Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 17

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Communal conflict claims 7 lives in C-River

Inter communal conflict between the people of Nko in Yakkur LGA and their neighbours in Oyadama in Obubra LGA of Cross River State began afresh, penultimate Thursday. A similar conflict, two years ago, claimed many lives and property. The fresh conflict, according to a reliable source, started when an Nko man allegedly killed an Oyadama woman in the farm following misunderstanding over a parcel of farm land. The killing reportedly sparked the rage of the Onyadama people who invaded Nko and killed six people in retaliation, leading to full scale communal conflict. Mr Rekpene Bassey, the State Security Adviser, said the primary concern of government was to ensure peace and normalcy return to the area. However, Police spokesman, John Umoh, said only one life was lost and efforts were on with the assistance of the traditional ruler of the area to arrest the culprit.

We’ll bomb mosques, hajj camps from may 31 —MEND

The Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) has threatened to avenge the killing of Christians in Northern Nigeria by members of the Islamic group, Boko Haram. MEND said it was prepared to launch a crusade, which it said would involve the bombings of mosques, and other Islamic interest and gatherings, and assassination of clerics who have been propagating the doctrines of hate in Nigeria. MEND said it would launch an offensive on Islamic installations in Nigeria until the genuine Boko Haram leaders resolve to stop the attacks on Christians. MEND also said that it would not stop the deadly crusade until its leader, Henry Okah currently serving jail term in South Africa and leading Christian leaders in Nigeria ask it to stop. But the Police quickly reassured Nigerians of adequate security nationwide. Force Public Relations Officer, Mr Frank Mba declared the Police were studying the situation and were battle ready to counter any such attempt in any part of the country. Meanwhile, the Joint Task Force (JTF) has urged the people Nigerians not to panic over the threat by MEND as the group no longer exists.

JTF Attributes Nembe Spill In Bayelsa To Oil Theft

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta said it had traced the oil spill at Nembe Community in Bayelsa to the activities of oil thieves. Lt. Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, the spokesman of the JTF, said that operatives of the task force had identified the source of the spill. Nwachukwu also dismissed claims by the Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) that its men attacked the facilities belong to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), in Nembe. MEND, which has recently threatened to resume attacks in the region, had claimed responsibility for blowing up the pipeline. The spokesman said the JTF “troops on patrol along Nembe Creek 1 Flow Station had earlier reported an incident of oil spill on the water around Ewwelesuo Community in Nembe. The camp used by the oil thieves in Nembe area for the illicit trade was reportedly destroyed by the JTF.

Man allegedly kills friend over lover

A man, Abraham Bepeh, has been arrested by the police in Calabar, Cross River State, for allegedly killing his friend, Richard Beshel Mashok, with whom he had been having a running battle over a woman Anna Ushie, with whom both of them were in love with. The Officer-in-Charge of homicide, Mr. Joseph Inuyashe, said Abraham during interrogation, alleged that Richard first tried to eliminate him over because of the girl, a Secondary School student. On the day of the incident, Abraham was said to have accosted Richard on the road, saying they should finish what they had started some weeks back. A fight ensued and Abraham reportedly brought out a dagger, stabbed the deceased on his neck and took to his heels, but some boys went after him and caught him. Efforts to save Richard’s life failed as he died before reaching the Hospital where he was rushed to.

IG Rejects Planned Mass Burial For 12 Cops In Bayelsa

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, hs turned down the plan by the Bayelsa State Police Command to conduct a mass burial for the mutilated bodies of the 12 policemen killed a fortnight ago by armed men suspected to be ex-militants. The Bayelsa Police Command had been under pressure from families of the slain policemen to release the corpses to them, but such requests were turned down by the CP, Kingsley Omire, with the claim that the identities of the deceased officers could not be determined. According to police sources, the IGP and other top police officers at the headquarters argued such idea of mass burial was derogatory, just they insisted that examination be conducted on the mutilated bodies to ascertain their identities. The IG had already sent a team of qualified pathologists to conduct the examination and they had commenced investigation into their identities.

