Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 23

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Navy Arrests Vessels, Suspects over Oil Theft

Operatives of the Central Naval Command have arrested 14 oil thieves and impounded two vessels along Brass and Sangana waterways in Bayelsa State. The suspects and the vessels were rounded up at separate points for allegedly forging clearance certificate and loitering. The Command Operation Officer, Commodore Emmanuel Enemor, disclosed that the MV BUYUS and its seven crew members were arrested for forging a naval clearance document. The vessel, he said, was converted from a fishing trawler to an oil tanker. He explained that MT HENTY PIONEER with its seven crew members, were rounded up for loitering along the Sangana River. He, however, said after thorough investigations and considering the circumstances surrounding the arrest, the navy released the vessel and her crew members.

JTF Impounds Vessel, Arrests 21 Suspected Oil Thieves in Bayelsa

A vessel, christened ERISHNA DOLPHIN, suspected to be used for oil theft, has been impounded by troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), along Southern Ijaw Creeks of Bayelsa State. The vessel has been secured by the security agents pending recovery to Brass terminal. Also, 11 persons suspected to be oil thieves operating two barges laden with 7,500 and 500,000 litres of adulterated Automated Gas Oil illegally distilled from stolen crude, have been arrested at the Benteke Creek and Abonema Water Front in Rivers State by troops of 146 Battalion of JTF, Sector 2 for allegedly engaging in oil theft activities. The Joint Media Coordinator of the JTF, Lt.-Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, said the barges, which are now secured at Abonema Wharf, were intercepted during one of the anti-oil theft patrols carried out by gun-boat troops of the battalion, and the suspects taken into custody.

Police Rescues 72 Year Old Kidnap Victim

The Imo state police command has rescued a 72 year old man, Emmanuel Ujagba, who was kidnapped by unknown gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers in Umuebele Okporo in Orlu LGA. While parading the bodies of the suspected kidnappers at the Command headquarters in Owerri the Imo state capital, the Deputy Public Relations Officer, Elvis Abanga, said that Ujagba had been forcefully taken from his home. He said an ambush squad of the command immediately went into action after the incident was reported and in the process of rescuing the old man alive, the Police went into a gun battle with the kidnappers. Three members of the gang were gunned down while one of them escaped with a serious bullet wound. He added that items recovered from the hoodlums included two AK47 rifles, one single barrel gun cut to size with 2 live cartridges and ammunition which had been used.

Rivers Community Worried over Kidnap of 2 Corps Members

Rumuewhor community in Emohua LGA of Rivers State has tasked the Rivers State Government and the Police to intensify efforts to secure the release of abducted two National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members by kidnappers in the state. Two corps members were, during the week, abducted from Odegu Comprehensive High School, Rumuewhor by gunmen, who invaded the NYSC quarters in the community school. Their whereabouts is still unknown, as no contact had been established with their abductors. His Royal Highness, Oha Ikech Igbukwu, Yeweali Rumuewhor, who spoke on the development, said the community was calling on state government and the police to help free the corps members.

Road Accident Claims 15 Students

About 15 students of the Niger Delta University (NDU), in Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, were feared killed along the Tombia highway, the only road leading to the university. The accident, THISDAY gathered, happened when two buses coming from opposite directions had a head on collision on Tuesday evening. Coincidentally, both buses belonged to the state-transport company.  Almost all the passengers on both vehicles were students of the university. Their corpses have been deposited at the NDU Teaching Hospital at Okolobiri, while the injured victims were receiving treatment at various hospitals in Yenagoa.

Five Pakistanis Kidnapped off Bayelsa Coast

Families of the five Pakistani nationals on board an oil vessel, Mt Matrix 1, abducted last Saturday at 40 nautical miles off the Bayelsa coast have told the management of the company, Matrix Energy, in Warri, Delta State, not to pay any ransom to the abductors to get them released, promising to take revenge on Nigerians in their hundreds in Pakistan, if any of the victims was killed. A source said that the company had begun negotiation with the abductors, but that details of negotiations with the company on ransom were not disclosed.

