Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 17

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

JTF Deploys Troops in Rivers Community over Clash

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta has deployed troops in Ibaa, Emohua LGA of Rivers State following the vandalism of oil pipelines by hoodlums as a result of the intra-communal crisis. It was learnt that the crisis, which was triggered by a chieftaincy tussle, had heightened insecurity in the community since January 2014. It was further learnt that at least three persons had been killed in the mayhem. Many residents had fled the community to take refuge in neighbouring communities. Sources claimed two rival cult groups, the Islanders and Icelanders, sympathetic to opposing camps in the chieftaincy tussle, had cashed in on the crisis to terrorise the people of the community in addition to looting, raping and damaging property, particularly at nights. The JTF explained that the soldiers were deployed there because the hoodlums had been involved in various crimes including breaking of oil pipelines. Spokesman for the security outfit, Lt. Col. Mustapha Anka, said that the JTF was working in collaboration with other security agencies to restore peace and check hoodlums’ nefarious activities in the community.

FG Assures Shoreline Communities of Intervention on Oil Spillage

Following the continued hardship being experienced by communities affected by the Bonga oil spill, the federal government at the weekend assured the shoreline communities of its readiness to intervene and assist them with relief programmes. The Minister of Environment, Laurentia Mallam, gave the assurance in Abuja when leaders of the community visited her. She explained that though government intended to tackle oil spillage in the Niger Delta, special attention was being paid to shoreline communities of Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa States affected by the Bonga oil spillage. The minister assured them that relief would soon come their way, even as she sympathised with them on the devastating impact of the spillage on farm lands, marine and aquatic life. The minister acknowledged the need for all communities in the Niger Delta region affected by the Bonga oil spillage to work harmoniously towards finding a lasting solution to the problem. The Bonga oil spill occurred on December 20, 2011 during a routine export operation to transfer Crude Oil from Bonga Floating Production and Storage (FPSO) facility.

Man goes on Rampage, Beheads Cousins

A 35-year old man, Uwem Job, on Wednesday, beheaded two of his cousins, Akaninyene Job, 45; and Ezekiel Job, 36. Two others, Itoro Job and Ekemini Job, narrowly escaped death as Uwem’s machete missed their throats, but cut through their hands. They were said to have been taken to a hospital in the area. Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred around 8.10am in Ikot Nkim, Ibesikpo/Asutan LGA, Akwa Ibom State. It was learnt that Uwem fled after the incident and his whereabouts had not been known.

NSCDC Arraigns Eight, Impounds Trucks in Uyo

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arraigned eight persons suspected to be involved in vandalism of electricity cables, transformers, as well as transporting adulterated products. It was learnt that the two trucks that carried the adulterated products were parked along Abak Road, Uyo. The adulterated products were allegedly meant for the generators. The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Pedro Ideba, said the driver and the conductor of the second truck escaped arrest. He stated that the corps operatives, however, arrested the driver and the conductor of the first truck. Ideba stated that on March 29, the Nigerian Navy, NNS Jubilee, Ikot Abasi, arrested and handed over three persons who were involved in fuel adulteration to the corps. He said the corps would continue to do its best to ensure that the people of Akwa Ibom State continue to enjoy good petroleum products.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Six Suspected Kidnappers of Clark’s Son Arraigned, Remanded

Six accused persons, alleged to be involved in the kidnap of the son of Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, Mr. Ebikeme Clark, were on Tuesday, arraigned before an Asaba Chief Magistrate’s court in Delta State. The suspects were brought to the court premises amidst tight security. Arraigned were Melsore Prince, 21; Bosin Kevwe, 25; Arhavwarian Pius (no age indicated); David Emevor, 27; Sylvester Dio, 31 and Oghofa Joshua, 26 years. No plea was taken and the court ordered that the accused persons be remanded in prison custody and adjourned till May 27, 2014 for mention.

