Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 4

• 
• 

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Gunmen Abduct Bayelsa Speaker’s Mother

The 78-year-old mother of Rt. Hon Kombowei Benson, Speaker of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, was, on Monday, kidnapped from her country home at Korokorosei community in Southern Ijaw LGA of the state by unknown gunmen. The kidnap of the septuagenarian, Betinah Benson, is coming on the heels of accusations by the people of his community of imposing his brother, Iniokpoemi Friday Benson, on the people as the community development chairman even though his tenure had expired. The youths of Korokorosei community threatened that the action would be resisted. Meanwhile, supporters of the Speaker are pointing accusing fingers at five former LGA chairmen sacked by the House of Assembly last year. The spokesperson of the state police command, Fidelis Odunna, confirmed the incident.

12 Killed, 100 Displaced as Ebonyi/C/River Communities Clash

Twelve persons have been abducted by unknown gunmen, while several others have been displaced in Ebonyi State, as fresh hostilities erupted between the Osenyum Amagu community in Ikwo LGA of the state and its Adadama/Akam neighbours in Cross River State. Crisis erupted over land ownership between the two warring communities. The Ebonyi State governor, Martin Elechi, has assured that the state would not leave any stone unturned in the restoration of peace in the crisis-ridden communities. He urged those fleeing from the troubled areas to return to their homes, assuring that the security agencies deployed in the territory would restore peace, law and order. Elechi declared that there was no war between Ebonyi people and their Cross River counterparts, restating that the dispute would be settled amicably.

Gunmen Kill 2 Policemen, 4 Others in Rivers State

Six persons, including two policemen, were, on Tuesday evening, killed by suspected cultists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. It was learnt that the incident occurred on Harbour Road, at about 11pm after the victims left a drinking joint. An eyewitness said the victims were ambushed by four gunmen, who blocked their vehicle and shot at the car, killing all six on the spot. According to the eyewitness, the gunmen did not take any property belonging to their victims, including the vehicle riddled with bullets. It was gathered that two policemen were killed during the attack. Two ladies and two men were also involved. The state Police spokesman, Ben Ugwuegbulam, confirmed the incident, but said five persons were killed.

Gunmen Kill Onitsha Journalist

Gunmen suspected to be assassins have killed the Editor of an Onitsha-based newspaper, Anambra News, Mr. IK Udendu. According to family sources, his killers dumped his body at Afor Nkpor after killing him. Sources said Udendu must have been killed on his way back home to Ogidi, penultimate Saturday night. Udendu’s brother, Chukwulozie, who is publisher of the newspaper, said the body of his brother had been deposited at the Mortuary for autopsy. Chukwulozie, who said he received an anonymous phone call on Saturday night telling him to pick his brother’s corpse at Afor Nkpor, noted that the journalist had no misunderstanding with anybody that could warrant his murder. The state Commissioner of Police, Ballah Nasarawa, promised to bring the culprits to book.

Abducted Official Found Dead

Mr. Laz Anyanwu, the Director of Protocol to Imo State Deputy Governor, Jude Agbasso, who was kidnapped last weekend in Owerri, was found dead on Monday at Nwaorieubi in Mbaitoli LGA. The kidnapping and killing of Anyanwu, comes four months after Agbaso’s Principal Secretary, Emenike Ihekwuaba, was kidnapped and has neither been seen nor heard from since. Information and Strategy commissioner, Chinedu Offor, confirmed Anyanwu’s death.

Anambra Police Arrest MASSOB Members, Recover Weapons

The police on Tuesday in Onitsha, Anambra State, arrested two suspected members of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) for allegedly trying to hijack the management of luxurious park (Nwaugo Park) in the commercial city. Also recovered from the suspects were machetes, axes, bows and arrows, gong, bell and charms. An eye witness said the suspects, who stormed the park in L300 bus to dislodge the management and ransack the place, ran into trouble when, unknown to them, some policemen from Fegge Police Station had laid ambush at the park. The two suspects said they were hired by one Ifeanyi to topple the management of the park following a conflict he (Ifeanyi) had with the park management. The state Police spokesman, Raphael Uzoigwe, confirmed the arrest and assured members of the public of the Force’s determination to clamp down on criminal elements in the society.

