Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 50

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Oil Spill from Agip’s Terminal Hits Coastline

Crude oil discharged into the Atlantic Ocean at Agip’s export terminal has hit the shoreline in Bayelsa State. It was gathered that the spill, which occurred penultimate Thursday, spread to the coastline at the weekend. Residents of Odioama, a coastal community along the Atlantic shoreline, disclosed that fishermen and members of the community noticed the spill on Friday in the high seas. According to the residents, tidal currents eventually conveyed the oil deposits to the coastline where it littered the shoreline. Chief Francis Ikagi, the Chairman, Odioama council of chiefs, said on Tuesday that the thick coating of crude, which covered the waters, had spread into Odioama creeks and St Nicholas River in Brass LGA of Bayelsa State.

Bodies of Drowned Soldiers Recovered in Bayelsa

Bodies of three soldiers, who died after a boat disaster along Nembe waterways in Bayelsa State, have been recovered by local divers. A top security source identified the victims as two privates and one corporal. The source, said the Company Commander, identified also by his rank of a Captain, and the boat driver were able to swim to safety. But the Media Coordinator, Joint Task Force, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, said he had yet to get confirmation on the recovery of the bodies. The soldiers, who were attached to the Sector 2 command of JTF, drowned close to Obiaku community when their boat capsized last week. The soldiers were said to be on “a routine change” when the boat they were travelling in turned inside out.

Police Nab Flour Truck with Illegally Refined Diesel

A Dangote Flour truck carrying illegally bunkered diesel has been intercepted in Bayelsa by Security Operatives. The interception was the outcome of a random search of trucks leaving Yenagoa, undertaken by the state security outfit, Doo-Akpor group. The 50ft wide Dangote truck was loaded with what looks like flour from a distance, but upon investigation it was discovered that each bag of the supposed Golden Penny Flour was in fact loaded with over 50 litres of illegally bunkered diesel products.Further investigation revealed that the truck was loaded with over 75 bags of the illegally bunkered diesel products.The driver of the truck absconded leaving his conductor and another passenger.

Obiano Declared Anambra Governor-Elect

The candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Willie Obiano, in the just concluded Anambra State governorship election has emerged the governor-elect.
With the conclusion of the supplementary poll, Obiano polled a total of 180, 178 votes to PDP's Tony Nwoye who came second with 97,200 votes. While APC's Senator Chris Ngige came third with 95,963 votes. Although, there was heavy presence of security personnel from the military, police and civil defence across the state, especially in the affected areas, voter turnout was generally low.

16 Pregnant Girls Rescued from “Baby Factory”

Sixteen pregnant teenagers, between the ages of 14 and 19, have been rescued from what the Nigeria police described as a "baby factory" operated by a fake medical doctor in Imo State. Police Commissioner, Mohamed Katsina said that the arrest was made at Ezuma Women and Children Rights Protection Initiative (EWCRPI), a registered non-profit group. He asserted that for years that orphanage existed and its registration status had shielded its nefarious activities from the security operatives. The police chief said the rescued girls are between the ages of 14 and 19. The girls, he added, were recruited by one James Ezuma, a fake medical doctor already standing trial over allegations of owning a gun-running business.

Truck Rams into Classroom, Kills 7 School Children in Abia State

Seven school children were killed in Aba, Abia state when a truck rammed into their classroom. A part of the school, The Glorious International Academy, was also destroyed when the truck driver who had lost control of his vehicle and rammed it into a classroom. Fifteen other students sustained injuries. The truck was alleged to be enroute to Ovom waterside to evacuate sand before the incident occurred. Witness accounts state that the incident occurred while students were having their devotional prayers. The classroom floor was littered with broken desks and plates mixed with blood lost. The truck had collided with the classroom just before they were to have their end of the year party.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

JTF Shuts Illegal Distillation Camp in Delta

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta has said it has shut down 134 illegal crude refineries and seized two barges used by oil thieves. The statement said further that JTF operatives shut down an illegal crude oil distillation camp at Orhobo village in Jesse, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta. “A suspected oil thief was caught ‘in the act’ at Odidi II, near Takula in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta. The suspect and the items recovered from him have been taken to JTF custody for preliminary investigations. The statement also said a wooden barge and two wooden boats conveying unascertained quantity of adulterated AGO were seized during patrols in Alakri-Okirika waterways in the Okirika LGA of Rivers.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Navy Seizes Boats with Illegally Refined Diesel

The Nigerian Navy operating at Igbokoda, in Ondo State, has arrested two boats laden with 13, 575 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (diesel) at the Agadagba in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of the state. Spokesman for the Navy Command, Capt. Nji Onwuegbu, told journalists on Monday that the arrest took place on Thursday, November 28, during a joint patrol of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating and the Nigeria Police Force in the area. He said the operation was part of the formation’s efforts towards putting a stop to crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering activities along the nation’s waterways. Onwuegbu commended members of the public who had been assisting the navy with useful information on the activities of criminal elements.