Gunmen kill Enugu cleric

A cleric, Victor Nnaduagwu, has been killed by gunmen at the Asata area of Enugu state. Residents said the cleric’s battered body was found in Asata Stream, on Wednesday by some persons, who had gone to fetch water in the morning. They saw his lifeless body and promptly raised alarm, which attracted many people to the scene. The Pastor had several wounds in his body, suggesting that they might have killed him by hitting him with hard objects, a source said. The late cleric was described as an easy going man, who ensured security in the neighbourhood. Police Public Relations Officer in Enugu State, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the incident.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Palace Aide, Others Masterminded Kidnap of Okonjo-Iweala’s Mother

Four months after the abduction of Prof. Kamene Okonjo, the mother of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, two of those accused of involvement in the incident, Monday narrated how they carried out her kidnapping. From their narration, a disagreement over the N13 million, which they said was paid as ransom to secure the release of Okonjo caused a rift among them that facilitated police investigation into the abduction. One of the suspects, Chiejine Onochie, a palace aide, who played a role in planning Okonjo’s abduction, was the first to confess how they plotted the kidnapping when the police paraded him and other suspects in Lagos Monday. The police also recovered five AK 47 rifles, 31 rounds of live ammunition and one Honda car. Onochie’s disclosure that the kidnappers got N13 million as ransom negates previous claims by the Delta State Government and the state police command that Okonjo was released without the payment of ransom.

Death penalty for kidnappers: Delta House overrides Uduaghan

The Delta State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, overrode the veto wielded by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on a bill prescribing death penalty for kidnapping. The Delta State Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Terrorism Bill, 2012, which had earlier been unanimously passed by the House was vetoed by the governor, who refused to give his assent to the bill. The governor, in refusing to assent to the bill, explained that, “it is my view that death sentence punishment is not likely to serve as deterrent or antidote.” Dissatisfied with the explanation, members, citing Section 100 sub-section 5 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which empowered the House to override the governor by a two-third majority, resolved to take action. In the voting that followed, 26 out of 29 members voted to override the governor. Following the overwhelming vote, the Speaker, Victor Ochei, directed the Clerk of the House to enroll the law in the state High Court, as it had become law.

Army destroys over 200 tanks of illegally-refined diesel in Warri

The war against illegal oil bunkering in Delta State recorded another success on Tuesday with the destruction of over 200 tanks and drums of diesel at Arunton, near Esrcavos, by soldiers of 3rd Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Effurun. No arrest was made in the process, as the perpetrators fled the scene on sighting soldiers. The vessels of the product were set on fire in Arunton, a notorious hideout of illegal oil bunkerers. The diesel-laden tanks were found loaded in seven boats, ready to be cruised to unknown destinations, while scores of plastic and metal drums, laden with the same product, dotted virtually every nook and cranny of the community. Meanwhile, no fewer than 20 persons engaged in illegal oil refinery business were picked up in Hausa Quarters in Warri on Tuesday, just as 28 drums of locally refined diesel, belonging to the suspects, were seized and destroyed. Sixteen empty, but ready-to-be-filled drums, according to the Nigerian Navy, NNS Delta, were also impounded in connection with the crime. Commander of NNS Delta, Warri Naval Base, Commodore Mohammed Garba, expressed displeasure over the activities of the hoodlums.

Auto Crashes Claim 20 Travellers On Benin-Asaba Highway

At least 20 persons lost their lives along Benin-Asaba expressway on Wednesday in separate road accidents. Eyewitness said that an 18-seater bus crashed into the bush around Onicha-Ugbo leaving the 18 passengers dead, while another lorry driver lost his brakes and veered off the road almost at the same scene, killing himself and his conductor instantly. It was gathered that the 18-seater bus lost two of its tyres while on top speed before crashing into the bush. Road safety officials blamed the driver of the bus for reckless driving. The trailer was said to have leapt out of the lorry after he lost the brakes of the vehicle while the lorry was still in motion in an attempt to save his life, but jumped into broken bottles, while his colleague died under the trailer after it crashed into the bush.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Soldiers rescue kidnap victim, arrest suspect in Lagos

Men of the Nigerian Army Quick Response Group have arrested a suspected kidnapper who was taking his victim to their hideout along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and rescued the victim. The 37-year-old suspect, Tony Anene, who is the victim’s relation, was alleged to have connived with two others, currently at large, to abduct his uncle, Dominic Nwaezeapu. Commander, 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Adeniyi Oyebade, disclosed that at about 1am, on Friday morning, soldiers operating on Lagos-Ibadan-Ogere axis stopped a Honda car, in Akara village, Ogun State. During the on-the-spot interrogation as part of the “stop and search operations,” somebody in the vehicle Nwaezeapu screamed that he was kidnapped. “On hearing that shout, two of the kidnappers out of the three, jumped out of the vehicle and ran into the bush. Unfortunately, one of them, Tony Anene, was apprehended. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the victim was abducted on April 9, 2013.

