Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 11

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Three Killed as Cultists go on Rampage in Nsukka

Two rival cult groups in Nsukka, Enugu State, in reprisal attacks, clashed and killed three people including a student of University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), a driver attached to Enugu State Transport Company (ENTRACO) and one other notorious cult member. The rival cult groups have reportedly been attacking, maiming and hacking each other to death in the slightest simmering differences for several years. One of the victims, Ndubuisi Eze, was shot dead by an unidentified cult group, while his head was cut off and laid behind his lifeless body. Investigations revealed that the deceased Ndubuisi had been on the wanted list of the other rival cult group over an alleged involvement in several killings, kidnap, and robbery, among others. The Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ebere Amarizu said the perpetrators were suspected cult gangs in Nsukka and assured that the police were on the case.

Kidnappers of Bayelsa Chief Reject N30million Ransom

The kidnappers of Chief Inengite Nitabai, President Goodluck Jonathan’s uncle, have allegedly rejected the N30 million offered by his family as ransom for his freedom. A former lecturer at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Chief Nitabai was abducted penultimate Sunday at his Otuoke country home in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State by 10 armed men. The kidnapped chief is the traditional head of President Jonathan’s compound. Nitabai, reports said, has been acting like a father to the president since Jonathan’s biological father died. The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) worldwide has warned Nitabai’s family that no ransom should be paid to the kidnappers. The IYC described the action of the kidnappers as a crime, which the council would not condone. The abductors are demanding N500 million as ransom. The state Police spokesman, Alex Akhigbe, disclosed that security operatives deployed in the creeks are making progress in their search for the kidnapped chief.

Kidnapped PDP Chieftains Regain Freedom

Men of the anti-kidnapping unit of the Rivers State Police Command, Thursday, rescued the three chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who were abducted penultimate Wednesday. Hon. Chinyere Igwe, a  former member of the House of Representatives; Ikechi Chinda, PDP chairman of the  Port Harcourt City LGA, and Allwell Ihunwo, a party chieftain, were all  abducted by unknown gunmen at the premises of Derail Hotel located in the Eagle Island area of Port Harcourt. Although the details were still sketchy by press time, the trio were said to have been moved to their various residences with their family, friends, and political associates expressing gratitude over their release. The state Commissioner of Police, Tunde Johnson Ogunsakin, confirmed their release. Ogunsakin however, assured the family of the abducted politicians and the people of the state that the perpetrators are only living on borrowed time and they shall be arrested in due time.

Vehicle Crushes 7 Pupils in Anambra

A Toyota Camry lost control on Thursday and ran into some secondary school pupils at the Umuokpu Junction along the old Onitsha-Enugu Expressway, Awka, Anambra State. The victims were mostly pupils of the Community Secondary School, Umuokpu, and Union Secondary School, Amawbia. No fewer than seven of them were feared dead, while 10 others were critically injured in the accident. The car also rammed into the people selling fruits and recharge cards and left several traders injured. Sympathisers were seen trying to rescue the victims. In the confusion, the driver of the car, who also sustained injury, escaped from the scene. Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps arrived 20 minutes after the accident, but the victims had been taken to nearby hospitals.

Police Clamp Down on Fake Prophets over Fraud

The Rivers State Police Command has begun a clampdown of fake prophets that have been duping unsuspecting members of the public of large sums of money and properties. Recently, the police arrested two brothers that operate under the guise of being ‘men of God’ to dupe a business man in the state. Police sources said a resident of the State who had fallen prey to one of the false prophets, was lured into a false scheme through his wife by the operator of a Church headed by one Prophet Victory Ibe. According to the sources, after being arrested by the Police, Ibe confessed to being a perpetual dupe and that he has always had in his possession, a pro-forma change of ownership which he uses to make people part with their properties. The State Command Police spokesman, Ahmad K. Muhammad, DSP, who confirmed the story lamented that the fraudsters masquerading as prophets, prey on the gullible members of the public through the use of false prophesy and divine pronouncements.