Cameroonian Arrested in Nigeria for Human Trafficking

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Zone A, has arrested a Cameroonian, Capie Fagé, for allegedly attempting to traffic four Nigerian women to Cameroon. The Assistant Comptroller General in charge of the zone, Joseph Olaitan, disclosed that Fagé and the ladies were arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The ladies aged between 21 and 23, could not explain what they were going to do in Cameroon at the time of their arrest. Olaitan warned Nigerians, especially youths, not to be too desperate to leave the country so as not to fall victims to traffickers. Immigration has been seriously concerned with human trafficking. Olaitan said the suspects would be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and other related matters (NAPTIP) for further investigation. The ladies, however, denied being trafficked, adding that they were travelling to Cameroon to visit a friend.

Mother Burns Daughter with Hot Iron

A mother of four, identified as Mrs Maxwell, has been arrested by the police for allegedly assaulting her daughter, Blessing, with a hot pressing iron. Blessing, a primary school pupil, was allegedly assaulted last Monday by her mother for licking the baby’s food. It was gathered that the incident came to light after a neighbour called the authorities of her school to complain about Blessing’s condition. Two of Blessing’s younger siblings, who were in school, were reportedly questioned about Blessing’s health and they eventually opened up, accusing their mother of using a hot pressing iron on Blessing. The Head Teacher of the school, accompanied by some other employees of the school, was said to have visited Blessing at home and found her in a terrible condition. It was gathered that both mother and child were picked up by officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation after the school authorities alerted the ministry.

Man Arraigned in Court over Rape of 12-Year-Old Girl

A 50-year-old man, Tajudeen Omole, has been arraigned before an Osogbo chief magistrate’s court for allegedly having carnal knowledge of a 12-year-old girl. The accused person was said to have committed the offence on November 27, 2013. It was reliably gathered that the accused went to the house of the victim to ask after her sister, who he claimed was his friend. The sister was not in the house and the accused cunningly lured the girl into her room where he allegedly defiled her. It was further gathered that although the girl attempted to scream for help, she was over powered. She, thereafter, reported the case to those she found around the house. The suspect was later arrested by the residents, who handed him over to the police. Presiding magistrate, Mr. Olusola Aluko, in his ruling ordered that the accused be remanded in Ilesha prison while counsel to the accused is to file a formal application for his bail.

Hit-and-Run Driver Kills Two in Lagos

A commercial bus driver, identified as Awe Idowu, killed two persons and injured another in a hit-and-run accident in Lagos last weekend. Idowu was said to have hit his first victim around Ladi-Lak, Bariga, but he refused to stop. Some commercial buses and motorcycle riders were said to have chased him and while he accelerated to avoid them, he crushed another motorcycle rider, Samson Akinwale, who was carrying a passenger around the Moshalashi Bus Stop. While the passenger had a cut to his cheek, 28-year-old Akinwale was said to have collapsed. Policemen from the Bariga Police Station were said to have arrived at the scene and saved him from the swelling crowd of motorcycle riders, area boys and residents. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, confirmed the accident and the arrest of the driver.

NDLEA Arrests Two Suspects with Bags of Hemp

The Ogun State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two suspects for allegedly being in possession of 1.8 tonnes of cannabis sativa, popularly known as Indian hemp hidden in 40 bags. The suspects were arrested at Ayepe in Odogbolu LGA of the state in a white Mercedes Benz truck in which the bags of drug were concealed. Parading the two suspects, the NDLEA State Commander, Bala Fagge, said the men were arrested by the agency’s operatives conducting surveillance in that part of the state. Fagge explained that the breakthrough was as a result of the intensive war the agency launched against illicit drug planting and trafficking in the state. He disclosed that over 60 hectares of farmlands planted with cannabis sativa in different parts of the state had been discovered and destroyed in the last two months.