Gunmen Abduct Wife of Ex-Permanent Secretary

Unknown gunmen, last weekend, abducted the wife of a retired Permanent Secretary, Mrs Anne Ziworitin, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Ziworitin was reportedly abducted along the Otiotio road area. It was learnt that the kidnappers have demanded N5million for her release. Spokesman of the Bayelsa Police Command, Mr. Alex Akhigbe said though he was yet to receive full details of the incidents, the police’s effort at ensuring the security of lives and property in the state had led to the discovery of a cache of arms and ammunition at Koluama community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.

3 Killed in Renewed Rivers Cult War

Three persons have been shot dead in renewed supremacy battle between Degban and Dewell cult gangs in Omuawa community, Ikwerre LGA of Rivers State. The supremacy clash, which resumed last weekend, also resulted to the arrest of five suspected cultists by the Rivers State Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The fight reportedly started at about 6:30pm by members of Degban cult said to be avenging the death of their members killed in earlier battle with the Dewell cult in a neighbouring community not long ago. A witness said innocent residents caught in the fierce shooting also sustained various degrees of gunshots injury as most people deserted the village to neighbouring communities for safety. A member of the local vigilance group in the area said people had to make distress calls to SARS whose swift response helped to calm the situations.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Ten Dead after Boat Sinks at Chevron Facility in Delta

Ten bodies have been found during a rescue operation off the coast of Nigeria after a tugboat contracted by Chevron sank, penultimate Sunday, in rough seas, the vessel's owner said on Friday. The Jascon-4 capsized at a mooring point around 30 km (20 miles) off oil-producing Delta state. Of 12 people who had been on board, one was rescued alive and another is still missing. According to the ship's owner, West African Ventures, "the vessel, which is located some 30 metres under water in an upside-down position, has become so unstable that the risk of injury to our rescue divers has become unacceptably high". Chevron operates offshore and onshore joint ventures with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corp and says it spends around $3 billion a year on its Nigerian operations.

Bandits Kill One, Injure 10 in Delta

Gunmen, suspected to be sea bandits, have killed a 30-year-old boat driver, Godknows Wuruke, and injured over 10 persons in Delta State. It was gathered that the bandits ambushed two passenger boats, moving from Warri to Aghoro community in Bayelsa State at River Forcados tributary and robbed the passengers. Wuruke was allegedly shot dead by the gunmen because he tried to prevent them from robbing his passengers. Chairman of the Aghoro waterside boat drivers, Mr. Cletus Itari, who confirmed the incident called on security agents to mount surveillance on the waterways in Burutu area, as it was obtainable in Warri axis to ensure the safety of the people.

Army Nabs 5 with Vessels of Illegally Refined Diesel

Five suspects, including three members of the Oil Field Surveillance Ltd (OFSL) contracted to keep watch on oil facilities in Warri waterways and beyond were nabbed conveying illegally refined diesel from a refining camp towards Warri over the weekend. Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, Nigerian Army and Sector 1, Operation Pulo Shield, made the arrest at Benit Island, Macaraba and Ogbukoko in Warri South LGA of the state on Friday. Two women, one a nursing mother with a baby and a pregnant woman were caught in the act of scooping diesel into cans and drums for onward ferrying to Warri. OFSL is a company owned by former dreaded warlord, Chief Government Okpemupolo, alias Tompolo, whose contract was said to have been renewed by the Federal Government to continue keeping surveillance on oil facilities in the creeks of the Niger Delta.

Kidnappers get N3m for release of Abducted Wife of Justice

Kidnappers of Mrs. Adedoyin Rhodes-Vivour, wife of a Supreme Court Justice, her daughter and driver allegedly collected N3 million as ransom before they released them on Tuesday. Another kidnap victim, Frank Elumeze, a top official of the Delta State Water Board, was released along with the Rhodes-Vivours on Tuesday after his own ransom was paid. Meanwhile, 11 persons have been arrested by the police in connection with the kidnap of a lecturer in Science Education, Delta State University, DELSU, Abraka, Dr. Mercy Mokobia on April 9, at about 1am in her bedroom. Dr. Mokobi has not been found till date, but the police had destroyed a house in Ozoro, where the kidnappers, including three females, were traced after collecting N1.2 million as ransom.