Host Communities Shut Gas Pipeline Company in Edo

Operations at the Obayanto operational office of Zakhem Construction Nigeria Limited in Edo State were shut down, on Tuesday, by members of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas over what they described as the company’s “neglect and violation of their fundamental rights”. Zakhem Construction is the company responsible for the laying of the West African Gas Pipelines from Oben, in Edo State, to Lagos. The protesters, who laid siege to the premises of the company as early as 8am, prevented workers that had closed shift from coming out and also stopped those that were outside, including those that came to do business, from entering. Chairman of the group, Dr. Sam Igbineweka, said that they decided to picket the company after all legitimate means adopted by them to bring about a meaningful dialogue failed. They urged the management of Zakhem Construction to tow the path of honour, genuine dialogue and reconciliation.

NCC Arrests 30 Suspects in Edo, Delta

The Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC), on Wednesday, said no fewer than 30 persons were arrested in Edo and Delta for piracy from August 2013 to date. Augustine Amodu, the Director of Enforcement, NCC, disclosed that the commission also secured 10 convictions in both states during the period. He said that three suspects involved in cable broadcast piracy, and six suspects involved in the sales of pirated optical discs were arrested recently in Delta and Edo, respectively. “About N4 million worth of contrabands were seized and the suspects remained in custody. The NCC warned those involved in the illicit trade to desist from it and stop all forms of broadcast piracy including house to house wiring for illegal cable broadcast. He urged members of the public to stop buying pirated works, saying that what made other countries great apart from mineral resources were intellectual properties.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

NDLEA Seizes N240m in Drugs at MMIA in Three Months

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized illicit drugs valued at N240 million at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, in the first quarter of the year. In a statement by the Head of Public Affairs of NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the drugs, weighing 95.93kg, were seized between January and March. A total of 19 suspected drug traffickers were arrested during the period. The suspects include 16 males and three females. The statement said the NDLEA Commander at the Lagos Airport, Hamza Umar, gave details of the arrest and seizures. The airport command seized 9.06kg of cocaine, 16.7kg of heroin, 27.24kg of cannabis and 3.4kg of methamphetamine.

Police Arrest 5 with Human Heads in Ogun State

The Ogun State Police command, alongside the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Lagos State Command, have jointly arrested five suspects in Joju area of Otta in Ado Odo Ota LGA of Ogun State with human heads and flesh in pieces. The discovery was said to have been as a result of a tip off from the people of the area. Divisional Police Officer in charge of Otta Division of the command, CSP Gabriel Idibie, led a team of operatives to assist the SARS Lagos, who got the first hand information to Joju area where the five suspects were arrested and the exhibits recovered for further investigation and adequate prosecution. The exhibits recovered from them include one complete human head and human flesh in a container stained with liquid substance suspected to be human blood. The Commissioner of Police Ogun State, CP Ikemefuna Okoye, has ordered that the case be handed over to SARS Lagos for discrete investigation since it is a follow up to an ongoing investigation with the Lagos team.

Man Pushes Friend in River over Missing Phone

Twenty-six-year-old Babalola Kunle has been remanded in prison for allegedly killing his friend, Olasunkanmi Monday, by pushing him into the river in a bid to recover his missing phone. The incident happened at Idiroko Village, Ikorodu area of Lagos. Kunle had allegedly suspected the deceased to have stolen his phone. He then gave him a chase on the fateful day, before pushing him into the Majidun River, where he died. The deceased was said to have drowned after efforts to rescue him failed. Kunle was thereafter arraigned before an Ebute Meta Magistrate’s court on one count of murder. The defendant’s plea was not taken. The police prosecutor, Corporal Cyriacus Osuji filed application for the remand of the defendant in prison pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution. The magistrate, Mr. E.O. Ogunkanmi, ruled that Kunle be remanded in the Ikoyi Prison pending DPP legal advice.

Rainstorm Displaces 3,000 in Ogun State

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says over 3,000 people have been displaced in Idogo Community, Yewa South LGA of Ogun State, after a rainstorm ravaged the area on Sunday. The agency said three primary schools were also destroyed, leaving about 500 pupils stranded. The spokesperson of NEMA South-West Zone, Ibrahim Farinloye, on Monday, further disclosed that 55 other houses were destroyed at Iweke Community in the same LGA. More than 3,000 people were displaced while about 600 houses were destroyed in Idogo Community near Ilaro in Yewa South LGA of Ogun State. Three schools were also destroyed leaving about 500 pupils stranded in the same community. The agency said the victims of the storm were being sheltered and provided with food by the federal and state government on a temporary basis, until a permanent solution would be thought out.