Truck Kills 7-Year-Old Pupil, Injures Two Others

Tragedy struck Primary School Atimbo, Calabar Municipal Council on Wednesday when an empty truck killed one of its pupils, Gideon Patrick, 7, who was returning home after the official closing time. The truck which was descending the Atimbo hill lost its way and rammed into a nearby building to knock down two other school children inside the compound. The duo, David Onoyom, 4, and Daniel Emmanuel Ekanem, were rushed to the hospital. The truck, allegedly owned by EDANNOK Nigeria Ltd, had a brake failure while descending the hill.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

JTF Arrests Eight Suspected Oil Thieves in Edo, Delta

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, penultimate Sunday said it arrested eight suspected oil thieves and destroyed 17 illegal refineries in multiple raids. The Media Coordination of JTF, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, said the anti-oil theft raids were conducted from February 11 to February 18. He said the JTF troops in Edo and Delta destroyed five illegal oil distillation sites and 40 boats and seized 300 metal tanks, 64 plastic storage tanks, 72 drums and 68 cooking ovens. He added that four pumping machines and one Lister Generator were seized at Warri South-West LGA of Delta State. The spokesman said the troops also intercepted a locally made tug boat conveying 30 drums of stolen petroleum at Ajide on Benin River in Edo State. He said six suspects were arrested during the operation. Nwachukwu also disclosed that JTF troops patrolling the waterways and creeks on Soku-Ofumakiri, Bolo, Oloma and Isaka in Rivers State, destroyed four illegal refineries.

Cult War Claim 8 Lives in Edo

A renew cult clash has claimed the lives of eight persons across Edo State. While two were killed in Ekpoma, six persons were allegedly shot dead in Benin City. A 500 level student of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Osajie Osamudiamen, was allegedly shot at close range at a night club in Ekpoma. A source disclosed that Osajie who until his death, was the head of a cult group, had an issue with a rival cult group which was said to have been settle before he was killed. Another casualty in the renew cult clash is a graduating female student of AAU who was said to have been poured acid on the face.

Warri Women Protest Power Blackout, Market Demolition

Scores of aggrieved women in Warri, on Monday, as scores of them took to the streets in protest over worrisome power outage in Iyara layout of the city, while market women at the Ogbuwangwe Market whose makeshift shops and wares were wrecked by bulldozers gave vent to tears as they disrupted traffic flow. It took intervention of soldiers drafted in to prevent chaos as hoodlums attempted to hijack the peaceful protest. One of the power blackout protesters lamented that after nearly two years of paying bills for light, they had not consumed; they were compelled to let the world know their problem. Simultaneously, market women at the Ugbuwangwe Market, joined by youths of the community, moved against bulldozers which stormed the market at dawn same day, wiping out all makeshift shops on the fringe of the completed but yet-to-be commissioned lockup shops built by the State Government.

Ekpoma Residents Lament Alleged Release of Kidnap Suspects

There are indications of restiveness in the University town of Ekpoma in Esan West LGA of Edo State over alleged sudden release of two out of six kidnap suspects arrested in the town. It was gathered that the suspects were said to have allegedly confessed to the crime while in police detention. According to an Ukpenu-Ekpoma community leader, Chief Fred Oshodin, sooner after they were, the cases of kidnapping resumed in an alarming dimension. The community leader, who blamed the Police for what he termed the shoddy investigations, claimed that the state Ministry of Justice did not help matters in allegedly recommending their release. He warned that unless something was done, residents might be forced to resort to self-help to deal with the activities of the kidnappers.

Protesting Youths Sack NDDC Staff in Edo State

Protesting Bini youths Wednesday sealed up the premises of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Benin City, Edo state capital after sacking staff of the Commission, declaring that the delay in the appointment of the state representative in the board of the NDDC is impeding development in the oil producing communities in Edo South. They appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to jettison the politics of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and appoint Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s nominee in the NDDC board. The protest which commenced at about 7am created panic in the area when staff of the NDDC took to their heels when the hundreds of youths storm the premises of the commission.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Robbers Storm Church for Offering, Kill Two Policemen

A gang of robbers invaded Vine Branch Church in Ibadan, Oyo State on Sunday, killing two policemen. Some church members also sustained injuries as they attempted to flee the scene. It was gathered that the robbers attacked the church to snatch offering and tithe boxes. The robbers were said to have pretended to be worshippers as they joined the congregation during the service. It was learnt that they struck soon after the offerings were collected. It was gathered that a van with some bank officers and two policemen drove into the church immediately the offerings were collected to take them to safety. Bu the bankers were attacked by the robbers, but they later realised that he had not taken possession of the money. Realising that they had made a failed attempt, the robbers shot killed the policemen in the van and took away their rifles. The driver was, however, spared because one of the robbers was said to have observed that he was not a policeman. The Police Public Relations Officer Oyo State Police Command, Olabisi Ilobanafor, confirmed the incident.