Community Beats Traditional Ruler, Burns Wife, Palace

The Adodo community in Ogun State Monday declared its traditional ruler, the Olofin of Adodo, Oba Lateef Akanni, persona non grata. The people beat him up and set the palace ablaze, with his wife and children trapped in the building. The quick intervention of the Commanding Officer, 192 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Ahmed, who stormed the palace with a retinue of soldiers, helped save the lives of the woman and her children. The community alleged that the embattled monarch often times battered persons, who refused to prostrate or give him accolades befitting his status as the traditional ruler of the community. The residents also alleged that motorists or commercial motorcyclists, who mistakenly blocked his convoy were assaulted the monarch’s aides. It was on one of such occasions of allegedly brutality against a commercial motorcyclist that the villagers finally revolted and beat up the monarch alongside his driver. The Daguro of Igbesa Land, Chief Ayeni Adeoye, said they had been living in fear of the traditional ruler throughout his four years of rule.

OPC joins manhunt for kidnappers of Ejigbo LCDA boss

Founder and President of the Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, Dr. Frederick Fasehun, on Monday, directed his members in Lagos and the South-West to work with security agents to launch a manhunt for the kidnappers of the Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, chairman, Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan. Bamigbetan was said to have been kidnapped by four gunmen on he was about  entering his street, Ona Iwa Mimo Street, Ori-Oke, before Egbe bridge in Ejigbo, Lagos at about 11pm. There were indications that the gunmen were actually kidnappers, following a call reportedly made to his wife, Fatima, demanding a ransom of $1million, approximately N158 million, for his release. Contacted, the Lagos State Police Command Deputy Public Relations Officer, Mr Damasus Ozoani, said the command was making effort to ensure he was rescued.

Husband, mother-in-law arrested for wife’s murder

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 31-year-old man, Isaac Ajisegiri, for the alleged murder of his wife, Endurance. Also arrested are his mother, Florence; and sister, Esther. It was learnt that Endurance was killed at her home last Saturday. Police authorities said she was slit in the throat with a knife in her kitchen.  The victim’s brother, Caleb Agbobonye, reported that the marriage was fraught with problems before the couple   reconciled recently. Isaac, however, claimed that his wife killed herself with the knife. The indigene of Kogi State said on the day of the incident, she was acting crazy and would not listen to pleas from the family. Esther and Florence however did not speak as they looked dumbfounded.

Rainstorm destroys properties in Lagos, Ogun communities

Rainstorm on Wednesday destroyed properties in Ojodu and Ojodu-Abiodun areas, located in Lagos and Ogun states respectively. Residents said the rain lasted less than an hour, but wreaked havoc that would take a long period to overcome. Although some structures were affected in the communities, there was no report of casualty during the incident. The Ojodu-Abiodun Area Office building, Ifo LGA of Ogun State and buildings belonging to area chiefs, such as the Baale, Balogun Aina, and the Amuludun of Ojoduland, were damaged by the storm. A resident, Mr. Akindele Balogun, described the wind that accompanied the rain as “forceful”.

Ondo Police parade 64 suspected criminals

Suspected kidnappers of a woman said to be the wife of erstwhile Petroleum Minister, Professor Tam David West, Taye, and those who abducted the female broadcaster with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mrs Bunmi Oke, were among the 64 suspects paraded, on Wednesday, by the police in Ondo State. The Police Commissioner, Patrick Dukumor, said in all, 47 robbery suspects including a 300-level university student, and five cultists were arrested within the last two months. The kidnappers collected a ransom of N3 million from the families of the former minister’s wife while those of the NTA staff paid N1million before their relations were set free, the CP said. While saying that other kidnappers still at large would soon be arrested, Dukumor added that those in police custody will soon be arraignedin court. Dukumor added that 54 different types of arms and ammunition and four different types of vehicles were recovered.

Workers protest death of colleague at Chinese firm

Workers of Dura Pack, a Chinese-owned company that produces nylon bags in Lagos, are protesting against unsafe work conditions after their colleague, identified as Kenneth died on Tuesday from electric shock while carrying out a repair work in the company. The workers are also demanding for adequate compensation for his family. The workers complained that there are little or no safety measures and safety tools to work with. Some of them showed burns on their bodies, particularly on their hands because they are made to pack hot nylon bags with bare hands. They said they wanted compensation for the family of deceased and were also demanding adequate safety tools and clinic within the company and the right to belong to a union.