NDLEA Arrests Businessman with Illicit drugs

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a Nigerian businessman for attempting to smuggle 2.390kg methamphetamine to South Africa. The arrest was made at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, during screening of Arik Air passengers to South Africa. The suspect, Raphael Otti, 36, allegedly told investigators that he came to Nigeria for prayers of business breakthrough. NDLEA Commander at the Airport, Hamza Umar, said the drug was detected at the luggage checking desk. According to Hamza, “the drug was concealed at both sides of the bag. It was a good mode of concealment but not good enough to escape our notice. We have commenced investigation, the suspect will be charged to court for unlawful exportation.”

Tension Mounts in Akure over Attempt to Cut Sacred Tree

The disquiet in Akure over the mourning rites of the late monarch, the Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, continued Wednesday as tension enveloped Isikan area of the Ondo State capital. The monarch died last week Sunday at the age of 63. Tension had been brewing in the town following the clash between the youths of two quarters, Isolo and Akure, over the observance of mourning rites. The Isolo youths have been resisting the moves by Akure youths to impose the mourning rites of the late monarch on the entire town, arguing that they were not under the rule and control of the late monarch. It was gathered that the latest tension arose over the alleged resolve of the Akure community to cut the sacred Ose tree in front of the palace of the Iralepo of Isikan, Oba Joseph Olu Ojo, as part of the traditional funeral rites for the late monarch. According to the tradition, once the tree is cut, it means that Isikan has a new Oba or that the Oba had joined his ancestors.

Kidnappers Seize Corps Member in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has commenced investigation into the kidnap of a 29-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ayobami Jaiyeola. A relative of the victim said that Ayobami left her two phones and handbag behind in the house at the time of her kidnap. It was learnt that on Wednesday afternoon, a man, who refused to identify himself, called the victim’s elder sister, concerning the girl’s whereabouts. The victim, who graduated from the University of Maryland in the United States, was said to have returned to the country in January for her youth service. The victim’s brother-in-law, Bosun Ayinde, confirmed that kidnappers had contacted the family. Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, said the police had commenced investigation into the matter.

NSCDC Closes Illegal Private Security Firms

The Oyo State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has sealed off six illegal private security companies in Ibadan. The Public Relations Officer of the command, Oluwole Olusegun, disclosed that that NSCDC’s monitoring of the activities of private security companies in the state led to the uncovering of the illegal companies. The agency’s commandant in the state, Shem Obafaiye, warned the public against patronising illegal security companies because of the danger inherent in such practice, calling on those operating illegal outfits to desist from doing so as they risk prosecution by the Federal Government.

Retired Soldier Shoots Son Dead, Flees

The police in Akure are on the trail of a retired Army Major, Desilva Adedipe, who allegedly shot his son to death on Tuesday during an argument over the payment of electricity bills. It was learnt that Desilva and his son had the argument after the former discovered that Ayo had not been paying the bills for which money was given to him. The argument reportedly degenerated and Desilva allegedly brought out a gun and shot his son. Police Spokesman, Wole Ogodo, confirmed the incident, noting that the wife of the deceased reported the incident to the Police on Tuesday. He said the body of the 24-year-old Ayo had been recovered by the police.

GENERAL

DHQ Recommends 500 Terror Suspects for Trial

The Joint Investigation Team set up by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has recommended for immediate trial, over 500 suspects apprehended during security operations against terrorists in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa States. A statement by the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brig-Gen. Chris Olukolade, which announced the decision, said the   suspects, who are members of Boko Haram, would be tried by the Federal High Court and state high courts. Olukolade said the suspects were among about 1,400 detainees screened by the team at detention facilities in Maiduguri, Yola and Damaturu between July and September. Also among those recommended for trial are a medical doctor, paramilitary or service personnel who were fighting on the side of the terrorists and other individuals who offered direct logistics support to the insurgents.

Boko Haram Lay Siege in Maiduguri, Attack NAF Base

Suspected Boko Haram terrorist unleashed deadly attacks in Maiduguri, Borno State on Monday, leading to the death of two military personnel and 24 insurgents. The attacks further lead to the destruction of three decommissioned military aircraft, two helicopters and property worth millions of naira, which were burnt during the onslaught. Owing to the siege, military authorities and the Borno State Government slammed a 24-hour curfew on the city and its environs. The attack forced the shutdown of the Maiduguri International Airport. Four civilians/residents in Kofa outskirts of Gomari Airport ward were shot dead by the insurgents as they tried to escape through Kofa village> Two Michika youths operating a patent medicine store were also slaughtered by the terrorists. The Defence Headquarters confirmed that deadly attacks were carried out by the members of Boko Haram sect against various military locations in Maiduguri, including the NAF base. However, the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brig-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said that the situation had been normalised and flights to Maiduguri, had resumed.