Police Nab Female Cultist for Arranging Gang-Rape of Friend

The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ambrose Aisabor, Thursday, paraded a female student of the College of Technology, Offa, Mary Awolola, alleged to be a cultist, for allegedly luring her friend to be gang-raped by five of her cult members. Mary confessed that she was also gang-raped much earlier by four boys before she was initiated into the cult group. She said she lured her friend to be raped because she refused to join them in spite of the pressure mounted on her. According to the CP, Awolola was arrested on February 22, 2014 at Rondo area in Offa where five boys of the same school gang-raped the victim. The commissioner also paraded a robbery suspect, Bala Mohammed, who has been terrorising the people of Kwara North with his group. The police boss said luck ran out of him and his gang when his vehicle, with four occupants, was intercepted for routine check by officers of the Federal High Patrol.

Hoodlums Attack Police Van, Release Suspect from Custody

Some hoodlums attacked a police patrol team at the Apata area of Somolu last Saturday and allegedly freed a notorious cultist, simply identified as Friday. The five policemen attached to the Alade Police Division, were said to be on patrol of some streets in Somolu, Lagos State. The policemen were said to have chased a drug dealer to an uncompleted building, where they found Friday, a wanted man. They cuffed him by the hand and leg to one of the seats in the commercial bus they brought. But some some people in the community immediately mobilised themselves when they saw Friday being taken away. The cultists, numbering over 50 and armed with bottles, cutlasses and stones, allegedly waylaid the policemen. The cultists reportedly removed the seat of the bus where Friday was cuffed to and took him to Sodimu Street where the cuff was sawed off. They were said to have later retreated to their hideout at Abule Oja.

Suspected Cultists Disembowel Man in Lagos

Five suspected cult members, penultimate Friday, disemboweled a young man and left to him die on Bajulaiye Road, Somolu, Lagos State. It was learnt that while the gang was stabbing the young man, shocked residents could do nothing for fear of being attacked. However, a Police Patrol team, patrolling the area at the time, was said to have given the cultists a hot chase. Pandemonium reportedly enveloped the area as the policemen began shooting sporadically into the air while chasing the men. The policemen subsequently took the blood soaked victim into their van and drove away. His fate remained unknown.

Pastor Nabbed for Conducting Virginity Test on Member’s Child

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a pastor, Adekunle Kayode, in Abeokuta, for conducting virginity test on his member’s child. The 34-year-old man, who conducted the virginity test in the church premises, was arrested after the victim narrated her ordeal to her father who immediately alerted the police. Another suspect, Onatade Oluwasegun, was arrested for conspiring with the said pastor to allegedly use the victim for a ritual purpose. The victim alleged that Oluwasegun used a charm with a view to raping her as directed by the pastor possibly for a ritual. During the investigation, the police recovered the suspected charm from the pastor in the church premises. The state Commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye, has warned parents and guardians to monitor their children and wards saying the law would not pardon anyone for such excesses.

49-Year-Old Remanded over Rape of Minor

An Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court on Monday remanded a 49-year-old man, Adedoja Lateef, in prison custody for allegedly raping an 11-year-old girl. Prosecutor Wilson Mereti told the court that the accused committed the offence at Ologini village, Ifetedo. Mereti said that the accused, who lived in the same neighbourhood as the victim, lured her to his room on the pretext of sending her for an errand. He said after getting her into his room, he forcefully had carnal knowledge of her without her consent. The prosecutor said problems began after the girl had reported the incident to her mother. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Chief Magistrate, Mr Adebayo Lasisi, ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody and directed his counsel, Mrs Bose Dada, to file a formal bail application.

Bomb Discovered Inside Bank

A security guard attached to a branch of First Bank Plc in Osogbo, Osun State on Tuesday discovered an explosive substance wrapped in a polythene bag inside the banking hall. It was learnt that immediately the discovery was made, bank officials and customers were quickly evacuated from the bank. It was gathered that officials of Police Anti-Bomb Squad were later deployed in the bank. They were said to have detonated the bomb and cordoned off Station Road, where the bank is located. It was learnt that as soon the information about the bomb spread, many shop owners in the area hurriedly closed their shops and ran for safety.