British Warship Visits, Engages Nigerian Navy Personnel in Training

A British warship well versed in sub-marine warfare, Her Majesty Ship (HMS) ARGYLL, a type 23 frigate, on Thursday, visited Nigeria after similar visits to navies in other West African countries. According to the commander of the ship, Tim Neild, the visit would not only afford them the opportunity to train personnel of the Nigerian Navy (NN) but in turn learn some strategies from them. The commander who made this known at the Western Naval Command Headquarters, Apapa, Lagos, said they are partnering with countries friendly with the United Kingdom with a view to ensuring maritime security. While calling for mutual cooperation with Nigeria to deal with maritime security, Neild maintained that the challenge of insecurity in the maritime sector was not peculiar to any nation, rather a common problem facing all. In response, the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ibok Ibas, while welcoming the team to Nigeria, said both countries had comparable programme in terms of training and operations.

Man arraigned for raping nursing mother

A 28-year-old man, Morufu Rasheed, was on Wednesday arraigned before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court for conspiracy, rape and theft. Rasheed and two others at large were accused of raping a 27-year-old nursing mother at Palm grove end of Ikorodu Road, Lagos, while she was waiting to board a bus. Rasheed and others at large at the same date, time and place in the Lagos magisterial district did steal the sum of N100, 000 belonging to the victim. Rasheed pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Magistrate, Mrs. M. Tanimola, ruled that bail be granted the defendant in the sum of N100, 000, with two gainfully employed sureties. Sureties should be blood relatives of the defendant and evidence of their tax payment is to be verified. The case was adjourned to May 18 2013.

GENERAL

Flooding: FG plans new dams on River Benue

As part of measures to prevent loss of lives and properties through the expected flood already predicted by meteorologists this year, the Federal Government has commenced plans to build new dams across the Benue River, according to the Minister of Water Resources, Sarah Ochekpe. The minister said the government had resolved to build new dams across River Benue, to save Nigerians from the debilitating effects of flood. She also revealed that the government had instructed engineers managing the existing dams in the country to start the process of gradual release of the water in the dams, so as to increase their capacity to absorb fresh water when the rains began. The minister also said a team of experts from her ministry had met with government officials in Cameroon, adding that both countries had also discussed on the control of water from Tiga Dam in the Central African country. She explained that the government had deemed it fit to build new dams across River Benue because of the fact that 60 per cent of the water volume in Nigeria came from the river.

NNPC GMD Urges Gov to Help Find Brother’s Killers

The Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Andrew Yakubu, has urged Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Yero, not to allow the death of his younger brother, Yohanna, and others killed by gunmen in the state to go in vain. Yohanna was killed last Sunday on the Kaduna-Kachia Road by gunmen suspected to be Fulani, when he was travelling with his family for a burial in a village in Zangon Kataf LGA of the state. Yakubu commended the governor for the steps he had taken to address the security situation in the state and asked for more radical steps to safeguard lives and property. Yero expressed his condolence to the family, saying that he was deeply touched by the unfortunate incident. He prayed to God to grant the family, especially Yakubu, the fortitude to bear the loss.

Insecurity: FG Expedites Action on Identity Mgt

In its efforts to tackle the rising spate of insecurity in the country, the Federal Government, on Monday, said that it was committed to the improvement of identity management and trans-border crime control. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, who said this, noted that the government was committed to improving the quality of population management and its allied matters in the country.

Zamfara records 100 fresh cases of lead poisoning in children

An international organisation, Medicines Sans Frontiers (MSF), has said that 100 children have been affected by lead poisoning complications in Anka and Bukkuyum LGAs in Zamfara in the last three months. The MSF Project Manager, Malam Zakariya Mawattia, said that the rate at which fresh cases were recorded was alarming in spite of the concerted efforts of the MSF, government and other organisations to control lead poisoning affliction among children. According to him, MSF is ready to offer technical services and expertise to government officials so that they can handle cases of lead poisoning. The Zamfara Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Lugga, expressed the readiness of government to partner with the MSF.

Leadership Reporters Charged with Forgery

Leadership Newspaper and two members of its editorial staff, Mr. Tony Amokeodo and Chibuzor Ukaibe, were Tuesday charged before a Federal High Court in Abuja with forgery. The media outfit and the two journalists were alleged to have conspired with another reporter, Taiwo Omilani, said to be at large, to forge a document titled, 'Bromide of The Presidential Directive'. In a 10-count charge, Amokeodo and Ukaibe were accused along with their media organisation of publishing the document in the April 3, knowing it to be forged and false with the intent that it might in any way be used or acted upon as genuine and thereby committed an offence punishable under the law. However, before their plea could be taken, Amokeodo, who was listed as the first accused in the charge, told the trial judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola, that he and his colleague were detained Monday night and were driven to court on Tuesday morning from detention without any information on the charges brought against them.