JTF Seeks Collaboration to Stop Kidnapping, Oil Theft

Stakeholders in the Niger Delta region including the Joint Military Task Force (JTF), Thursday agreed that the deployment of troops to the region would not end the incessant cases of kidnapping, crude oil theft and Piracy in the region. They agreed that the deployment of security operatives was necessary to ward off criminal elements in the region, but the recent upsurge in crime could only be halted if the poor economic and unemployment situation in the region were tackled by government.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Delta Police Arrest Fake Navy Captain

The Delta State Police Command, on Tuesday, paraded a 31-year-old suspected fake Navy Captain, Hassan Dantata, who has allegedly been defrauding unsuspecting job seekers. Parading the suspect in Warri, the Police Area Commander, Hussaini Rabiu, said that the suspect was apprehended by the Navy on December 30, 2012 when a female Naval rating from NNS Delta accosted him after introducing himself as Captain Dantata, saying that the question that ensued after the introduction was not satisfactory to the Naval rating, which led to further probing. He said that the man was taken to naval base, Warri for further questioning where he owned up to the fact that he was not a naval officer. He gave his real name as Hassan Idareh, while his fake identity card bore Captain Hassan Dantata.

NNPC Re-Opens Benin Depot

Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, on Thursday, re-commissioned the strategic Benin Depot of the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), which has been dormant since 2005. The depot serves as a link for products evacuation from the Warri Refining and Petro-Chemical Company via a 16-inch pipeline traversing 89.9km. Edo state governor, Adams Oshiomhole, said with the re-activation of the Benin Depot, the Federal Government has demonstrated its resolve to sustain the ongoing reforms in the oil and gas industry. Alison-Madueke noted that its revamping was a single item in a long list of practical measures designed by the Jonathan’s administration to sanitise the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry.

Four Arraigned over Forgery of Ex-Speaker’s Result

For allegedly forging the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) result belonging to a former Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Prince Olisa Enebeli Imegwu, four persons have been docked before Chief Magistrate Sylvester Ehikwe in Asaba. The suspects, Paul Chibogu (63), Ossai Abey (70), Mgbadike Godday (52) and Raphael Nduka Opute (68), arraigned on Tuesday, are accused of trying to facilitate the removal and substitution of the ex-Speaker as the candidate of the opposition Democratic Peoples’ Party (DPP) for Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency of Delta State in the 2011 election. The accused persons pleaded not guilty while Ehikwe adjourned the matter till February 14.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Arepo Pipeline Fie Claims over 25 Lives

At least 25 persons died in a pipeline explosion last weekend at Arepo village in Ogun State. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has already recovered the charred bodies of some victims as well as six boats belonging to suspected vandals. No fewer than 25 suspected pipeline vandals who had allegedly gone to siphon petrol from a ruptured NNPC pipeline were burnt to death when the pipeline exploded. Security guards attached to the area were also killed as the vandals had engaged officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) guarding the area in a gun duel days earlier. The NEMA spokesperson in the South-west zone, Ibrahim Farinloye, said about three charred corpses had been recovered from the swampy area, adding that evacuation was on-going. The Petroleum Pipeline Marketing Company (PPMC) has commenced emergency response on the line.

NDLEA Arraigns Suspect over Drug Deal

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Tuesday, arraigned one Nzube Ariwodo before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of a Federal High Court in Lagos for illicit drug dealing. The accused pleaded guilty to the charge, while Justice Aneke ordered that he should be remanded at the Ikoyi prisons, pending his sentence. The prosecutor, Orji Kalu, said the accused was apprehended by custom officials at the Agbara, with about 3.71 kilogrammes of marijuana, which he concealed in a bag. He said the customs officers then handed him over to the Ikeja command of the NDLEA.