Man, 23, Chops-Off Woman’s Finger, Remanded in Prison

A 23-year-old man, Isaac John, who allegedly chopped-off a finger off the hand of one Mrs Ogochukwu Aronwu, was on Monday remanded in prison custody by an Ikeja magistrate’s court. The defendant is facing a three count charge bordering on robbery, infliction of wound and attempted murder. Magistrate Eniola Fabamwo ordered that he be remanded after going through the first count charge. The Police prosecutor, Inspector Benson Emuerhi, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offence on February 14, 2014 along Murtala Muhammed Airport Road in Ikeja area of the state. It was alleged that the defendant, while armed with a knife and other dangerous weapons, robbed one Ogochukwu Aronwu of her hand bag containing some money and head tie, and inflicted wound on his victim with intent to kill his victim by cutting off the fourth finger of her left hand. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charges. The magistrate then adjourned the case till March 10, 2014.

Couple Arrested over Use of Under-aged Girls as Sex Workers

Four commercial sex workers and a couple believed to have hired them have been arrested by the Oyo State Police Command in Ibadan. The couple are said to be owners of the brothel where the alleged under-aged girls were used as prostitutes at Orita Aperin in Ibadan North East LGA of the state. The state Police spokeswoman, Olabisi Ilobanafor, said one of the girls who refused to have sex with one of the customers of the couple ran to some people for help. While parading the suspects, Mohammed Indabawa, the Commissioner of Police in the state, said the girls were under-aged. However, the girls claimed they were aged 20, 22, 20 and 23 years respectively. The owners of the hotel were said to have employed the girls as bar attendants but used them as commercial sex workers.  One of the girls confessed that they were being used as prostitutes and paid N1000 a week.

42-Year-Old Father Rapes Daughter, 15

A 42-year-old father, Pedro Anegbe, has told an Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court that a spirit asked him to rape his 15-year-old daughter to get a job. He said the voice ordered him to rape the girl shortly after he lost his job and was idle at home. Anegbe was arraigned on two counts for defiling his 15-year-old daughter at their home on Ifelodun Street, Fatolu Ipaja, Lagos State. The Investigating Police Officer, Sergeant Bakare Murtala, told the court his findings in the course of investigation. But despite his admission, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge of rape. In his ruling, the magistrate said, the defendant is to be remanded in prison pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution. The matter was adjourned till April 4, 2014.

Father Suspected in Killing of Daughter for Converting to Christianity

The Oyo State Police command has arrested a man in connection with the killing of his daughter, Miss Kausara Isiaka for allegedly converting to Christianity. According to Reverend Daniel Oladimeji, the man is suspected him to be the brain behind the attack. Police spokeswoman, Olabisi Ilobanafor, said that the police are yet to determine his culpability or otherwise, the suspect allegedly sneaked into the church premises and inflicted machete cuts on the four persons. It was further gathered that the father of the deceased who is a Muslim, allegedly pleaded severally with his daughter to review her decision, and even threatened her. The police stated that the girl had to take refuge in the church. But, on that fateful day, a yet-to-be identified attacker broke in and inflicted machete injuries on the deceased and four others.

GENERAL

52 Killed by Boko Haram in Borno

About 52 persons were, penultimate Saturday, killed in Ajilari-Bintu Sugar area of Maiduguri, Borno State, when twin-bomb blasts hit the area. Another 39 persons were four hours later killed in Mainok, a few kilometres from Maiduguri. It was gathered that the bombers were targeting a marriage ceremony. It is believed that the marriage ceremony may have been targeted because the insurgents in the past have sent warnings to residents of the state against hosting such occasions, especially when dressed in uniforms (locally known as Aso Ebi). However, another major disaster was averted in the troubled city yesterday when eight suspected insurgents who were on a mission to kill traders at the popular Maiduguri Monday market were apprehended and handed over to soldiers.

Military Intensifies Offensive against Boko Haram

The Nigerian security forces have intensified their ground and air assaults against members of the Boko Haram sect. However, reports indicate that the terrorists have become even more deadly as they flee, as they have gone on the rampage against civilian populations in the North-eastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. According to a statement by the Director of Defense Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, the latest onslaught by the military had been directed at clearing terrorist bases sited in Daggu and Yazza areas of Borno State, which he claimed achieved the desired results. Olukolade said the mop-up operation by ground forces after the air assault resulted in the death of several terrorists, who were located in the bases. He also stated that the civilian population had before the assault been evacuated from within the vicinity of the identified terrorist enclaves.