Crude Theft Leads to $1.23bn Drop in Revenue in First Quarter

Crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism have continued to take a toll on the Nigeria's economy as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Wednesday, announced a drop in crude oil revenue of about $1.23 billion (N191 billion) due to a drop in crude oil production for the first quarter of 2013. Also, oil giant Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) has shut down the Nembe Creek Trunkline (NCTL), deferring the production of 150,000 barrels of crude oil per day to repair leaks caused by crude oil thieves. The acting Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division, at the corporation, Tumini Green, said daily crude oil production, which had stabilised at 2.4mbpd, has fluctuated between 2.1 and 2.3 million barrels per day (mbpd) compared with the projected estimate of 2.48mbpd.

Scores Killed in Renewed Attacks in Plateau

Scores of persons have again been slain following renewed attacks unleashed on Tsamiya-Mavo settlements near Kanana in Wase LGA of Plateau State. The gale of attacks, which led to the killing, maiming and burning of houses, started on Tuesday afternoon and lasted till Wednesday morning, forcing the residents to flee. Owing to the incessant attacks, residents of Wase, Lantang North and Lantang South LGAs now live in fear and heightened tensions. Also, a group, Ngwang Ishi Otarok, has alleged that the people of the Taroh in Wase are still living in danger, claiming that the attacks are very serious as dozens of persons had been killed. The Special Task Force (STF) Media and Information Officer, Captain Salisu Mustapha, confirmed six villagers were killed and three injured on April 15 by unknown gun men in Dukum village, while two others were ambushed and killed between Jos and Tanjol in Riyom the next day.

Angry Mob Kills Suspected Bomber Near Emir of Kano’s Palace

An angry mob in Kano killed a suspected bomber immediately after a blast occurred near the Emir of Kano’s Palace on Wednesday night. The aggrieved residents defied the explosion, which went off at Kofar Fatalwa by the Kano Central Mosque, and arrested one of the bombers who had arrived in a tricycle to carry out the dastardly act.
Residents in the area immediately ran at the terrorists after the blast, and burnt one of the men before handing over the other one to security operatives. In an incident in Maiduguri, Borno State, the son of the former deputy governor of the State, Alhaji Abubakar Jatto, Shehu, narrowly escaped death Wednesday as gunmen believed to be members of Boko Haram shot at him in Maiduguri. Shehu was said to have gone to a shop at Dala area of the troubled metropolis for some purchases at about 2.30pm when four gunmen swooped on him, fired several shots at him, snatched his car, and left him in a pool of blood.

ACP dismissed for extorting N21.6m from police sergeants

The Police Service Commission has dismissed an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Fausat Oduwole, for extorting N21.6m from police sergeants, who wrote promotion examinations in one of the police colleges in the country. Oduwole, who was dismissed by the commission at its 35th plenary meeting in Abuja on April 3, was found to have collected the illegal levy from the police officers to enable them to get promotion. The commission’s axe also fell on Chief Superintendent of Police, Olusegun Fabunmi, who shot dead one Ademola Aderinto at Ogba in Lagos during the fuel subsidy protest in January 2012. Fabunmi, the Divisional Police Officer, Pen Cinema, is being prosecuted for murder by the Lagos State Office of the Public Defender at a Lagos High Court. Other officers that were sacked included a Superintendent, an Assistant Superintendent, and a Deputy Superintendent of Police for acts unbecoming of senior police officers.

Four others arrested for pipeline vandalism

An informant for the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Task Force on Anti-Pipeline Vandalism Unit, Ahmed Bashorun, has been arrested after being implicated in a case of pipeline vandalism. Bashorun allegedly hired the other suspects, Banjo Nofiu, Ogunleti Okanlawon, 32 and Nofiu Rasak to vandalise pipelines and siphon petrol while also giving the police information in order to clear him of all suspicions. One of the suspects, Okonlawon, disclosed that he was working for Bashorun. But Bashorun described Okanlanwon’s claim as untrue, adding that he was truly an informant that had been set up by the vandals. Mr. Friday Ibadin, who is in charge of the task force, said the suspects engaged the police in an eight-hour gun battle at Ikorodu before their arrest.

Gunmen Kill 2 Policemen In Kaduna

Unidentified gunmen shot dead two policemen in Kaduna on Tuesday night when they opened fire on the police patrol team along Musawa Road. Other officers were left seriously wounded and they are presently receiving treatment at the 44 Armed Forces Hospital. Eyewitness said, immediately the gunmen arrived the scene, they opened fire at the two policemen. The eyewitness added that the sporadic shootings brought tension in the area as residents were seen running for safety. The gunmen after the shootings fled the area before the police arrived.