Father of 3 Commits Suicide in Benin
…as Man, 78, is Jailed over Rape of Minor

A father of three, Patrick Essien, is reported have committed suicide, in Benin after he was allegedly sacked from the transport company where he worked. His body was found in the roof of the toilet at the residence. Co-tenants said the late driver had been living at the residence for the past 14 years without any wife or children but that he told them he had a wife and three kids somewhere. According to them, “we saw him this morning. He said he was sacked and we later found him dead in the toilet.” His corpse was later taken away by the police. Meanwhile, a 74-year-old man, Clement Omorogbe, has been jailed by an Egor Magistrate Court in Edo state for raping a minor in November 2010. Presiding Magistrate, Eboh Braimoh in her judgment, said there were increasing cases of rape and sentenced the accused to serve as deterrent to others.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Six Youths Killed in Lagos Clash

At least six young people were killed, while others injured after a clash during a football match at the Ajah area of Lagos State. It was learnt that the youths had converged to play football when an argument ensued. According to police authorities, the clash was between three factions, the Olumegbon boys, Ajah boys and Ilaje boys. It was learnt that there was no winner in the battle as the casualties were spread evenly among the three factions. An eyewitness said Ilaje boys were not playing football but got involved in the clash when Ajah boys attempted to escape through their own territory. It was learnt that the incident was also part of a supremacy battle for the control of motor parks in the area. The Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, confirmed that six youths were killed.

Court Orders SSS to Release Terror Suspect, Berende

A Federal High Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, has ordered the State Security Services (SSS) to release a terror suspect, Alhaji Abdullahi Berende, on bail, pending an arraignment before a court of competent jurisdiction. The court, presided over by Justice Olayinka Faji, also said the arrest and detention of Berende without trial since December 17, 2012, under unwholesome condition, control and power of the SSS was illegal, baseless and unconstitutional. The court also held that the continuous detention of Berende in the SSS custody is a gross and flagrant violation of the applicant’s fundamental human rights to freedom of movement. The judge also awarded damages of N1.5m in favour of Berende against the SSS. Berende had on January 13, 2013, sued the Director-General, SSS and Director, SSS, Ilorin and applied before the High Court for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights.

Student Jailed 2 Years for Stealing Blackberry

An Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court on Monday sentenced a 19-year-old student, Oluwaseyifunmi Jolaosho, to two years imprisonment for stealing a blackberry phone valued at N50,000. Jolaosho pleaded guilty to a one- count charge of stealing. The Prosecutor, Augustine Ozimini, said that the convict entered the room of one Miss Olaide Somorin and stole her cell phone, adding that Somorin’s roommate, who saw the convict when he was rushing out of the house, raised an alarm. He said that when Jolaosho was apprehended, the stolen cell phone was found in his possession.

8 Policemen Injured, 47 Youths Nabbed over Ondo Crisis

Eight policemen deployed to quell the uprising that erupted in Ile Oluji area of Ondo state over the desperate plan by some youths to eject the traditional ruler, Oba Suulade Adedugbe from the palace who were critically wounded have been referred to the Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital in Ile Ife for medical attention. They were alleged to have been shot by the violent youths who invaded the Oba’s palace. Meantime, 47 persons have been arrested by the police over the crisis. This is coming as the state government yesterday set up a judicial commission of enquiry to probe the violence that led to the death of three persons. According to the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Dr. Rotimi Adelola, the Judicial Commission of Inquiry is to look into the recent disturbances and crises in Ile Oluji/Oke Igbo LGA of Ondo State.

Poly Students Protest Police Killing of Colleague

Economic and social activities were, Monday, paralysed in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, following demonstration by students of Kwara State Polytechnic over the killing of one of their colleagues by a police escort. An Accountancy student of the polytechnic was feared dead following gun shots from the police escort, leading to violent protests from his colleagues. It was learnt that the student was about to board a vehicle to the school at the Post Office area of the town when he was suddenly shot severally on his legs. He later bled to death. The vehicle which the deceased would have boarded was said to have been stopped by the policeman who was escorting a bank’s bullion van before the suspect suddenly started firing gun shots, which hit the student on his legs severally. The injured student was immediately taken to a nearby private hospital, where he was only given first aid treatment and then referred to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital before he died.