Couple Remanded in Prison for Bathing Son in Hot Charcoal

An Osogbo Chief Magistrate’s Court, on Tuesday, remanded a couple, Mr Ajibaye Elikana, 49, and Elizabeth Ajibaye, in prison custody, for allegedly pouring hot charcoal on their child on January 2, 2013 at Okinni in Egbedore LGA of Osun State.  Police Prosecutor, Elisha Olusegun, alleged that the couple conspired among themselves and caused bodily harm on their 12-year-old son, David Ajibaye. He informed the court that the accused bound the hands and legs of their son with rope and bathed him with charcoal all over his body before he was thrown out into the street but was rescued by a Good Samaritan. Both accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. Delivering his ruling, the presiding magistrate, Adebayo Lasisi, ordered the accused persons to be remanded in Ilesha Maximum Prison Custody.

Fuel Tankers Explode in Lagos

There was pandemonium on Thursday at the Apapa area of Lagos when two tankers fully loaded with petroleum products exploded at a loading bay. Officials of the Lagos State Emergency Agency (LASEMA), the state Fire Service, the Merchant Navy and the Nigeria Police, battled to no avail to put out the fire. While maintaining that they adhered to all safety rules, the owner of the loading bay, Mr. Emmanuel Eze, who spoke through his father, Chief Ikechukwu Eze, said no life was lost.

GENERAL

Nigeria Remembers Fallen Heroes

President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday, January 15th, led leaders of the legislative and Judiciary arms of government, the military and others to perform the 2013 Armed Forces Remembrance Day wreath laying ceremony. Prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes and for peace, security and unity of the nation. The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is a yearly event set aside in honour of the members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who fought in the First and Second World Wars, those who served and are still serving in various peace support operations around the world and those who also fought in the Nigerian civil war. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said that war should never be an option in settling any dispute between either nations or internal disagreement within nations.

Four Killed as Gunmen at Emir of Kano’s Convoy

Gunmen opened fire on the Emir of Kano on Saturday, killing four people, although the Emir of Kano himself escaped unhurt, authorities said. A security source said three of the emir's palace guards and a local government official were killed. The source said Boko Haram militants were suspected of being behind the assault. A spokesman for joint military and police forces in Kano Captain Ikedichi Iweha said the gunmen fired on Emir Alhaji Ado Bayero's own car but he was not hit. The Emir of Kano is one of the two most senior Islamic traditional leaders in Nigeria, the other being the Sultan of Sokoto. The current emir has been on the throne for half a century. In a separate attack in Kogi state, suspected Islamist gunmen opened fire on a convoy of troops leaving northern Nigeria en route to deployment with West African forces in Mali, killing two officers, according to the commander of their barracks Major General Alphonsus Chukwu.

Four Killed in Maiduguri Church Attack

Violence continued in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, as gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members attacked the First Baptist Church in Bulabulin Ngaranam ward of the metropolis, killing Deacon Zakariya Baye and three others on Sunday morning. The victims were about to conduct Sunday school when three gunmen wearing masks fired several gunshots to their heads and chests before men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) rushed to the area at about noon.

Jonathan Seeks Foreign Collaboration on Terrorism

President Goodluck Jonathan has urged the global community to respond more robustly to the scourge of terrorism in the world. After reviewing recent terrorism-related events in Algeria and Northern Mali with the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Andrew Pocock, the president noted that the whole world clearly needed to unite and do much more than is presently being done to contain terrorism with its very negative impact on global peace and security. Jonathan condemned the kidnapping of British, French and other foreign workers at a gas facility in Eastern Algeria by terrorists, who claimed to be responding to France’s intervention in Mali, saying that Nigeria will continue to work hard with its partners in the international community to ensure that terrorism is vigorously rolled back across the world.

Eight Killed in Jos, Kano Attacks

Four persons were reportedly killed in Riyom and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State on Tuesday. The spokesman of the STF, Captain Salisu Mustapha, who confirmed the killings, said troops have been deployed to the affected areas to restore law and order, while also explaining that they were in a bus when unknown gunmen opened fire on them. The killings in Jos came on a day four policemen were allegedly killed by gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect, who ambushed them while on patrol at Yan’awaki area of Unguwa Uku on the outskirts of Kano metropolis, Kano state. The attack on the police patrol team came barely 24 hours after some unidentified gunmen also killed two policemen and injured two civilians at Tishama Kawo quarters in the outskirt of Kano. Eyewitness said that the gunmen ambushed the police on patrol when they came on motorcycles and open fire on them resulted into killed of four policemen instantly.