NIS Deports 17 Illegal Aliens from Kaduna

About 17 illegal aliens from Niger Republic were arrested and summarily deported by the Kaduna State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on Thursday. They were arrested in an uncompleted building in the Barnawa area of Kaduna metropolis following a tip off. About 57 commercial motorcycle operators said to have migrated to Kaduna from the Federal Capital Territory and Kano were also arrested following the ban on commercial motorcycle operators in the city. The Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service in the state, Alhaji Hamman Yerima, said that the arrest came following a tip off from a sister security agency. He said even though no weapon was found on them, they attempted to resist arrest which led to the injury of one of his officers.

Police tackle robbers in corpers’ lodge, kill 1

Nasarawa State police command has killed a member of a three-man gang of robbers that had been terrorising corpers lodge in secondary school in Obi LGA of the State. The police command disclosed that it arrested one, while the third member was at large. Parading the arrested robber, Emmanuel Vor, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Abayomi Akeremale, said based on the reports received from the NYSC director in the area, his men laid ambush for the robbers and eventually caught them after an exchange of fire. The leader of the team was felled by the gun, he said. Items recovered from them included AK-47, automatic military riffle and 23 rounds of live ammunition.

NAFDAC seizes substandard, expired drugs in Gboko

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has carried out a mop up operation of medicine outlets and hospitals in Gboko, Benue State, to take substandard and expired drugs out of circulation from the drug supply chain. The three-day exercise was carried out by four teams of NAFDAC officers drawn from Abuja, Lagos and Benue states, who visited medicine outlets and hospitals to carry out a surveillance of the quality and safety of medicines administered to the public. NAFDAC discovered various kinds of violations ranging from outlets selling unregistered products, failure to properly label products and the sale of expired products by some outlets.

N13,000 Theft: Sharia Court Okays Amputation Of Man

An Upper Shari’a Area Court in Bauchi has confirmed the judgement of a lower court that ordered the amputation of the arm of Abdullahi Sale, for theft. A lower Shari’a Court in the area had earlier convicted Abdullahi Sale on the charges levelled against him. According to the Police Prosecutor, Corporal Idris Malum, the convict broke into the shops of one DanladiYa’u of ZungurKogi and Yusuf Babba of Bula-Lusa and carted away properties worth about N13, 000. The offence, according to the prosecution, contravenes section 151 of Shari’a Penal Code. Meanwhile the convict had pleaded guilty, but sought for leniency from the court. However, the Police Prosecutor asked the court not to grant the prayers in order to serve as deterrent to others. In the meantime the convict has 30 days to file an appeal against the judgement.

Sambo Cautions Police Against Conflict With NSCDC

Vice President Mohammad Namadi Sambo, Thursday, cautioned the Nigeria Police against further conflict with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), and pointed out that the NSCDC was legally established by an Act of the National Assembly (NASS). Accordingly, the vice president directed that the interim implementation committee on the reform of the Nigeria Police should assist in looking into areas of conflict in roles between other security agencies and the police with a view to defining them accordingly. Sambo, who was clarifying issues raised by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) on the overlap of functions of the Nigerian Police and other related agencies such as the NSCDC noted vehemently that although their functions were yet to be properly established, the NSCDC is a legally recognised security agency.

Jigawa Alerts On Contaminated Water From Kano Dam

The Jigawa State Ministry of Health has alerted people of the state, particularly those living near Wasai Dam which passes through Garki LGA of the state, about the dangers of consuming contaminated water discharged from the dam and flowing to Jigawa State. The state commissioner for Health, Dr. Tafida Abubakar, who sounded the warning, said that the attention of the Ministry has been drawn that the water was released recently due to its contamination, which is harmful for human and animal consumption. Dr. Abubakar said that even though there was no outbreak of diseases in the area, it was imperative for the affected inhabitants of the villages to desist from using the water so as to avoid any outbreak of waterborne diseases in the area. The commissioner, therefore, noted that the state government had provided enough hand pumps and boreholes across the state for them to take advantage of in order to avoid diseases.

INTERNATIONAL

Iraq Cities Hit by Deadly Bombings

At least 20 people have been killed and more than 100 others wounded in a series of early morning explosions in cities across Iraq on Monday, officials say. Attacks were reported in Baghdad, as well as Tuz Khurmatu and Kirkuk in the north and Nasariyah in the south. The co-ordinated attacks occurred during the morning rush hour and mainly involved car bombs. Monday's attacks were particularly broad in scope, with several cities hit, including Fallujah, Tikrit, Samarra and Hilla. The explosions were caused by dozen of cars packed with explosives and three roadside bombs, according to reports. Elsewhere, gunmen armed with pistols fitted with silencers shot and killed a police officer while he was driving his car in the town of Tarmiyah, 30 miles (50 km) north of Baghdad. No group has admitted carrying out Monday's attacks.

