haram in running gun battles through the night and into Tuesday. Spokesman of the task force, Lt Col Sagir Musa, said the sect members attacked JTF locations, leading to the confrontations.

25 Killed, 10 Communities Raided In Renewed Tiv/Fulani Clash

About 25 persons were killed and over 5000 rendered homeless after 10 communities were raided in a renewed attack by Fulani herdsmen against residents of Yogbo in Guma LGA of Benue State, penultimate Sunday after suspected Fulanis invaded some villages at the Benue/Nasarawa borders, shooting indiscriminately and burning houses. Properties worth millions of naira also destroyed, even as many people were trapped in the bushes by the herdsmen. The indiscriminate killings appear to have defied the peace accord struck by the governors of Nasarawa and Benue, Alhaji Tanko Almakura and Gabriel Suswam, during a peace meeting earlier in the year.

Police Arrest 6 Suspected Assassins in Nasarawa

The police in Nasarawa State said on Thursday that they had arrested six persons suspected belong to a gang of assassins. The Police spokesman, Michael Adah, said the suspects were arrested while they were attempting to kill a businessman in Keana LGA. Adah said the suspects were alleged to have been paid to kill one Mr. Anthony Eze, a Keana-based businessman over a dispute. He said luck ran out of the suspects when the attention of the residents was drawn to their suspicious movement after missing their target. He said the residents immediately reported the matter to the police. Adah said the suspects had boarded a vehicle hired by the principal suspect on their way to execute the assignment when detectives arrested them. He said some of the items recovered from the suspects were one locally made pistol, two cartridges and N25, 890 cash.

Governor Sets Up Panel on Boko Haram

Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has raised a 12-member panel on the Gwange Ward Boko Haram crisis that led to the loss of many lives and property on October 8, 2012. Inaugurating the panel, Shettima said that the committee members are to assess the extent of damages to both lives and property immediately so that government can intervene in cushioning the sufferings of people affected by the twin blasts of last Monday in Gwange ward. The panel is headed by the Commissioner of Local Council and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Baba Kaka Bashir Garba, while the Permanent Secretary, Government House Security, Alhaji Zanna Garga will serve as secretary to the committee.

Kogi Speaker Impeached

Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Honourable Abdullai Bello and other principal officers have been impeached, as Honourable Lawal Jimoh becomes the new speaker of the assembly. Honourable Gowon Paul Haruna, representing Dekina 1 constituency, who moved the motion during the emergency meeting, said the majority members of the state House of Assembly had lost total confidence in the leadership of some of the principal officers of the assembly. But the Federal House of Representatives has set up a committee to look into the crisis rocking the house as the impeachment was purportedly carried out by a minority of the members of the house.

4 Senior Officers Arrested for Diverting Free Books

Four senior officers of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), including an Assistant Director, were arrested by security agents in Minna for diverting free books and instructional materials meant for the schools to public markets. It was learnt that the books were discovered at Onitsha Market where the seller was arrested and investigations linked the said books to Niger State Universal Basic Education Board. It was gathered that a staff of the state House of Assembly served as the link with the businessman at Onitsha market who bought the materials to resell to the public. It was learnt that the four men who were held at the Department of State Security Service (SSS) Minna, have given useful information to the security agents on the sale of the books.

Family, Police Accuse NNPC of Neglecting Missing Staff

The family a missing staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Sylvester Emefiele, have blamed the NNPC for not acting fast. Emefiele, who is feared to have been abducted on his way to Abuja for an official assignment on September 23, 2012, has not been found. His cousin, George Idiaghe and wife, Ngozi, said that they had reported the matter to the police after realising that they were “being deceived by the Security Manager of the NNPC. The Investigating Police Officer also agreed that the NNPC security department had delayed by not making any report.

Four Killed in Maiduguri Blast, Gun Attacks

Four persons were killed in Maiduguri, Borno state when in a roadside blast and two separate gun attacks, the military said. Gunmen shot dead a couple and their child as the family left church in Maiduguri’s Gwange area. A resident of the Gwange area disclosed that the gunmen fled after the attack outside the Church of Christ in Nigeria building. Separately, the traditional chief in Gwange, Mala Kaka, who has close ties to the area’s top Islamic leader, was gunned down in his home, according to his guards and residents.