Mali-Trained Terrorists in Nigeria –COAS

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika, has mentioned the presence of suspected terrorists in Nigeria believed to have been trained by Malian rebels. Ihejirika, however, said that internal security was being intensified to track them down, adding that Nigeria and her immediate neighbours were already enhancing their internal security strategies as their troops began participating in the peace- keeping operation in Mali.

JTF Kills 2, Arrests 5 Terrorists in Kano

The Joint Military Task force, JTF, Thursday, repelled an attack by unknown gunmen at its Mariri check-point, killing two and capturing five. Two civilians, a man and woman, also lost their lives in a cross fire during a shootout that lasted one hour. JTF spokesman in Kano, Capt. Ikedichi Iweha, while confirming the deadly encounter, stated that one AK-47 assault rifle was recovered from the bandits. Unknown gunmen have of late stepped up their attacks on check-points within the city, with attendant loss of life of several policemen and their rifles.

NCAA Warns Airlines on Harmattan Weather

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), on Monday, alerted airlines and pilots on the dangers inherent in the current harmattan haze being experienced across the country, saying that they must abide by weather reports to avert safety breach. In a circular signed by the Director General of the agency, Dr Harold Demuren, the regulatory body said the call was to alert all pilots on the hazards of harmattan haze and offered guidance to help prevent accidents caused by this weather phenomenon. The authority advised pilots to recognise harmattan haze as a hazard and exercise maximum restraint when the condition is observed or forecast. Meanwhile, the NCAA, on Tuesday, introduced a new regulation to ensure air safety. Demuren, unveiled the newly promulgated Volume 11 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs) 2012 as amended. The new NCARs Vol 11 covers the aerodrome safety and consumers’ rights.

FG Okays Troops for Mali

The Federal Government has approved the deployment of a battalion, comprising over 900 soldiers, to Mali to boost a sub-regional military effort to reclaim the crisis-torn country from Islamist insurgents who have taken over the northern part of the nation. With the approval, over 100 of the troops will depart for peacekeeping in Mali, in line with the mandate of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Admiral Ola Sa'ad Ibrahim, on Tuesday, announced government’s approval for the troops. Similarly, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Barde, has said that the Nigerian Air Force has commenced the deployment of war planes in Mali. The FG has expressed confidence that the military mission in Mali with the support of the international community would be successful.

3 Die in Benue Lassa Fever Outbreak

An outbreak of Lassa fever in Benue State has claimed three lives, including a medical doctor. The medical doctor might have contacted the disease from his patients in his hospital. Three patients were said to have been placed on treatment in the doctor’s hospital before they were later rushed to Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, alongside the medical doctor. Two of the patients and the doctor were said to have died within 48 hours while the third patient was said to be receiving treatment at the teaching hospital. The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Orduen Abunku, confirmed the incident, adding that the deceased had been given anti-viral medication, while the surviving patient had been isolated.

Rights Commission, FIDA Condemn Rape by Soldiers

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned reports of alleged rape of women by men of the Nigerian Army. The commission called on the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika and the FCT Commissioner of Police to investigate the allegation that some men in army uniform abducted, beat and raped some women under the guise that they were prostitutes on the 20th, 21st and the 22nd of December 2012. The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria also condemned the rape and violence allegedly perpetrated by soldiers from the Brigade of Guards of the Nigerian Army. The National President of FIDA, Hauwa Evelyn Shekarau, stated that FIDA was worried at the seeming silence, nonchalant and outright complicity of law enforcement agents in addressing the high rate of violence against women, especially rape, assault, sexual harassment as well as defilement of young girls.

FG, Military Charged to Investigate Soldiers Complicity Jos Killing

The Berom Youth Molders (BYM) has called on the Federal Government to urgently address the protracted security challenges in Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State. The group also stressed that if the ugly trend is allowed to continue unabated, the doom of the Berom nation was imminent. The chairman of the group, Rwang Dantong, said the spate of attacks and killings in the Berom land was becoming worrisome. He said the STF keeps claiming that “unknown gunmen” carried out attacks and disappeared without arrest and the confidence of the people are getting waned over the ability or the determination of the force to end the violence in the areas.