Man, 60, Kills Wife over N500

A 60-year-old man at the Abule-Egba area of Lagos allegedly killed his wife over his missing N500, and locked himself up with the corpse. Fight broke out after the man identified as Gbadebo Elegbede, accused his 17-year-old son of stealing his N500. His wife, Maria, was said to have defended his son, an action that reportedly led to a verbal confrontation with her husband, which degenerated into a scuffle. In the process, Gbadebo was said to have hit his wife with a hard object on the face, causing her to slump. His son, Johnson, was said to have attempted to lift his mother from the floor only to discover that she was motionless and bleeding from the mouth and nose. Johnson reportedly ran out to alert neighbours to come to his mother’s help, but they met the door of the apartment locked from inside, with Gbadebo threatening to kill anyone who attempted to force the door open.

Baker Jailed over Bromate in Bread

The Federal High Court in Osogbo, Osun State, has convicted an Osogbo bread baker, Mr. Afolabi Nurudeen, for obstructing officials of National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in the course of performing their duties. Meanwhile, NAFDAC has impounded counterfeit medicines valued at N59,300,000 in Lagos. Afolabi was said to have attacked NAFDAC Assistant Director, Mrs. Yedunni Adenuga and other officials of the agency, when they found prohibited potassium bromate in his bakery. Delivering his judgment, Justice Babs Kuewumi pronounced that Afolabi was guilty of the offence leveled against him and sentenced him to one year imprisonment with option of four thousand naira.

GENERAL

3 Lebanese Arrested over Hezbollah Arms Cache Uncovered in Kano

The Joint Security Task Force (JTF) in Kano has arrested three Lebanese suspected of owning the large cache of arms recovered at a bunker in the city. Brig.-Gen. Iliyasu Abba, the Brigade Commander, 3rd Brigade, Nigerian Army, said one of the suspects was arrested on Tuesday at a house on Gaya Road in Bompai area of Kano. He said one Abdullahi Hassan Tahir Padalla, who was the owner of the house in which one of the suspect was arrested was still at large. Abba said among the weapons discovered during the operation on Tuesday were 17 AK 47 rifles, 44 magazines, four land mines and 12 RPG bombs, 14 RPG charger, 11 66 mm anti-tanks weapons, one SMG magazine, one pistol and magazine. Also, 11, 433 rounds of 7.26 mm special, 76 hand grenade, rocket propelled guns, 122 calibre artillery and anti-mines weapons were recovered. Director of Department of State Services, DSS, in Kano, Mr. Basses Etang, has said the weapons belong to international terrorist organisation, Hezbollah.

58 Women and Children Detainees Released in North

The military has released 58 women and children held in connection with the Islamist insurgency in the northeast under a peace gesture. The announcement which was made on Friday said twenty women and children were released in Borno, while 38 others in neighbouring Yobe state. The youngest of the children released in Borno state said he was nine years old.  Nigeria has defended the detention of children in connection with the insurgency, saying those held were directly involved in ways such as acting as lookouts and running errands. President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in three northeastern states considered Boko Haram strongholds on May 14, prompting the offensive. Boko Haram has waged its insurgency since 2009, with an estimated 3,600 lives lost, including killings by the security forces.

SSS Vows not to be Deterred by Nasarawa Killings

The Director General of the State Security Services (SSS), Mr. Ita Ekpeyong, has said the SSS will not be deterred by the gruesome killings of 10 of its operatives by suspected members of the Ombatse Cult in Nasarawa State. The DG stressed that the SSS was irrevocably committed to the performance of its sacred security responsibilities of protecting the society against the criminal activities of terrorists and others who were involved in violent crimes in the society. Ekpeyong made this comment at a candle light ceremony held on Saturday in Abuja, in honour of 10 operatives of the service who were killed alongside other security operatives while on a mission to arrest the Head of the Ombatse cult, Alla Agu, at Lakyo community of Nasarawa State on May 7, 2013. A total of 103 persons comprising the 10 SSS operatives, riot policemen and conventional policemen were killed in the operation.