Boko Haram: Borno Declares 24-hour Curfew in Maiduguri

The Borno government on Monday imposed a 24-hour curfew on Maiduguri metropolis following an attack by suspected members of the Boko Haram sect in some parts of the state capital. Alhaji Ahmed Jidda, the Secretary to the State Government, announced the decision in a statement released to newsmen in Maiduguri. The statement said that the curfew was imposed in consultation with the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri. “During the period of curfew, government pleads with all citizens to remain calm. “Only vehicles on emergency calls and essential services are allowed to move while the curfew will be lifted as soon as situation improves,” it added.

Nigerian Police Collaborates with FBI on Intelligence Training

The Nigerian Police Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Frank Mba, has stated that the series of reforms and the State of Emergency declared on the force by the Inspector-General has yielded positive results as the Police College Ikeja had been turned around to a modern Police Academy. Mba said that the Police have been working with the Federal Government and certain corporate organizations in fulfilment of their Corporate Social Responsibilities. Emphasis was laid on Police Intelligence Training as Mba stated that this was the area in which the current reforms have done excellently well. He disclosed that the police, since February, had been able to train about 1,500 intelligence operatives in collaboration with the FBI and other secret Police organisations across the world.

Nigerian Army, US Army Engineers Partner on Flood Management

The Nigerian Army is set to partner with the United States Army Corps of Engineers in flood management and dredging in the country. The Commander, Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers, Maj.-Gen. Funsho Owonibi,  that The Chief of Army Staff had expressed his confidence in the corps of engineers and involved the corps in most direct labour projects in the army to prove our competence. Owonibi also listed some projects in which the corps had aided the civil authority in Nigeria to include the construction of roads and bridges in various communities, clearance of NNPC right of way for pipelines, building of floating bridges and support to flood victims in Jalingo and Sokoto, as well as the rehabilitation of the Police College Ikeja. The COAS, Lt. Gen Azubuike Ihejirika, also urged army commanders and troops to maintain equipment and facilities that had been entrusted to them.

NAFDAC Apprehends Drug Counterfeiter

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has nabbed a trader, Chijioke Nwagu, for allegedly manufacturing and selling of counterfeit medicines in Lagos. Director- General NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, said Nwagu after mixing the concoction, dispensed same into empty bottles and labelled them as Tutolin with Codeine cough syrup. The suspect’s wife, Jane, an accomplice was also arrested as she was in the house where the illegal drug production was carried out. The Agency also intercepted a 20ft container of pharmaceuticals, No MSKU 7873861 imported by NGOD’s Success Ventures, Lagos. According to the NAFDAC boss, the importer gave a fraudulent name on the consignment’s bill of lading, which was purported to have originated from Pakistan. Investigation however revealed that the consignment originated from China counterfeit pharmaceuticals estimated at N54,702,500.

Senate Confirms NDDC’s New Board

The Senate on Wednesday in Abuja confirmed the new board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Bassey Ewa-Henshaw was confirmed as the chairman, while Bassey Dan-Abia was confirmed as Managing Director. Twelve 12 others were confirmed as members of the board. Senate President David Mark cautioned senators against sacrificing merit on the altar of local politics. He said that the appointees were qualified for the jobs.

Military Restores Phone Service in Maiduguri

Nigeria's military has restored the mobile phone service in Maiduguri, Borno state. This comes a day after a major raid by Boko Haram terrorists. The phones services were cut-off in May when a state of emergency was declared in the area, a move the military said would help block Boko Haram from coordinating attacks in the north-eastern city. Defence spokesman, Chris Olukolade, confirmed the restoration of mobile network operations, saying that the decision was made because the situation on the ground was conducive to phone services being restored. Maiduguri had been the epicentre of the four-year Boko Haram insurgency, which has killed thousands. The city had become safer in recent months and the military claimed the Islamist rebels had been largely chased out of their historic stronghold.

Airport Shut Down as Plane Blocks Runway

The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, was last Thursday, shut to air traffic by the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) following the blockade of the runway by a Saudi Airline Cargo plane. It was has gathered that the plane which landed around 9pm on Wednesday developed a minor problem after landing, and blocked the runway. Owing to the development, NAMA issued a notice to Airmen on Thursday morning of a temporary closure of the airport, pending when the problem is corrected. The development has affected both incoming and outbound planes, leaving passengers stranded at different airports across the country.