Maduro Wins Venezuela Election

Socialist candidate, Nicolas Maduro, has won a narrow victory in Venezuela's presidential poll. Maduro, who was chosen by the late Hugo Chavez as his successor, won 50.7% of the vote against 49.1% for opposition candidate Henrique Capriles. The electoral commission said the results were "irreversible". Capriles said he refused to accept the result without a recount, and said he believed that Maduro had lost the election. He said there were more than 300,000 incidents from Sunday's poll that would need to be examined. "This result does not reflect the reality of the country. We will do everything so that the truth is known," Capriles said. Maduro, addressing his supporters, said had spoken to Capriles, and that he would allow an audit of the election result. He called for those who had not voted for him to "work together" for the country. Maduro, described his win as a “just, legal and constitutional" victory.

Pakistan Bears Brunt of Iranian Earthquake, 34 Killed

A major earthquake centred on a border area of southeast Iran killed at least 34 people in neighbouring Pakistan, destroyed hundreds of houses and shook buildings as far away as India and Gulf Arab states on Tuesday. Communications with the area, a sparsely populated desert and mountain region, were largely cut, leading to conflicting preliminary reports of casualties in Iran. An Iranian provincial governor later said there were no deaths there. The epicenter was far from any of Iran's nuclear facilities. Pakistani officials said at least eight people were killed and 20 injured in the town of Mashkeel in the south-western Pakistani province of Baluchistan, which borders Iran.  Mohammed Ashraf, head of a health centre in Mashkeel, said several hundred houses in the town had collapsed. Experts said the depth was the likely reason for the relatively low level of damage from a 7.8 magnitude quake.

Nine Killed in Blast at Pakistan Election Rally

At least nine people were killed and more than 50 wounded on Tuesday when a suicide bomber attacked an election rally for a party opposed to Pakistan's Taliban movement, police said. The blast struck a gathering called by senior politicians of the Awami National Party (ANP) in the north western city of Peshawar ahead of the May 11 general elections. The attack underscored the threat posed by insurgent violence ahead of the elections, which would mark the first transition in Pakistan between elected civilian governments, reports Reuters. A spokesman for the Pakistani Taliban, which has threatened to attack the ANP ahead of the vote, claimed responsibility for the blast. A hospital official said doctors were treating some 50 people wounded in the explosion, including dozens who were in critical condition.

Boston blast death toll hits three, 176 injured
…FBI Probes Boston Terror Blasts

An investigation is under way after two explosions near the finishing line of the Boston Marathon left three people dead and more than 100 injured. The FBI has taken over co-ordination of what it described as a "potential terrorist inquiry". Boston police say officers are working around the clock and all leave has been cancelled. At least 17 people are critically wounded, officials say, and the injuries include several amputations. US President, Barack Obama, vowed to bring those behind the attack to justice. The first explosion came on the north side of Boylston Street, about two hours after the winners crossed the line. There was initial confusion and panic. Some runners fell to the floor while police and bystanders ran to help those caught in the blast. Then seconds later, a second explosion ripped into the crowd further away from the finishing line.

Army Produces Surveillance Vehicle for Peacekeeping in Mali

The Nigerian Army has recorded yet another landmark in its military innovation with the production of a Surveillance Vehicle, which has been deployed for intelligence gathering for AFISMA operations in Mali. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Brig-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, explained that the vehicle, which was produced by the 51 Division Signal Nigerian Army was to realise the vision of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) towards enhancing the operational effectiveness of the service. In a related development, Attahiru said the Army had equally carried out the refurbishment of several Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and Armoured Fighting Vehicles at the Special Vehicle Plant in Bauchi State. The Army spokesman also listed other areas of achievement to include the invention of an anti-malaria drug known as “Nartel” by the Nigerian Army Small Drug Manufacturing Unit (NASDMU), which had been approved by the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Britain Bids Margaret Thatcher Farewell

Former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, who died of stroke on April 7 at the age of 87, was given a final farewell Wednesday with full military honours that saw her coffin applauded through the streets of London, as Queen Elizabeth II led mourners in paying their respects Thatcher. Her body was later cremated in a private ceremony attended by her twin children Mark and Carol, 59, and other family members. UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, leader of Thatcher’s Conservative party, attended along with former premiers John Major, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown and politicians from across the political divide. Bishop of London, Richard Chartres, said Thatcher, who transformed Britain and helped end the Cold War during her 11 years in power, was a polarising figure but insisted there was no place for politics at her funeral.