Police Arrest Kidnap Syndicate in Niger

Three suspected kidnappers are now being held in the custody of the Niger State Police Command, following the abduction of an 18-month old baby, Victor Ogbodo, at the Top Medical Road in Tunga Community, Minna. The suspects, Chibuike Ogbodo, Rosemary Ogbodo and Paul Yakubu had, on May 15, sent a text message to the father of the victim, demanding that a ransom of N20,000.00 be sent into a given bank account. But the father of the boy, David Ogbodo Ukwu, reported the incident to the police. It was gathered that one of the suspects, was his younger brother, who has claiming responsibility of the abduction in conjunction with two other suspects, including another female relation.

Boko Haram Killings Continue in Borno – Ndume

Weeks after President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in three Northeastern states, following relentless activities of Boko Haram; the insurgents have not given up on the killing of people in Borno State, which was among the affected states. A senator from the state, Ali Ndume, who gave assessment of security situation in the state in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, yesterday, said the group was still killing people unabated in some parts of the state but said the affected areas were without military presence. Ndume lamented the condition his people were facing at the moment, saying that even getting in touch with them on the phone was impossible, following the severance of communication links in the state by mobile telecommunication operators.

Nasarawa Killing: SSS Retires Director

The State Security Service (SSS) has compulsorily retired its Nasarawa State director, Mr. Haliru Musa, under whose watch ten officers of the Service were murdered in an encounter with members of Ombatse cult group in Alakio village on May 9. It was confirmed that the Director General of the SSS, Mr. Ita Ekpeyong had approved the retirement after the management had confirmed that Haliru was indicted through due process. Contrary to earlier report in an Abuja-based medium, it was confirmed that Haliru was being sent on compulsory retirement rather than being transferred from Nasarawa. It was gathered that the management of the SSS was angry that Haliru took out officers on such expedition without informing the National Headquarters and while also failing to gather enough intelligence.

Military Arrest 5 Nigeriens, 2 Chadians over Terrorism

Defence Headquarters, on Thursday, said five Nigeriens and two Chadians were among the fleeing insurgents apprehended by the Special Forces, as the troops continue their pursuit of terrorists dislodged from their bases.  The man suspected to be leading the group escaped with gunshot wounds. Director, Defence Information, Brigadier-General Chris Olukolade, said the message, in which the leadership of the insurgents called for support from Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as other cohorts, to enable them to fight the troops, was a clear confirmation that they were overwhelmed by the military operations.

JTF Kills Three, Arrests 25 Suspected Terrorists in Maiduguri

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) has arrested a total of 25 insurgents during an operation to foil a planned attack on Maiduguri metropolis. Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Chris Olukolade, who disclosed this on Monday, added that the security forces also killed three of the terror suspects. According to him, those killed included a high profile terror suspect, identified as Abba, who had been on the list of JTF’s most wanted persons. He said, however, that the militants killed an operative of the JTF but were stopped from carrying out their plan to infiltrate the city to carry out attacks. He said various arms and ammunition were recovered from the militants during the encounter with security operatives in some parts of the city.

Lawmakers Approve 14 Years Jail Term for Same Sex Marriage

The House of Representatives, on Thursday, approved 14 years imprisonment for persons who contracted same sex marriage in Nigeria. This was sequel to a clause-by-clause consideration of a Bill for an Act to prohibit marriage or union entered between persons of same sex, at the Committee of the Whole. Introducing the bill, Hon. Albert Sam-Tsokwa said that it sought to achieve a far reaching objective by outlawing same sex marriage and provide punishment for offenders. It also set out a 10-year sentence for “any person who directly or indirectly makes public show of same-sex amorous relationships’’.