FEC Wants 7-Year Jail Term for Child Traffickers

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has proposed between five and seven years jail term for anybody found guilty of child trafficking in the country. The punishment is part of the provisions of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition), Enforcement and Administration Bill, 2012 presented to the council by the Minister of Justice, Muhammed Adoke (SAN) on Wednesday. Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, said the Federal Government decided to tighten the noose around the culprits because the crime had become a national embarrassment to the country. He said the decision was born out of the government’s conviction that Nigeria needed a law that would adequately address the issue in tandem with global practices.

COAS Commissions Surveillance Vehicles In Kaduna

As part of efforts to address security challenges in the country, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen Azubuike Ihejirika, has commissioned 17 surveillance vehicles that can monitor security flash points in Kaduna. The re-modified heavily equipped vehicles with state of the art communication equipment, which came into the Nigeria Army in 1979 was carried out by the 51 division signals. According to the COAS, the vehicles due to technological development and fluidity of contemporary security challenges have become obsolete and the communication equipment analogue. The COAS emphasised that the Nigerian Army needed surveillance to carry out their duties, adding that the vehicles were very relevant for present and future operations.

SSS Arrest Fake Boko Haram Suspects

The State Security Service (SSS) in Borno State has alerted residents of a syndicate using text messages to extort money from innocent individuals. The state SSS Director, Alhaji Ahmed Abdullahi, gave the warning while parading two suspected members of the syndicate in Maiduguri. Abdullahi explained that the syndicate usually masqueraded under the guise of being members of Boko Haram sect to perpetrate their crime. Abdullahi said after a series of investigation, the SSS apprehended two suspects believed to be leaders of separate syndicates Mohammed Garba and Luka Dogonyaro.

FCT to Compensate Victims of Gwari, Fulani Clash with N30m

The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has concluded plans to compensate victims of the recent clash between Fulani cattle herdsmen and Gwari farmers in Abuja. The Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Muhammed, said that his administration would ensure that the victims were adequately compensated. There was a clash between Fulani and Gwari communities at Gwako Village in Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT on December 30. The clash, which claimed two lives, affected 27 communities, while over 1,500 displaced people are currently squatting in a temporary camp on the permanent campus of the University of Abuja in Gwagwalada area.

Boko Haram Leader Arrested

Security agents have reported the arrest of a key Boko Haram terrorist and Shura member, Mohammed Zangina, aka Mallam Abdullahi/Alhaji Musa, who was believed to have coordinated major bombings in the north. Spokesman of the Joint Task Force (JTF) spokesman, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, said Zangina was arrested in Maiduguri while trying to “plan several deadly attacks against civilians and security personnel. Zangina is the second Boko Haram leader to be arrested in last 24 hours, coming after the arrest of Hassan Pagi Bukur at the Abuja residence of a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tijani Umar Kumalia, from Borno State.

FG Fines Owners of Toxic Ship $1m

The Federal Government has slammed a fine of $1 million on owners of the ship, M.V Marevia, which brought in two containers of toxic materials recently. The Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Dr. Ngeri Benebo, said the Minister has directed that the owners of the vessel pay a fine of $1 million to serve as a deterrent to others. Benebo said her agency had also written to the SSS to take action when it got intelligence report that some suspected deadly consignments were on their way to the country.

Gunmen Kill Policemen in Kano

Unidentified gunmen allegedly shot dead two policemen and injured two others at Kawo Tishama, an outskirt of Kano metropolis. An eyewitness said the gunmen rode on a tricycle when they opened fire on the policemen and killed two on the spot, while a civilian was hit by a stray bullet. Following the death of their colleagues, it was gathered that other policemen then engaged the gunmen in a gun battle, which prompted the gunmen to flee the scene of the incident. The spokesman of the Police Command, Mr. Magaji Majiya, confirmed the incident.