Man Kills Roommate during over Cooking Pot

The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended a 20-year-old man, Ngwuta Nweke, for allegedly killing his friend in their apartment in the Sawmill area of Ebute Meta. According to the police, the suspect strangled Emeka James during an argument over a cooking pot on March 22, 2014. Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, confirmed the arrest. The suspect, however, told the police that he did not mean to kill his friend, but only strangled him in a bid to overpower him in a free fight. Neighbours were said to have alerted policemen at the Denton Police Station after which the suspect was arrested and transferred to the homicide department of the SCID.

Gangsters Rape, Kill 18-Year-Old Sex Worker

Policemen attached to the Orile Police Division in Lagos State have apprehended two suspected gangsters for allegedly raping and killing an 18-year-old commercial sex worker, Oluwatosin Ami. It was learnt that the suspects, John-Paul Chukwuebuka, 19; and Ebuka Chimudi, 22; belonged to a gang which specialised in luring young ladies to hotels with the aim of dispossessing them of their belongings and raping them. According to police authorities, on April 10, 2013, Oluwatosin was approached by the suspects and she took them into her Hotel room where suspects were said to have overpowered her and stuffed a cloth in her mouth to prevent her from screaming. She was also bound by the hands, while the suspects took turns in raping her, after which they robbed her of some belongings and fled. The suspects confessed to killing Oluwatosin, but said it was by mistake. The police explained that Chukwuebuka was arrested by members of the Odua People’s Congress at City Point Hotel, Apapa, where he had gone to commit a similar crime.

NDLEA Seizes N228m Heroin from Pakistani Student

A Pakistani student, Iftikiha Arslan, has been arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for trafficking 25.4 kilogrammes of heroin. A statement by the NDLEA Head of Public Affairs, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the drug was discovered in the suspect’s luggage during inward screening of passengers on board Qatar airline flight. The estimated street value of the seized drug was said to be N228m. He is believed to be working for a Pakistani drug cartel. NDLEA Commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr. Hamza Umar, confirmed the arrest. Arslan, a student of Punjab College Pakistan, reportedly owned up to the crime.

One Killed, Several Injured in Lagos Cult Clash

A 33-year-old man has been killed during a feud between two cult groups around Iba new site. Trouble started on Monday, April 14, at about 8pm, between two cult groups from Aratomi and Chemist, after a cult member from Aratomi reportedly snatched a female lover from a member of the other group. This unfortunately led to a battle that lasted several hours resulting in the death of a man simply identified as Hamburger, while several others were injured. It was gathered at the scene of the incident that for the timely intervention of policemen from the Ojo Police division it would have degenerated. According to a police source, 11 suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing and have been taken to Panti.

Polytechnic Students Protest Colleague’s Death

The students of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State took to the streets of the town last weekend to protest against the death of Tawakalit Arinola, a student of the school, who was killed by a truck driver. A member of the Student Union Government of the institution, Adeyemi Oyeleke, said that Arinola was immediately rushed to a Hospital near the scene of the accident but was pronounced dead at the hospital. The protest, which eventually led to an affray between the students and the indigenes, left one of the students severely injured.

Police Arrest Twin Brothers for Robbery, Burglary

The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Lagos has arrested twin brothers for robbing a factory belonging to Reckitt Benckiser. The twins, Taiye and Kehinde Balogun, who are welders, were allegedly hired by a robbery gang to break into the firm’s warehouse in May last year. The robbery gang reportedly robbed the company of goods worth N17m. Police launched an investigation into the case and the prime suspects were arrested in February. The suspects were said to have implicated the twins who were subsequently arrested. The twins, however, claimed that they were not aware that they were being hired for a robbery operation, as they were allegedly called to open a lock, after one of the suspects claimed to be store-keeper and had misplaced his key. Other suspects arrested along with the twins said the twins had been informed of the operation beforehand.