Police Investigate Shooting of Abuja Sales Girl, Arrest Cop

Federal Capital Territory Police Command has commenced investigation into the killing of a 20-year old sales girl, Lucy, who was shot dead by policemen from the Special Anti-robbery Squad in Abuja, penultimate Friday. Lucy was inside a photography shop, where she worked at Apo area of Abuja when she was hit in the chest, while three others were injured by bullets fired by the policemen who were enforcing the demolition of illegal structures. Policemen from the FCT Police Command allegedly fired bullets indiscriminately in an attempt to enforce the demolition order of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, as residents resisted moves to carry out the demolition exercise. FCT Police spokesperson, Doris England, said the police had commenced investigation and the killer policeman has been arrested.

Floods Kill 41, Displaced Thousands in Benue, Jigawa, Taraba, Adamawa

National Emergency Management Agency on Monday said about 41 persons lost their lives in the floods that ravaged Taraba and Jigawa States with 12 still missing.  National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the registration of 88740 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in Adamawa, Benue and Taraba states, where floods were triggered by the release of water from the Ladgo Dam in the Republic of Cameroon. A statement by NEMA Head of Public Relations, Yushau Shuaib, said the displaced persons were registered by emergency and rescue workers after the floods that consumed houses and washed away farmlands. The statement added that NEMA officials had collaborated with major stakeholders especially the respective State Emergency Management Agencies, response agencies, Red Cross and recognised volunteers in the establishment and management of the camps where the displaced persons are temporarily accommodated.

Nigeria, India Working to Strengthen Defence Relations

Minister of State for Defence, Mrs Olusola Obada, has made a case for Nigeria and India working together to strengthen their ties on defence matters. Obada made the call in Abuja, on Monday, when participants of National Defence University of India, led by Mahesh Sachdev, India High Commissioner to Nigeria, visited her. Obada said some officers were currently undergoing training in India, adding that what both countries could do together should form basis of continued relationship. Sachdev had said the participants were in the country to consolidate on the relationship that existed between the defence establishments of both countries.

Floods: 19 Women Raped in Benue Camps

At least 19 females have been reportedly raped at four of the designated flood relief camps in Makurdi, the Benue State. It was also gathered that perpetrators of the unholy act were young men who reside in the camps with their victims and some who come from within the communities where the camps are situated. One of the victims, a girl of 19 who craved anonymity disclosed that she was raped at about 10pm by a young man she couldn’t identify. However, Police spokesman, Ejike Alaribe, said the rape cases have not been brought to the notice of the Police. Alaribe, however, assured that the Police would intensify its surveillance around the camps in the town to stem the unhealthy development.

Nigerian Jailed 10 Years in Cote D’Ivoire for Human Trafficking

A court in Cote D’Ivoire has sentenced a Nigerian, Elizabeth Inaba Love, 41 to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour for human trafficking. Police Chief Inspector, Alice Parker-Wilson, said that the accused recruited seven young women between the ages of 20 and 25 years from Delta State in Nigeria to practice prostitution in Cote d’Ivoire. Love, who is based in Cote d’Ivoire, pleaded guilty to the charges at the Takoradi Circuit Court “A”. Parker-Wilson said on October 7, the accused, Love and the women arrived at Elubo from Aflao, but were stranded due to the closure of part of the border. She said in an attempt to cross the border through an unapproved route, a Nigerian Evangelist and a member of Nigerian Diaspora Organization in Cote d’Ivoire, intercepted them. The accused was identified as somebody being wanted for trafficking 15 young women three years ago.

INTERNATIONAL

Dlamini-Zuma Takes over as Head of AU Commission

South Africa’s Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has formally taken over as head of the African Union (AU) Commission. Dlamini-Zuma is the first woman to head the AU commission. AU Chairman and President of Benin, Thomas Yayi Boni, wished Dlamini-Zuma “great success” at the inauguration ceremony in the Ethiopian capital. Dlamini-Zuma, 63, vowed to address the continent’s hotspots, including ongoing conflict in Mali and the resurgence of Islamist extremists in the drought-stricken Sahel. Dlamini-Zuma beat the incumbent, Jean Ping of Gabon, in a close election in July.

Shot Pakistani Girl in UK for Treatment

A 14-year-old Pakistani schoolgirl, Malala Yusufza, who was shot by Taliban gunmen for pushing for girls to be educated, has been sent to the United Kingdom for medical treatment, a military spokesman said on Monday. The spokesman said Malala, whose shooting has drawn condemnation abroad and at home, will require prolonged care to fully recover physically and psychologically. Malala has become a potent symbol of resistance against the Pakistani Taliban's efforts to deprive girls of an education. Pakistanis have held some protests and candlelight vigils but government officials have refrained from publicly criticizing the Taliban by name over the attack, in what critics say is a lack of resolve against extremism.