NAFDAC, Others Laud Verdict on Killer Baby Mixture

Major stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NFADAC) are celebrating the judgment against Barewa Pharmaceutical Ltd, producer of the controversial My Pikin baby mixture that was said to have caused the death of about 84 children. A Federal High Court in Lagos last week wound up the pharmaceutical company. The Production Manager, Abiodun Adeyemo and the Quality Assurance Manager of the firm, Ebele Austine Eromosele, were sentenced to 14 years jail term on two separate counts. Director General of NAFDAC, Paul Orhii, described the 14-year jail term and confiscation of assets of Barewa Pharmaceuticals as a landmark in NAFDAC’s bid to deal with counterfeiters. The manufacturer used Diethylene Glycol in place of Propylene Glycol in the product.” Counterfeiters and chemical dealers push up their profits by selling the cheaper Diethylene Glycol as Propylene Glycol.

Nigerian Navy Arrests over 40 Ships for Oil Theft

The Nigerian Navy, last weekend, said that it had arrested over 40 vessels for allegedly stealing crude oil. The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Joseph Ezeoba, however, expressed regrets that Navy’s job ended with the arrests as it could not go further to bring the owners to book. The CNS said that many barges used for crude oil theft were also destroyed. He said that the arrests were made throughout the three operational Commands of the Navy during their special operations to consolidate the gains of the Joint Maritime Patrol, “Exercise Farauta.” He said that to sustain this tempo in line with the Presidential mandate to end oil theft, “three OCEA fast patrol boats and NNS ZARIA have been deployed to Brass to beef up the patrol team in the area.

Jonathan Vows Prosecution of Culprits in Sale of Babies

The Federal Government, on Monday, expressed concern over increase in sale of babies in Nigeria and warned that those found guilty of the act would be made to face the wrath of the law. Government said it has also completed arrangement to introduce a free toll line for children to report incidences of abuse against them. President Goodluck Jonathan read the riot act at this year’s Children’s Day celebration in Abuja. The President said the Federal Government was sad over the development and, was doing everything possible to ensure the menace was put in check. Meanwhile, representative of the United Nations Children, Education Funds, UNICEF, Ms. Jean Gough, said because children were the future of any society, it was imperative for all hands to be on desk to secure their future.

INTERNATIONAL

Syrian War Spills into Lebanon

A Shi’ite Muslim district of Beirut was hit by two rockets, driving home the risk of spillover from Syria’s civil war just after the head of Lebanese Shi’ite militant Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, said the group would keep fighting on the Syrian government’s side until victory. This attack is reported to be the first attack to apparently target Hezbollah’s stronghold in the south of the Lebanese capital since the outbreak of the two-year conflict in neighbouring Syria. In another development, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Sheikh Khaled al-Khalifa, said Sunday that the leader of Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah is a “terrorist” who must be stopped. Meanwhile, Twenty-two Hezbollah fighters were killed in the Qusayr battle on Saturday alone, a source close to the Lebanese group said.

Troops Clash with Militant Group Leaves 12 in Southern Philippines

At least seven marines and five militants were killed as troops fought Abu Sayyaf militants in the southern Philippines, the military says. Nine other marines and a number of Abu Sayyaf fighters were wounded. A firefight broke out near the coastal town of Patikul in Sulu province as troops tracked the militants. Abu Sayyaf, an Islamist militant group, has carried out several recent kidnappings. Military spokesman, Brig Gen Domingo Tutaan, said the early morning gun battle raged for an hour in a village on the outskirts of Patikul. The marines were hunting down Abu Sayyaf members, who were believed to be behind recent kidnappings for ransom in the area, he said. These include the abduction of the wife of a marine, who was freed unharmed two days after she was seized, he added. Abu Sayyaf is considered the smallest but the most radical of the extremist movements in the southern Philippines.

16 Children Die in Pakistan Bus Fire

At least 16 children and their teacher have been killed when their school bus caught fire in eastern Pakistan, police say. At least seven more children were taken to hospital after the incident on the outskirts of the city of Gujrat. Police disclosed that a compressed gas cylinder had exploded on the bus after fire broke out. The bus driver is reported to have survived. The children, aged between four and 10, were just a few kilometres from their school in Gujrat when the incident happened. Police officer, Dar Ali Khattak, said the fire was apparently caused by a spark when the driver of the dual-fuel bus switched from gas to petrol.