GENERAL

Security Forces Recover Body of Suspected Nyanya Bomber

The Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU) of the Nigerian security forces may have identified and recovered the body of the suspected bomber, who set-off the bomb at the Nyanya bus park in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Monday. The bombing led to death of 71 persons and injured 124 others. Security sources confirmed that the slightly charred body of the bomber was identified and recovered same day with the charms and amulets he must have used for self-protection, still strapped to his body. The charms and amulets are typical of the type used by members of the terrorist group Boko Haram. According to security sources, certain leads including a mobile phone were also recovered from his body. The Force PRO, Frank Mba, confirmed the death toll on behalf of other security agencies at the scene of the blast. He further confirmed that 16 luxury buses were razed, while 24 other vehicle types were also destroyed in the blast.

98 Killed in Attacks on Borno

Suspected members of the Boko Haram sect invaded three villages, Ngoshe, Kaigamari and Anchaka in Gwoza, Konduga and Bama LGAs of Borno State last weekend, killing about 98 people and setting ablaze several houses and shops. They were also alleged to have destroyed telecommunications masts and other property worth millions of naira. Ngoshe is located east of hilly Gwoza town, while Kaigamari is a remote settlement in Konduga, a town which has suffered several attacks by Boko Haram terrorists. It was gathered from a source that "the gunmen, armed with improvised explosive devices (IEDs), petrol bombs, AK 47 rifles and rocket propelled launchers (RPGs), invaded Ngoshe at about 10pm penultimate Saturday and opened fire on the unarmed residents, killing 30 of them and inflicting injuries on several others, before setting ablaze some residential houses. Also in Kaigamari, no fewer than eight people were said to have been killed when another set of gunmen attacked the village and set ablaze some houses and shops.

Security Operatives Recover Arms, Stolen Livestock from Rustlers

The security forces deployed to restore peace in some troubled spots in the North-central geo-political zone have recorded some successes with the sustained assault on the camps of some armed militia in Kaduna and Plateau States, leading to the recovery of arms and some stolen livestock. The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, disclosed that the operations in Plateau and Kaduna States resulted in the arrest of three wounded armed livestock rustlers. Olukolade further disclosed that some of the rustlers also died during a gun duel with the security forces, with over 90 cows and 45 sheep recovered along with a cache of arms. He however noted that the recovered cows had been handed over to the traditional rulers in the area, while the arrested armed men are still being interrogated by the Special Task Force.

129 Girls Abducted by Boko Haram in Borno School

Over 100 female students were abducted by the deadly Boko Haram sect from the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State. The students who were part of the 250 students boarded at the school   were sitting for the on-going WAEC/SSCE. The sect, according to sources attacked Chibok town at about 10pm Monday burning down houses and shops at will. They were also alleged to have carted away food items and vehicles and killing undisclosed number of people in the town. The insurgents who were said to have a field day went to all female boarding schools, abducting over 100 students from the 250 female students who were lodged in the hostels for their final examinations. The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, disclosed that some of the girls managed to escape and had since regained their freedom from the abductors.

Attacks by Fulani Herdsmen Claim 21 Lives in Benue, Taraba

A total of 21 persons were feared dead on Monday in Benue and Taraba States following attacks by gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen. While the herdsmen attacked Obagaji, in Agatu LGA of Benue State killing 12 youths in the community, nine people were killed at Nwokyo village in Wukari LGA of Taraba State. According to the Chairman Agatu Elders’ Committee, Sule Ngbede, the young men had gone to fetch sand for building with a tipper in the river when the gunmen attacked and killed them. He stated that the corpses of the victims had been moved to Obagaji, the council headquarters, lamenting that soldiers who were drafted to Agatu had continued to stay in Obagaji while the boundary areas to the river had been left unmanned. Ngbede appealed to security agencies posted to Agatu to always move around and ensure peace in the communities in Agatu.

Over 1,000 Killed in Escalating Violence in North -HRW

Human Rights Watch (HRW), Tuesday, said escalating violence across five states in the North-central part of the country has killed more than 1,000 people since December 2013. HRW said the failure of authorities to investigate the attacks and bring those responsible to justice was likely to exacerbate the cycle of violence in the conflict-prone North-central region. It said communal violence, stoked by competition between local farming communities and nomadic herdsmen, which had plagued this region for many years had spread to other states in northern Nigeria. It said government needed to ensure full criminal investigations and provide justice for the victims and their families. HRW said recent conflicts had taken a very high toll on lives and livelihoods and led to the displacement of hundreds of people, who had sought refuge in neighbouring urban areas.