INTERNATIONAL

Hostages, Militants Killed in Algeria Gas Complex Siege

Algerian forces, on Thursday, launched an air and ground assault on a desert gas complex where Islamists were holding hostages in the south-eastern part of the country with world leaders on edge over the offensive. Some foreigners were freed but a number of people were killed in the operation. Britain, France and Norway that have citizens among the hostages seized on Wednesday at the BP-operated in Amenas gas field, said they had received confirmation of the operation from Algerian authorities. About 25 foreign hostages escaped and six were killed when Algerian forces launched an operation to free them at the remote plant, as one of the biggest international hostage crises in decades unfolded. The militants said at least 34 hostages and 14 kidnappers died. Nearly 600 Algerian workers and four foreign hostages – two from Scotland, one from France and one from Kenya – were freed during the operation.

Pakistani Cleric, Government Strike Deal

The Pakistani government has reached a deal with cleric Tahirul Qadri to end his mass protest near parliament in Islamabad, the two sides say. The details of the deal are unclear. Qadri's supporters want the government to resign ahead of elections due to be held in May. Pakistan was thrown into crisis on Tuesday by the protests and a court order to arrest PM Raja Pervez Ashraf. Analysts say that Ashraf is unlikely to be arrested imminently. The head of Pakistan's anti-corruption agency has refused an order by the Supreme Court to arrest Ashraf for allegedly taking bribes. Fasih Bokhari of the National Accountability Bureau said investigations had not produced enough evidence to justify an arrest. Ashraf denies accepting bribes when he approved power generation projects as minister for water and power in 2010.

Suicide Bomber Kills 30 in Iraq
…As Blasts Claim Over 50 Lives at Syrian University

Bomb attacks killed at least 30 people in Iraq, officials said. Siddiq Omar, a local Kirkuk health official, said at least 10 people were killed and more than 100 were wounded. Insurgents unleashed a string of bomb attacks mainly targeting Shiite Muslim pilgrims across Iraq, on Thursday, killing at least 22 people, and extending a wave of deadly bloodshed into a second day. The attacks came before Iraq government planned talks with officials from the Kurdistan enclave to ease tensions over disputed oilfields and areas they both claim jurisdiction. In Syria, twin blasts inside a university campus in Syria's largest city on Tuesday left more than 50 people dead, anti-regime activists and a Syrian official said. What caused the blasts remained unclear. The competing narratives of the two blasts at the city's main university highlight the difficulty of confirming reports from inside Syria.

Pakistani Shi'ites Protest Killings

Protests against attacks on Shi'ites spread across Pakistan on Sunday as the prime minister flew to the western city of Quetta to meet mourners who refused to bury their dead until the government promised them better protection from Sunni militants. The protests were triggered by twin bombings on Thursday targeting Shi'ite ethnic Hazaras in Quetta, capital of Balochistan province. The attacks, claimed by the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi militant group, killed at least 96 people. Thousands of Hazaras have been holding vigils at the site of the attacks beside the shrouded victims and were preparing for a third night outside in the cold and rain. Islamic tradition demands that the dead be buried as soon as possible. Leaving the bodies of loved ones above ground for so long is such a potent expression of grief and pain that many people in other cities held protests and vigils in solidarity.

Bomb Attack Kills 14 Pakistani Soldiers

A roadside bomb killed 14 Pakistani soldiers in the northern border region of North Waziristan, penultimate Sunday, military officials said. The attack come a day after the Pakistani Taliban leader, Hakimullah Mehsud, called for attacks on the military in the area to stop. Twenty-one soldiers were wounded in the attack, senior army officials said. Thousands of Pakistani soldiers are stationed in North Waziristan. The ceasefire did not apply to the rest of the country, where there are often fierce clashes between the Taliban and security services. The mountainous tribal region of North Waziristan along the Afghan border is a key stronghold of the Taliban and al-Qaeda.