INTERNATIONAL

Libya Deports 360 Egyptians with Fake Visas

The Libyan Information Agency said on Monday that the government had repatriated 360 Egyptian nationals, who entered the country with fake visas. The agency said the Egyptians were arrested at the Misrata International Airport, after they disembarked from two flights from Egypt. The airport authorities said the illegal migrants were repatriated via the same flights. Libya faces a huge influx of foreign workers from different countries, who enter the country illegally through its vast borders or with fake visas.

US Deploys New Submarine-Hunting Jets in Japan

The spokesman for the US Navy, on Monday, said the first advanced P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft had arrived in Japan and its deployment would upgrade America’s ability to hunt submarines. The deployment, planned before China last month established an air defence zone covering islands controlled by Japan and claimed by Beijing, includes six aircraft to be delivered to Kadena Air Base on Okinawa this month. The first patrol aircraft arrived on Sunday, a spokesman for the US Navy disclosed that the mission in the waters west of Japan’s main islands would be the new aircraft’s first anywhere. The jet, built by Boeing Co based on its 737 passenger plane, is to replace the aging propeller-powered Lockheed Martin P-3 Orion patrol aircraft, which has been in service for 50 years. Packed with the latest radar equipment and armed with torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, the P-8 could fly further and stay out on mission longer than the P-3.

Police Disperse Thai Protesters

Thai Prime Minister, Yingluck Shinawatra, said on Monday she would “open every door” to find a peaceful solution to the current political crisis, as thousands of protesters took to the streets of the capital seeking to topple her government. She said that police would not use force against the protesters. The violence is the latest twist in a conflict pitting Bangkok’s middle class and royalist elite against the mostly poor, rural supporters of Yingluck and her brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, a populist former prime minister, who was ousted in a military coup in 2006 and lives in self-imposed exile. After using round upon round of teargas on Sunday to repel the protesters, police stepped up their response on Monday.

Four Killed in Afghanistan Suicide Bombing

Four Afghans were killed and 17 others wounded when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives-laden truck in front of a government office in south-eastern Afghanistan early Monday morning, authorities said. All of the victims were government employees arriving for work when the attack took place on the compound in Wardak province, authorities said. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said.

Thai Court Orders Arrest of Opposition Leader

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, dismissed calls by protesters for her to step down by Tuesday, saying she was open to talks to resolve demonstrations against her government that turned violent over the weekend.  Yingluck said in a televised news conference that it would be unconstitutional for her to step down and that the door was open for negotiations. The leader of the anti-government demonstrations, Suthep Thaugsuban, on Sunday urged the democratically elected Yingluck to resign, saying he was giving her two days to “return power to the people unconditionally.” Suthep, a former deputy prime minister for the opposition Democrat Party, has called for power to be transferred to an unelected “people’s council.” But Yingluck, who survived a no confidence vote in Parliament last week, is refusing to budge despite weeks of protests in the streets of the capital, Bangkok. Monday evening, a Thai court issued an arrest warrant for Suthep on charges of treason.

Somali PM Ousted

The Prime Minister of Somalia, Abdi Farah Shirdon, was ousted by parliament Monday amid a bitter power struggle within the internationally-backed government that could undermine efforts to rebuild the war-torn nation and tackle Islamist rebels. Abdi Farah Shirdon lost a confidence vote in parliament after he resisted President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s demand that he resign. The speaker of Parliament, Mohamed Osman Jawari, said that Shirdon and his government will continue with their work until a new prime minster and a cabinet is nominated. Shirdon, who left the parliament building before the vote, lashed out at the vote and complained he had been barred from making a speech in his defence. It was hailed as offering the best chance for peace in a generation, replacing a transitional leadership mired by ineffectiveness and rampant corruption.

Libyans Demonstrate against Insecurity

Inhabitants of Durna, located 1,200 east of Tripoli on Monday took to the streets to protest against the insecurity in the town. The protesters complained against the lack of state security structures and the presence of armed groups in the town. They urged the state to impose its sovereignty on Durna by reactivating all the military and security services, in a bid to end the killings, kidnappings and other acts of violence that have rocked this town of 80,000 inhabitants lately. They added that the country’s revolution had ended, calling on armed groups of former rebels to surrender their weapons and leave the town.