Army, Rebels Clash in Sudanese Oil Border State

Fresh clashes erupted between Sudan’s army and rebels in the oil-producing state of South Kordofan. The fighting, which has been rumbling since June last year, has forced more than half a million people to flee and stoked tensions between Sudan and South Sudan. Sudan accuses South Sudan of backing the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-North), charges dismissed by the South Sudan. Sudanese army spokesman, Al-Sawarmi Khalid, said the army had killed 15 rebels near South Kordofan’s main city, Kadugli, penultimate Sunday, adding that the army also repelled an SLPM-North attack near the villages of Annagarko and Hgerjawad villages on Friday. SPLM-North confirmed fighting took place near Annagarko and Hgerjawad and said 20 soldiers were wounded.

120 Inmates Escape from Libyan Prison

No fewer than 120 prisoners have reportedly escaped from a jail in Tripoli. The Libyan National Guard chief, Khaled al-Sharif, said security services were on high alert to arrest those on the run. The justice ministry controls Al-Jadaida prison, which is reserved for common criminals. Libyan authorities have retaken control of several prisons, including Al-Jadaida, which were previously in the hands of former rebels who fought Muammar Gaddafi’s forces last year’s revolt that deposed him and in which he was killed.

Mauritania President “Accidentally Shot”

Mauritania President, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, was “lightly wounded” after a military patrol accidentally fired on his convoy, the government said last weekend. It was not immediately clear why the military patrol opened fire on the convoy. Word of Abdel Aziz’s shooting triggered talk across Nouakchott that he had been targeted by Islamists. Abdel Aziz was elected in 2009 after coming to power in a 2008 coup and he is now seen by Western nations, including France, as a key ally in tackling al-Qaeda in the region.

Fighting Destroys Historic Mosque in Syria

The Umayyad Mosque, a 13th century landmark building in Syrian second city, Aleppo, is now damaged after clashes between Syrian troops and rebel fighters inside and outside the place of worship. A day after troops recaptured the complex in heavy fighting with rebels, spent cartridges and broken glass still littered the ground. Three hairs and part of a tooth said to have been from the Prophet Mohammed and that were among the mosque’s most renowned relics were stolen. President Bashar al-Assad has ordered the formation of a panel to oversee restoration work at the mosque, reports say. While the army had full control of the mosque itself, rebels retained positions around its southern entrance. A Syrian official says gunmen fired on a bus transporting workers to a factory, killing four and wounding eight others. Another report says a suicide bomber crashed an explosives-laden sedan into a coffee shop at a Damascus residential neighbourhood, causing damage but no fatalities.

Four Killed in Southern Yemen Attack

Two al Qaeda militants and two tribesmen allied to the army were killed in an attack on a military checkpoint in southern Yemen on Tuesday. The four deaths occurred in the southern province of Abyan when a vehicle carrying armed al Qaeda militants attacked the army checkpoint, sparking a fire fight, sources said. Shortly after the attack, another vehicle approached the same checkpoint and exploded in an apparent suicide bombing, killing its driver and wounding five tribal army-backers. The Yemen-based al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and other militant groups strengthened their grip on parts of the country during an uprising that ousted veteran President Ali Abdullah Saleh in February.

Libyan Forces Clash, Gaddafi Loyalists Clash

Ex-rebels allied to Libya’s army attacked a bastion of diehards linked to slain dictator Mummer Gaddafi in clashes that left at least 11 dead. The fighting came exactly a year after anti-regime forces declared the liberation of Bani Walid. The commander of the ex-rebel group, Libya Shield, said four of his men had been killed and 19 wounded in the fighting for the hilltop town, which remained loyal to Gaddafi during the 2011 conflict that led to his ouster. Trouble began in the town in September after the death of a former rebel from the city of Misrata, who was credited with capturing Gaddafi in Bani Walid. The death of Omar ben Shaaban, 22, stoked tensions between the neighbouring towns which found themselves on opposite sides of the 2011 conflict.

South African Peacekeeper Killed in Ambush in Sudan

The International Relations Department in South Africa has confirmed that a South African peacekeeper has been killed and three others wounded in an ambush in Sudan. The victim was one of the South Africans serving as part of the African Union/United Nations peacekeeping mission in Sudan. Government has appealed to the Sudanese government to probe the incident. The peacekeeper was killed when the convoy he was travelling in was ambushed. Three other South Africans were reportedly injured in the attack. The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon requested an investigation into the attack.