ECOWAS Leaders Laud France’s Intervention in Mali

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has welcomed the intervention by French troops in crisis-torn Mali, where Islamic rebel groups are in control of the northern part of the country. However, with France’s assistance, the Malian government has regained control over the central town of Konna. President of the ECOWAS Commission, Ambassador Kadre Desiré Ouédraogo, lamented that efforts to find solutions to the political crisis in Mali have not yielded result as the situation deteriorated further in the past few days. He commends the efforts of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff in the implementation of Resolution 2085 of the UN Security Council. He cautioned against any action by any group or individual to derail the transition process warning that such an act would be met with sanctions.

France Steps Up Security as Rebels Threaten Attacks

French President, Francois Hollande, has ordered an increase in domestic security in the aftermath of military operations in Africa. He was responding to the risk of Islamist attack after French forces intervened against militants in Mali. A pilot was killed as France launched air strikes on a column of rebels, while two French soldiers were killed in a raid to free a French hostage in Somalia last weekend. While the hostage, Denis Allex, a French soldier held hostage in Somalia since 2009, was believed to have died in the raid, the militants a day later, threatened to kill him, saying he was still alive without providing evidence he is still alive. An Islamist group, Ansar Dine, targeted by French military action in Mali threatened reprisals against France. Seventeen Somalian fighters were reportedly killed in the fighting. At least six French hostages are being held by the al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb group.

Egyptian Court Orders Retrial for Mubarak

A court in Egypt has ordered a retrial for ex-President Hosni Mubarak after accepting an appeal against his life sentence over the deaths of protesters. Mubarak, 84, was overthrown in 2011 after mass protests in Cairo and other cities, and jailed in June 2012. Ex-Interior Minister Habib al-Adly will also be retried on the same charge. Mubarak, who remains in custody, will also be retried on corruption charges for which he was acquitted in June. He led Egypt for almost 30 years. Judge Ahmed Ali Abdel Rahman announced the courts’ decision. The two men had faced possible death sentences over the killing of 850 protesters. Families of victims were disappointed that Mubarak had not been convicted of ordering the killings. There was also dismay among some that he had not been tried for abuses allegedly committed earlier in his rule.

Six Arrested in New Indian Gang Rape

Police in India have arrested six men after they allegedly gang-raped a woman on a bus. This comes weeks after a similar attack killed a 23-year-old lady in New Delhi, prompting mass protests which prompted the government to set up special fast-track courts to exclusively deal with rape cases and also consider strengthening sexual assault laws. The latest assault is said to have taken place in the northern state of Punjab. The police are searching for a seventh suspect. Police officials say that the latest victim was a 29-year-old woman. She is believed to have been travelling on a bus back to her village, penultimate Friday night. The driver and conductor allegedly refused to stop at her village, and took her to a desolate location, where they were joined by five others, who all took turns raping the woman throughout the night.

CAR President, Rebels Strike Deal

President Francois Bozize of Central African Republic (CAR), last weekend, sacked his prime minister to comply with the terms of a ceasefire deal reached with a rebel coalition during peace talks in Libreville. Faustin Archange Touadera was dismissed as prime minister and was replaced by a member of the opposition, Nicolas Tiangaye. The move marks the first political step towards resolving a conflict which began on December 10 when Seleka rebels launched an armed offensive. Three days of tough negotiations mediated by the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) -- whose base is the Gabonese capital Libreville produced an accord signed by the rebels, the ruling group and the democratic opposition. Under the plan, Bozize, who has led the country for nearly a decade, will serve out his mandate, which ends in 2016.

Somali Pirates Release Syrian Hostages Held for Two Years

Somali pirates have released three Syrian hostages held in captivity since 2010 without payment of any ransom, government officials said. The three were part of the 19-strong crew of a Panama-flagged, United Arab Emirates-owned bulk cargo vessel captured in December 2010 at the northeast of the Seychelles. The ship was released in October 2012 after pirates said they received $400,000, but detained six of the crew to get more money for them. The pirates who had held the three were pardoned, Mohamed Aden Tiicey, president of the government of Adado region said. The released hostages were in good health. Tiicey and a former pirate, Abdiqadir, accompanied the three released hostages to Mogadishu.