UN Begins Drone Surveillance in DR Congo

The UN mission in Democratic Republic of Congo has started to deploy surveillance drones to monitor rebel activity along the borders with Rwanda and Uganda. This is the first time any UN mission has deployed drones. The first two to be deployed are made by an Italian firm, Selex ES. The UN force in DR Congo, the world’s largest, played a key role last month in defeating one rebel group but several other militias still operate. A robust new UN intervention brigade used helicopters to support the Congolese army against the M23 rebels. Mineral-rich eastern DR Congo has been wracked by conflict for the past two decades but the defeat of the M23 has raised some hopes of a more stable future. Both Rwanda and Uganda have denied repeated accusations that they supported the M23.

34 Killed as Mozambique Airlines Plane Crashes in Namibia

A Mozambique Airlines plane en route to Angola crashed in a game park in northeast Namibia killing all 34 people on board, Namibian police said. Flight TM 470 left Maputo on Friday for the Angolan capital of Luanda with 28 passengers and six crew members on board when it lost contact with air traffic controllers. Namibian Police Force Deputy Commissioner, Willy Bampton, said rescue workers had found burned-out wreckage of the aircraft in the dense bush of Bwabwata National Park, near the borders with Angola and Botswana. A Bwabwata game ranger at the scene said the plane’s black boxes, including the voice recorder, had been located and taken by investigators. Namibia’s aircraft investigation unit launched a helicopter search for the plane on Friday but called it off because of heavy rain, an investigator said.

Man Kills Wife, Son with Crossbow

A South Florida man killed his wife and son with a crossbow, drove 460 miles to try and kill his other son, and then slit his own throat. The violent, long-distance rampage took Pedro Maldonado Sr. from one end of the state to the other. Detectives believe Maldonado shot and killed his 47-year-old wife, Monica Narvaez-Maldonado, and their 17-year-old son, Pedro Maldonado Jr., with a crossbow in their Weston townhouse sometime on Monday. The sheriff’s report says Maldonado, 53, then drove about 460 miles north to Tallahassee in an attempt to kill his older son, José Maldonado, with the same handheld crossbow, but the arrow hit Jose’s ear. Dani Moschella, a spokeswoman for the sheriff’s department, said that José Maldonado never reported the attack to police, but it was his father’s confession to a friend on Tuesday that set authorities on his trail, but found him also dead in his room.

UN Approves Military Intervention in CAR

The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution authorizing military action in the Central African Republic (CAR). The body unanimously approved a text calling for the restoration of security and protection of civilians.  The 15-member council adopted the resolution allowing French and African Union troops to use force if necessary to protect civilian lives in the country. Members of the council also asked UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to set up an inquiry into human rights abuses in the Central African Republic. The UN reached the decision after armed clashes in the capital Bangui on Thursday resulted in numerous casualties. It was the most significant attack inside the capital since the Seleka rebel coalition seized power in March. Michel Djotodia, who came to power in a coup five months ago, was to be inaugurated as president on Sunday. The United Nations says the country is on the brink of collapse.

100 000 Ethiopians Repatriated from Saudi Arabia

Ethiopian Foreign Ministry said, on Thursday, that it had repatriated over 100 000 of its citizens from Saudi Arabia following a violent crackdown against illegal immigrants in the oil-rich kingdom. Ethiopian Foreign Minister, Tedros Adhanom, said that up to 50 000 more citizens were still expected to return home. Ethiopia started repatriating its citizens from Saudi Arabia last month after a seven-month amnesty period for undocumented immigrants expired, sparking violent protests between Ethiopian migrants and Saudi police. Repatriation efforts have been "successful so far", the foreign ministry said. Large numbers of Ethiopians leave the country every year looking for work abroad, often in the Middle East. In October, Ethiopia said it was banning nationals from moving to the Middle East for work after reports of maltreatment.

Suicide Bomber Kills 20 at Yemen's Defence Ministry

Yemen's Defence Ministry compound in the capital Sanaa, was on Thursday, attacked, leading to the death of least 20 persons, including foreign medical staff. Medical sources said the gunmen targeted the medical personnel on duty, killing as many as four doctors and four nurses. No one claimed responsibility for the attack, but a Yemeni expert on Islamist militant affairs said the "suicide nature of the attack" pointed to al Qaeda. Yemen has been grappling with al Qaeda-linked militants who have repeatedly attacked government officials and installations over the past two years. The attack on Thursday began as ministry employees were arriving for work when a vehicle exploded at the compound's gate, two sources inside the ministry said. Medics and a Defence Ministry official said the gunmen pulled a Western doctor and a Filipina nurse into the hospital's courtyard and shot them in front of local staff. Yemeni President, Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, has ordered an investigation into the attack.