Kogi Speaker’s Children Kidnapped

An unspecified number of suspected gunmen invaded the country home of the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Momoh Jimoh Lawal, in Okengwe on Tuesday morning and kidnapped his two sons. Alhaji Lawal, who normally spends his weekend at his village, had left home on Monday morning for Lokoja the state capital, leaving behind his wife, Hajiya Safiya Lawal, and the children at home. The suspected gunmen attacked in the early morning hours of Tuesday, demanding for money after gaining entrance, but Hajiya Lawal could only afford twenty thousand naira. However, the gunmen were not satisfied with that as they went away with a generator, a Toyota saloon car, jewelleries and the two children, Azeez and Ogirima, aged three and seven respectively. The gunmen asked for the Speaker’s telephone number which would allow them demand for ransom as a guarantee for the release for the children. The Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, Emeh Emeka, confirmed the incident, vowing that the police would bring the perpetrators to book.

US Pledges Support for Nigerian Maritime Security

The US Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle, on Wednesday disclosed plans by the US government to support Nigeria in ensuring maritime security and safety. Entwistle said in Lagos at the opening ceremony of “OBANGAME EXPRESS 2014 Exercise” that the US was prepared to support the Federal Government’s effort at increasing security along its maritime borders. The envoy also restated his government’s support for the Nigerian government in its fight against oil bunkering. He said the US partnership with Nigeria had reduced piracy, trafficking and other maritime and overland security threats along the Gulf of Guinea. Capt. Nancy Lacore, Director of OBAGAME EXPRESS 2014, said that the exercise would focus on increasing capabilities to deter piracy, trafficking and maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea.

Police Confirms 7 Dead in Renewed Taraba Violence

The Taraba Police Command on Wednesday confirmed the death of seven persons in the violence that broke out overnight in Wukari. The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Joseph Kwaji disclosed this in an interview in Jalingo. He attributed the violence to reprisal attacks by youths in the town following alleged incessant raids by suspected herdsmen from surrounding villages. Kwaji dispelled the rumour that the crisis was religious. The state Acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, had imposed a 24-hour curfew on the town. Alhaji Umar Waziri, the Taraba Coordinator of the Red Cross, however, said that in spite of the curfew, violence in the town was still going on.

District Head, 19 Others Killed in Fresh Rampage

Islamic terrorists struck for the fourth time in three days in the country, killing 20 people including a traditional ruler in attacks on Borno State, officials said on Wednesday. Gunmen attacked the village of Wala, in Gwoza district, and killed 18 people, and injured several others. Gwoza is the one of mountainous countryside of Borno State that shares borders with Cameroun in its south and Sambissa in its north. Gwoza’s Rocky Mountains have served as a hideout for Boko Haram terrorists.

35 Others Killed in Renewed Hausa, Jukun Clashes in Taraba

Thirty-five people, including a soldier were feared killed at Wukari in Taraba State in a fresh violent clash between the native Jukuns and Hausa settlers in the ancient city. Besides, no fewer than 100 people, including two soldiers, were said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries in the clash. The clash, which was triggered by the killing of Jukun youths at Nwokyo village by Fulani herdsmen in which nine people were killed, erupted at about 7:30pm on Tuesday as Jukuns and the Hausa’s engaged in a gun duel for several hours. Residents and other sources claimed that the casualties from the battle were far and above 15 among whom is an elder brother to the Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Information, Hon Daniel Ishaya Gani.

18 Killed by Boko Haram on Borno Highway

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have killed 18 traders returning from a local market on Borno highways. It was gathered that the sect attacked two buses on the Bama-Gwoza road; and shot dead 18 traders who were returning from a market at Pulka on Tuesday at about 4pm. Pulka is Nigerian border town with Cameroon; and 119 kilometres south of Maiduguri, the capital of troubled Borno state. The marauders, according to an eyewitness, Hamba Tada ambushed the traders, who were going back to their homes after selling their wares, at Wala village, 10 kilometres to Gwoza.