Female Bomber Injures 18 in Russia

A female suicide bomber blew herself up in the southern Russian region of Dagestan last weekend injuring at least 18, including two children and five police officers, police said. The attacker was later identified as a widow of two Islamic radicals killed by security forces. Dagestan remains an epicentre of violence in the confrontation between Islamic radicals and federal forces. Islamic extremists strive to create an independent Muslim state, or "emirate," in the Caucasus and parts of southern Russia with a sizable Muslim population. The woman was identified as Madina Alieva, 25, who married an Islamist who was killed in 2009 and then wedded another Islamic radical who was gunned down last year. Human rights groups say that abductions, torture and extrajudicial killings of young men suspected of militant links by Russian security forces have helped swell the rebels' ranks.

French Soldier on Patrol Stabbed

A French soldier patrolling a business neighbourhood west of Paris was stabbed in the neck, penultimate Saturday by a man who quickly fled the scene and is being sought by police, President Francois Hollande said. The soldier was patrolling in uniform with two other men as part of France's Vigipirate anti-terrorist surveillance plan when he was approached from behind and stabbed in the neck with a knife or a box-cutter. Pierre-Andre Peyvel, police prefect for the Hauts-de-Seine area, said the soldier had lost a considerable amount of blood but would survive, and was being treated in a nearby military hospital.

Iraq Officials Confirm Attacks Kill 14

A string of attacks killed at least 14 people in Iraq penultimate Sunday, officials said. Iraq has been hit by a wave of bloodshed that has killed some 300 people in the past two weeks alone, raising tensions between the country's Sunni minority and Shiite-led government. Sunday's deadliest attack took place in the northern city of Mosul, where a car bomb went off at a house early in the morning while a joint army-police unit was conducting door-to-door searches. The blast killed three policemen and one soldier, a provincial police officer said. Twenty people, including four civilians, were wounded. Also in Mosul, police said militants gunned down a policeman in his car in the city centre. A policeman was killed in another attack in the northern Waziriya neighbourhood when gunmen in two cars fired on his vehicle, wounding a colleague as well.

Rockets Hit Beirut's Suburbs

Two rockets have hit a district in the southern part of Lebanon's capital, wounding at least five people. Initial reports said one of the rockets landed in the Mar Mikhael district in Beirut on Sunday, while the second fell on a car exhibit on the street. Lebanon's state agency said security forces were looking for a third rocket that fell but did not explode. Marwan Sharbel, the country's interior minister, inspected the scene where the rockets fell, saying they were fired from the southeastern side of the area but that it was too early to know who fired them. Tensions have been running high in Lebanon as Syrian rebels have threatened to retaliate against the Hezbollah group for sending fighters to assist the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the battle to end a two-year revolt against his rule.

Baghdad Bomb Attacks Kill over 50

A wave of bomb attacks in Shia neighbourhoods across Baghdad has killed more than 50 people. Iraqi officials said several parked cars packed with explosives detonated in areas of the city, killing and wounding dozens. Police and hospital officials reported deadly explosions in the largely Shia neighbourhoods of Sabi al Boor, Bayaa, Kazimiyah, Sadria, and al Maalif, where six people were killed and 12 wounded when back-to-back blasts hit an open air market. Another bombing struck the busy commercial Sadoun Street in central Baghdad. Five civilians were killed while four policemen who were in a nearby checkpoint were among the wounded. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Monday's attacks, but they bore the hallmarks of al Qaeda's Iraqi arm.

Bombings Kill 27 in Surging Iraqi Violence

Car bombs and roadside explosions hit mainly Sunni Muslim districts of the Iraqi capital and a northern city on Wednesday, killing at least 27 people. The bombings were the latest in a wave of attacks since April that has intensified fears Iraq is sliding into serious sectarian conflict. Two car bombs and a roadside bomb exploded near busy markets in south-western and western Baghdad on Wednesday evening, killing at least 25 people and wounding another 72, police and medical officials said. Two roadside bombs also went off outside a sports stadium in the city of Baquba, about 50 km (30 miles) northeast of Baghdad, killing two football players and wounding another nine people, police and local officials said. No group claimed responsibility for Wednesday's attacks.