Air Force Chief Leads Assault against Boko Haram
…as 40 More Are Killed

Incensed by the rising number of deaths from attacks by the terrorist Boko Haram group, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, personally entered the battle zone last weekend when he flew one of the Alpha jets of the 75 Strike Group of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to conduct air strikes against enemy positions in the North-east. But despite the air and ground assault by the military, the sect’s onslaught on North-eastern Nigeria continued with the fourth attack in the last three days on the troubled Borno State, leading to the death of at least 40 persons in Jakana, a village 35 kilometres away from Maiduguri. With the latest attack, the death toll in the state since Saturday had risen to 166 by Monday, comprising 91 persons who were killed in Ajilari-Bintu Sugar in Maiduguri and Mainok village on Saturday by the terrorists and another 35, including three policemen.

30 Killed as Fulani Herdsmen Attack Benue LGAs

Over 30 persons were reportedly killed in Kwande, Katsina/Ala and Logo LGAs of Benue state after suspected Fulani herdsmen dressed in military uniforms sacked six villages in the three council areas. According to an eyewitness, the herdsmen also burnt down farmlands, houses and huts in the affected communities. The invaders, who had in recent weeks, attacked the southern part of the state, moved up north and headed towards the country home of Governor Gabriel Suswam in Logo and that of the former Minister of Steel, Wantaregh Paul Unongo in Jato Aka. Governor Gabriel Suswam decried the latest attack on the Tiv communities.

Security Forces Foil Boko Haram Attacks in Borno, Yobe

Smarting from the avalanche of deadly attacks in recent weeks by the Boko Haram insurgents, the Nigerian Armed Forces Thursday rose to the occasion of defending the people, when they hit back at the insurgents killing 20 of them in a row. The soldiers also foiled planned attacks by the Boko Haram members on two communities–Ajiri and Mafa– as well as other communities in the outskirts of Maiduguri and Dikwa in Borno State. The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said the forces were able to also dismantle some of the insurgents’ camps in forest. He further disclosed that the arms recovered from the routed terrorists included various brands of machine guns and improvised explosive devices. Similarly, the insurgents attempted to advance towards Damaturu, Yobe State but were stopped by ground troops and fighters of the Nigerian Air Force. It was learnt that the insurgents suffered heavy casualties in the operation. Olukolade confirmed the arrest of the mastermind of the twin bomb blasts in Bintu Sugar Ngamari, Maiduguri on Saturday.

Gunmen Abduct Health Workers in Bauchi

Gunmen, penultimate Sunday, abducted three polio workers in Darazo Local Government Area of Bauchi State. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Haruna Mohammed, confirmed the incident. He said the three polio workers abducted were two men and one woman, adding that a man and a woman were released and the police were making effort to secure the release of a victim who is the health officer of the LGA. Haruna advised the people to remain calm and law abiding and promised that the police were working hard to secure his release.

Women in Nationwide Protests over Killing of Students in Yobe

Women from all walks of life, Thursday, hit the streets in various state capitals to protest the spate of bombings and killings in the north, especially the killing of the 43 students of Federal Government College, Bunu Yadi, Yobe State and the abduction of 25 female students of the school by the Boko Haram sect. The protesters demanded that the Federal Government and the 36 states governors and the military agencies proffer solutions to end insurgency in the country. The women, who expressed their worry over the massacre of the innocent students, called for improved security network in all the public schools and places of job all over the country.

Presidency Identifies Proliferation of Small Arms as Root Cause of Insecurity

The Presidency has stepped up plans to stop the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, which it considers as one of the causative factors fuelling the internal security challenges in the country. The Chairman, Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), Ambassador Emmanuel Imohe, explained that the role of the presidential committee would stem the tide of small arms and weapons proliferation in the country. He expressed hope that the committee would be upgraded to a full-fledged commission as one of the conditions required for the domestication of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Convention and solicited the continued support of Ukaeje and the International Committee on Red Cross (ICRC), which had promised to offer technical expertise to the country.