Iran Moves to Speed Up Nuclear Program Despite Sanctions

Iran is increasing the number of advanced uranium enrichment centrifuges installed at its Natanz underground plant, despite tightening international sanctions aimed at stopping its nuclear progress. Iran has for years been trying to develop centrifuges more efficient than the erratic 1970s era IR-1 machines it now uses, but introducing new models has been dogged by technical hurdles and difficulty in obtaining key parts abroad. If launched and operated successfully, the new machines would enable the Islamic state to sharply speed up sensitive atomic activity which it says is for peaceful energy purposes but which the Western countries fear may be aimed at building nuclear bombs.

US Security Intercepts Poison Letter To Obama

United States Security, Wednesday, intercepted a letter to the White House meant for President Barak Obama, which tested positive for ricin poison. The US Secret Service said in a public statement that it had acknowledged the letter addressed to President Barrack Obama and it contained ricin, a deadly suspicious substance. Earlier on Tuesday, United States lawmakers revealed that a letter addressed to Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) had tested positive for the poison. The Secret Service said the letter was sent to Obama on April 16 and was discovered at a White House mail screening facility. The agency said it was working closely with the US Capitol Police and the FBI in the investigation.

Nearly 12 Dead, 160 Injured in Texas Fertilizer Plant Explosion

The death toll in an explosion that rocked a fertilizer factory in West town, Texas, United States on Wednesday has been put at between 60 and 70 by emergency managers in the city. More than 160 people were also injured and three to four firefighters were unaccounted for, officials said. Firefighters responding to the scene at West were also injured in a secondary blast, according to reports. Firefighters also said they were setting up a triage unit at an apartment building where people were trapped. The explosion at the West Fertilizer plant occurred just before 8p.m., Waco assistant fire chief, Don Yeager, said. The cause was not immediately known but he said it was an anhydrous ammonia explosion. So far, the explosion at the fertilizer plant has not been linked to a terrorist attack.

Italy Police Seize 20 Tonnes of Cannabis from Ship

Italy seized more than 20 tonnes of cannabis, on Thursday, from a ship sailing off the island of Sicily. Coastguard officers escorted the boat to the Sicilian port of Marsala and discovered the hashish resin in burlap sacks, police said. Six crew members of Syrian origin were taken into custody. The ship had left the North African state of Morocco, one of the world's largest producers of illicit hashish, mostly shipped to Western Europe. Authorities said they had monitored the ship for two days as it entered Italian waters and officers boarded the ship after a request to the Comoros islands where the ship was registered was not answered. On Saturday, Italian authorities seized a tonne of hashish from a Turkish ship in a separate operation.

7 kidnapped French hostages set free

Exactly two months after their kidnapping, the seven French hostages who were abducted on February 19th at Dabanga, a locality in northern Cameroon near the Nigerian border, were on Thursday night, released to the Cameroonian authorities. The revelations were made through a presidential statement on Friday morning in Cameroon. "Tangui-Moulin Fournier, his wife Albane, his brother Moulin Gobril, with children Eloi, Endeol, Mail and Clarence are safe and sound. The president would like to thank the governments of Nigeria and France for their assistance. He would also like to express his gratitude to all those who prayed or worked in one way or the other to have this matter resolved peacefully," the statement read. The Cameroonian authorities did not give any further details on the liberation of the French hostages. There is still mystery surrounding the identity of the kidnappers whom the French authorities had quickly labelled as members of the Nigerian terrorist group, Boko Haram.

Boston Marathon bomber manhunt: One suspect dead, second on the run

A late-night police chase and shootout has ended with one marathon bombing suspect dead and another on the run, police said. One police officer was killed and another was seriously wounded during the violent spree. Gov. Deval Patrick ordered a shutdown of all public transit and residents on the edges of Boston to stay indoors as a massive manhunt for the second suspect was underway. Massachusetts State Police ordered a temporary lockdown of Watertown, Waltham, Belmont, Cambridge, Newton, Allston and Brighton. Federal agents swarmed Watertown after local police were involved in a car chase and shootout with the men identified on Thursday by the FBI as Suspect 1 and Suspect 2. The men, identified as brothers from Russia origin, had handguns, grenades and other explosives. The surviving suspect is Dzhokhar A. Tsarnaev, 19, and a student.