Two al Qaeda Militants Arrested in Yemen

Yemeni security forces arrested two al Qaeda militants near the capital Sanaa on Monday, seizing explosives, suicide bomb vests, assassination manuals and lists of targets for attack, security sources said. Although a third man escaped the raid on a hideout at Jader village, north of Sanaa, the arrests are likely to be seen as progress in government attempts to stem a spate of killings of security officials by suspected militants, reports Reuters. Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), which is based in Yemen, is seen as the most dangerous offshoot of the transnational militant network.

India Threatens Pakistan over Kashmir Killings

India's army chief threatened to retaliate against Pakistan for the killing of two soldiers in fighting near the border of the disputed region of Kashmir, saying he had asked his commanders there to be aggressive in the face of provocation. General Bikram Singh's remarks come amid mounting public anger in India after Delhi accused Pakistani soldiers of slitting the throat of one of the soldiers and decapitating him. Despite each side blaming the other for the worst outbreak of violence in the area since a ceasefire was agreed nine years ago, analysts said a breakdown in ties was highly unlikely. Singh said the Indian army would honour the ceasefire in Kashmir, so long as Pakistan did, but would respond immediately to any violation of the truce.

Clashes Erupt at Pakistan Protest March

Police in Islamabad have fired warning shots in the air and used tear gas against anti-corruption protesters on a march led by cleric Tahirul Qadri. The clashes erupted after demonstrators threw stones at security forces outside parliament. Qadri, who is calling for electoral reform, left the city of Lahore on Sunday with thousands of supporters, and reached Islamabad late on Monday. Authorities accuse him of trying to postpone elections due by May. The cleric wants the military and judiciary to be involved in installing a caretaker government to oversee the forthcoming elections. The government is due to disband in March, and elections must then be held within six weeks.

Train Carrying Army Recruits Derails, Killing 15

A military train carrying young recruits to army camp derailed in a Cairo suburb on Tuesday, killing 15 people and injuring 103, Egypt's health ministry spokesman said. The train was traveling from Upper Egypt to Cairo when it derailed in the Giza neighbourhood of Badrashin, a security source said. He added that the train was a military vehicle carrying enlisted youth on their way to an army camp. The 103 injured passengers were taken to hospitals, Ahmed Omar, the health ministry spokesman, said.

Mozambique on the Alert as Heavy Rains Wreak Havoc

The authorities in Mozambique are now maintaining a state of “red alert” in the country, due to heavy rains in more than a week, destroying roads and bridges. General Director of the National Disasters Management Institute (INGC), Joao Ribeiro, said that the situation is getting worse in the central and northern regions. Seven people were killed in the disaster in the northern province of Nampula. The victims died of electrocution, after they were swept away by the floods. Also, more than 340 families in four Nampula districts are now affected by the calamity.

Children Killed in Syrian Attack, as Call for War Crimes Probe Heightens

An air strike on a rebel town near Damascus killed 13 women and children on Monday, fuelling international calls for a war crimes probe into the 22-month Syrian conflict. The reports of the civilian deaths came as Human Rights Watch (HRW) accused President Bashar al-Assad’s regime of expanding its use of banned cluster bombs. Monday‘s air strike on houses in the town of Moadamiyat al-Sham, southwest of Damascus, killed at least eight children and five women, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. State television blamed “terrorists” for the deaths. The Observatory added that more than 3,500 children have been killed since the Syrian conflict erupted in March last year. The United Nations said more than 60,000 people have died in all.

Mali’s Islamists Push South, as NATO Backs Air Strikes

The embattled insurgent forces in Mali, on Monday, seized control of a town in a fresh attack on the south and vowed to strike “at the heart” of France that waged a fourth day of airstrikes against them. Mali’s Foreign Minister Tieman Hubert Coulibaly said that the aim of the offensive was to drive out the jihadists, and not merely halt their push southwards. Meanwhile, NATO on Monday said it supported French efforts to turn back the terrorist threat in Mali but that the alliance had received no request for assistance and had not discussed the conflict. Meanwhile Algeria, which was hostile to foreign interference, supported French intervention as it opened its skies to French warplanes. Algeria’s support followed a “betrayal” by the rebels, who vowed to cease hostilities in December, but reneged by moving towards the capital.