Senate President Advocates Death Penalty for Kidnappers

Senate President, David Mark, has canvassed death penalty for kidnappers, emphasising that all those who engage in the act do not deserve to live. Mark who called for the application of "Hammurabi's ancient Mesopotamian law of an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth", made this remark in Abagana, Anambra State, during the funeral mass for Chief James Emeka Iloenyosi, who died in the custody of kidnappers recently. He described the incessant cases of kidnapping in the country as a big shame adding that unless stringent measures are applied to curb the menace, it will remain for so long. Mark asked all Nigerians to be ready to battle terrorists who have held North-eastern zone, notably Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States hostage.

Jonathan Swears in Eleven New Ministers

President Goodluck Jonathan, Wednesday, swore in 11 new ministers who had been cleared by the senate in February. He also dropped Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, as the Minister of Sports. The sack of Abdullahi is coming barely 24 hours after a sweeping sack in the Aviation sector, where the heads of the parastatals in the sector were removed. Those sworn in yesterday included: Gen. Aliyu Gusau (rtd) as Minister of Defence; Boni Haruna as Minister of Youth Development; and Dr. Tamuno Danagogo as Sports Minister, amongst others. While swearing in the ministers, Jonathan charged them to ensure they excel in their areas of assignments.

I6 Killed, Houses Razed as Gunmen Invade Plateau Villages

About 16 persons were, Wednesday, killed and over 200 houses razed by gunmen who attacked four communities in Riyom LGA of Plateau State.  The communities are Torok Gwon, Gwarama, and Gwarim, all in Rim district of the council area. The gunmen, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, allegedly accompanied by soldiers, stormed the communities in the early hours of the day. Confirming the incident, the member representing Riyom state constituency, Hon. Daniel Dem, said 10 persons were burnt to death and many houses razed in the attack. Dem alleged that soldiers attached to the Special Task Force (STF) in the state were also involved in the killings. The state Commissioner of Police, Chris Olakpe, said the attackers had fled the area before the arrival of security agents. He said the police and other personnel of the STF maintaining the peace in Plateau, had stepped in and restored normalcy to the area.

FG Closes Five Unity Schools in Adamawa, Borno, Yobe

Following last week’s attack on the Federal Government College, Buni Yadi in Yobe State; the federal government has ordered the temporary closure of five unity schools in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. It gathered that the areas where the affected schools are located are considered to be some of the hot spots in the crises which have troubled the three states under emergency rule. The Supervising Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, announced the closure on Wednesday. According to a statement issued by Wike’s Special Assistant (Media), Mr. Simeon Nwakaudu, candidates who registered for the 2014 WASSCE, NECO SSCE and BECE in the affected schools, would have their examination centres relocated to other schools.

Police Promotes 24,118 Officers

The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has ordered the promotion of 24, 118 officers. According to a statement signed by the Force Public Relations officer, Frank Mba, one Commissioner of Police was promoted to Assistant Inspector General of Police; six Deputy Commissioners of Police promoted to substantive Commissioners of Police and seven Assistant Commissioners of Police promoted to Deputy Commissioners of Police. The IGP has charged the newly promoted officers to see their elevation as a mark of additional responsibility and a call to rededicate themselves to their professional calling.

Ritualists Pluck Out Woman’s Eyes

Persons suspected to be ritualists, on Tuesday, attacked a middle aged woman in Lukshi village, Dass LGA of Bauchi State and plucked out her two eyes. The victim, Zainab Mohammed, was returning home after attending a coronation ceremony when she was attacked. The attackers, after removing her eyes, were said to have escaped to an unknown destination. Confirming the incident, the state Police spokesman, Haruna Mohammed, said police detectives attached to Dass division visited the scene of the attack and rushed the victim to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital Bauchi for treatment.

INTERNATIONAL

UN Calls for More Troops in CAR

The head of the United Nations has asked the Security Council to bolster foreign forces in the Central African Republic (CAR by another 10,000 soldiers to protect civilians caught in ongoing violence between Christian and Muslim fighters. Ban Ki-moon said he wanted the extra soldiers in CAR on top of the foreign troops already there, as the UN Security Council held talks on the situation in the country. Herve Ladsous, the UN head of peacekeeping, also made it clear that this force would be in addition to the 6,000-plus soldiers from the African Union and the 2,000 French troops already there. There also seemed to be a dispute between UK and US and France. The French have said that they are keeping their troops in CAR as a “rapid-reaction force”. “The UK and US believe that perhaps the UN is entering into a long commitment in CAR without the mandate clearly defined and they would prefer more of a policing mission and not a very large military force”.

Ukraine Crisis: EU, US Condemn ‘Illegal’ Crimean Referendum

The EU and the US have joined Ukraine’s government in condemning as “illegal” a move by the Crimea region to set up a referendum to endorse joining Russia. The EU threatened “serious consequences” if Russia did not act to de-escalate the crisis. Crimean MPs earlier set a date of March 16 for a vote on the referendum. Russian troops took de facto control of Crimea, whose population is mostly ethnic Russian, in the wake of the fall of Ukraine’s pro-Moscow president. US President Barack Obama urged Russian President Vladamir Putin to seek a diplomatic solution to the crisis in Ukraine. German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, and EU Council President, Herman Van Rompuy, both said the Crimean referendum was contrary to the Ukrainian constitution and therefore illegal. But Putin insists that Russia could not ignore calls for help from Russian speakers in Ukraine. Japan also endorsed the Western position that Russia's actions constitute "a threat to international peace and security".

Two Killed in Venezuela Barricade Clash

A police officer and a civilian have been killed in a clash between residents of a Caracas neighbourhood and armed men, who tried to remove a barricade, Venezuelan officials say. Thursday’s deaths brought to 20 the toll from a month of anti-government demonstrations in Venezuela. Witnesses said the shots came from a crowd of protesters. But Diosdado Cabello, president of the National Assembly, blamed “snipers” positioned on top of a building. He identified the National Guards member as 25-year-old Acner Isaac Lopez Lyon, and said that motorcycle taxi driver, Jose Gregorio Amaris, was also killed while removing debris from the road. The opposition accuses the government of using armed civilian groups on motorcycles to break up demonstrations. Just before the deaths were announced, the country’s chief prosecutor said the death toll from the protests stood at 19. President Nicolas Maduro said the motorcyclist was removing debris so he could go about his job. After he was shot, the National Guard arrived to secure the area and Lopez Lyon was killed.

Policemen Jailed 10 Years for Killing Activist in Egypt

Two policemen have been sentenced to 10 years in jail for killing an Egyptian blogger more than three years after the incident, which was one of the events that inspired the 18-day revolt in 2011. Policemen Mahmoud Salah Mahmoud and Awad Ismail Suleiman were accused of manslaughter and of torturing Khaled Said in June 2010 after unlawfully arresting him at an Internet cafe in Alexandria. The case stirred public anger and pictures of Said’s badly injured face went viral on the Internet, sparking calls for protests across the country against human rights violations by then President Hosni Mubarak’s security forces. Massive protests the following year led to the toppling of Mubarak. An initial trial sentenced the defendants to seven years in jail in October 2011 after finding them guilty of unlawful arrest and excessive brutality. Egypt’s Court of Cassation ordered the retrial after the defendants appealed, while angry supporters of Said felt the sentence was too lenient.

ICJ Commences Genocide Trial against Serbia

Croatia on Monday started presenting its case to the International Court of Justice on the genocide charges it filed against Serbia. Croatia brought the charges in 1999, alleging that Serbia committed genocide with a campaign of ethnic cleansing during the 1991 to 1995 conflict that broke out after its split from Yugoslavia. Croatia’s representative, Vesna Crnic-Grotic, told the court that the rump Yugoslavia, which Serbia inherited after its dissolution, “committed a genocidal campaign with the intent to exterminate the non-Serb population”. More than 13,500 Croats were killed in the conflict. Serbia responded with countercharges against Croatia, alleging that it committed genocide against rebelling ethnic Serbs by forcing more than 200,000 of them out of their homes at the end of the war. Hearings are scheduled to conclude on April 1. The court is to rule only on whether there was genocide and if either state may be held responsible for carrying it out or for not doing enough to prevent it.

Israel Intercepts Gaza Bound Weapons Ship

Israel has intercepted a ship carrying an Iranian weapons shipment to Gaza. The Panamanian-flagged vessel was boarded by Israeli special naval forces in the Red Sea on Wednesday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said. Israel says it found Syrian-made rockets on board, and that it was now taking the ship back to Israeli shores. Hamas denied any involvement and said that story was being used by Israel to “justify the blockade” on Gaza. There was clear evidence that Iran was behind the attempt to smuggle the weapons, the IDF said. Israel tightly controls its border with Gaza, restricting what is allowed in for what it says are reasons crucial to its security. It also maintains a naval blockade. Egypt blockades Gaza’s southern border. Critics say the blockade is tantamount to collective punishment. IDF officials said the ship was carrying dozens of rockets including the Syrian-made M-302. IDF spokesman Lt Col Peter Lerner said the 17-member crew of the ship appeared to be unaware of their cargo and were not suspects.

11 Killed as Gunmen, Bombers Attack Pakistani Court

At least 11 people have been killed in an attack at a court in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, officials say. Gunmen burst into the court complex and opened fire before at least two suicide bombers detonated explosives when the morning when crowds gathered. No group has said it carried out the attack – one of the deadliest assaults on the capital for years. It comes after a weekend in which the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) pledged a month-long ceasefire and the government said it would suspend air strikes against militants. Both are moves aimed at reviving the stalled peace process. The TTP have reportedly denied having anything to do with this attack.

Egypt Court Bans Hamas

A court in Egypt has banned all activities by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas and ordered the seizure of its offices and assets. A lawsuit filed by an Egyptian lawyer had demanded the move because of its links to the Muslim Brotherhood. Egypt’s interim government designated the Brotherhood a terrorist group in December, five months after President Mohammed Morsi was ousted by the army. A Hamas spokesman, Sami Abu Zuhri, condemned the court ruling. Senior Hamas officials, including deputy political leader Moussa Abu Marzouk, live in Cairo and may now be at risk of arrest. Hamas, which governs the neighbouring Gaza Strip, was founded in the 1980s as an offshoot of the Brotherhood and the groups have close ties. Prosecutors say the attacks by jihadists, whom Hamas’s military wing has been accused of training, were intended to “bring Egypt back into the Muslim Brotherhood’s grip”.

Tunisian President Lifts State of Emergency

Tunisia’s President, Moncef Marzouki, has repealed a state of emergency in place since the 2011 overthrow of the former leader. Tunisia has been hit by huge street protests and fighting with Islamist militants since the uprising that sparked the Arab Spring. Analysts say the move is a sign that the country is trying to return to normality, after a new constitution was adopted in January. Elections are due later this year. The emergency gave the government the power to ban strikes and restrict the movement of people. The lifting of the state of emergency does not limit the capacity of the security services to implement the law and does not preclude any request for military support should it be needed, Marzouki’s office said. The emergency came into force after long-serving ruler Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali was ousted in January 2011. In November, Marzouki extended the state of emergency to the end of June, meaning it has been lifted four months early.

Egyptian Court Suspends Morsi’s Murder Trial

An Egyptian court suspended Thursday the murder trial of Mohamed Morsi after his lawyers requested new judges, sources said, the third such case against the deposed president to be put on hold. The case is part of a relentless crackdown the government has been waging against Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood movement since the military ousted him on July 3, ending a turbulent year of rule. Morsi stands accused of inciting the killing of opposition protesters outside the presidential palace in December 2012. Defense lawyers have requested that two of the three judges presiding over the murder trial be replaced, alleging one of them spoke about the case in a media interview. An appeals court will examine the recusal request and decide whether to appoint a new panel of judges. A similar request for appointing new judges has already been made in two other trials involving Morsi, and an Egyptian appeals court is expected to decide on it in April.

Al-Qaeda Executes Alleged US Informant in Yemen

Al-Qaeda militants in Yemen executed one of their own Thursday after accusing him of spying for the United States, a security official said. The man was executed by firing squad and his body was displayed at a football stadium near Shehr in the southeastern Hadramawt province, an Al-Qaeda stronghold. When police arrived at the scene, the man was hanging with the Al-Qaeda black and white flag alongside a banner reading: “A US spy in the Arabian Peninsula,” an official said. A statement was also found in which AQAP threatened to execute “any intruder who infiltrates among Muslims, places chips in their vehicles and their wedding convoys and gets them killed in return for a few dirhams,” according to a source. The American military flies drones over Yemen in support of Sanaa’s campaign against Al-Qaeda and has killed dozens of militants in intensified campaigns in the past year. A US drone strike in northern Yemen on Wednesday killed four suspected Al-Qaeda members.