Gunmen Kill One, Snatch Buses in Bauchi

Gunmen have killed one person and snatched three buses in Soro village in Ganjuwa Local Government Area of Bauchi State. A reliable security source confirmed the incident, stating that the gunmen shot one person dead and snatched three buses. Locals and passengers also told journalists in Bauchi that the hoodlums attacked passengers and drivers of the buses after they parked the vehicles to pray in the mosque. They said the hoodlums fired several shots that scared people before they drove away with the vehicles. Efforts to speak with the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Haruna Mohammed, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

Nyanya Bomb Blast: NEMA Pleads for Blood Donation

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called for increased donation of blood for victims. NEMA’s Director General, Sani Sidi made the call on Tuesday during a press briefing at its headquarters in Abuja. It also stated that the number of injured persons as a result of the blast had risen to 133, as against 124, which it announced on Monday. Sidi disclosed that some of the victims were still in critical condition, while some others had been stabilised. He urged Nigerians to visit any of the hospitals where the victims were being treated to donate blood. He said that the hospitals were adequately fit to handle the situation. Sidi outlined the hospitals to include Asokoro General Hospital, Maitama District Hospital, Wuse General Hospital, Garki Hospital, National Hospital, Nyanya Hospital, Nigeria Customs Service Staff Clinic, Abuja Clinic, Nasarawa State Medical Centre, and the Pan Raff Hospital Nyanya.

Another 60 Killed in Attack on Borno Village

About 60 persons were alleged to have been killed by suspected members of Boko Haram sect in Anchaka and neighbouring communities in Bama LGA of Borno State. Alhaji Baba Shehu, the chairman of the council lamented that several other persons were injured in the attacks.  He disclosed that the attackers invaded the communities in the early morning of Saturday in motorbikes before embarking on the mass destruction using Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Shehu said that the attackers also destroyed the newly renovated motorized boreholes provided by the LGA to provide water for the communities. He added that residents of the communities had fled to Maiduguri for fear of another attacks by the invaders. He appealed to the federal and the state government to assist the LGA with resources towards rehabilitating the victims.

INTERNATIONAL

Bomb Blasts Kill 12 in India

Two bombs planted by suspected Maoist rebels have killed at least 12 people in the eastern Indian state of Chhattisgarh as voting continues in the general election. The first blast hit a bus carrying election officials in Bijapur district, police said, killing seven. The second attack killed five police in an ambulance in the Bastar district. India began five weeks of general election polling last Monday. Officials said the bus in Bijapur district was blown up by a landmine as it travelled between Gudma and the town of Kutru. Four people were injured. Several people were also injured in the separate attack on the ambulance, which took place in the village of Kamanar, election officials said. Maoist rebels have staged frequent attacks over several decades across a swathe of India in their campaign for the poor to have a greater share of India’s natural resources. Chhattisgarh has seen some of the worst violence.

21 Killed in Violent Attacks in Iraq

Twenty-one people were killed and 45 others wounded in separate violent attacks across Iraq, penultimate Saturday, police and medical sources said. In Iraq’s western province of Anbar, fierce clashes erupted in the southern provincial capital city of Ramadi between Iraqi soldiers and gunmen believed to be linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL), leaving eight militants killed and eight soldiers wounded. Also in Ramadi, gunmen disguised in army uniforms shot dead a police officer and two policemen. Similarly, three civilians were killed and 14 others wounded by the army artillery shelling on several neighborhoods in the besieged city of Fallujah. In Iraq’s eastern province of Diyala, a car bomb went off at a residential area, leaving three people killed, including two children, and 19 people wounded. Meanwhile, three gunmen believed to be linked to ISIL were killed in a clash with Iraqi security forces near the city of Udheim, some 60 km north of Baquba, the source said. In addition, a member of a government-backed Sahwa paramilitary group was shot dead by gunmen at a village near Baquba, the source added.

Several Missing in South Korean Ferry Disaster

Several persons remain missing as rescue efforts continue on the sunken South Korean vessel. The captain of the sunken ferry has apologised to families of the victims and those missing a day after the country's biggest maritime disaster. Witnesses disclosed that the captain of the vessel, which sank off South Korea's southwest coast, leaving several dead and about 290 missing, was one of the first to leave the stricken vessel. He is now being held by the coast guard. The ferry was carrying a total of 475 people when it sank. South Korean President, Park Geun-hye, met angry and frustrated families of the victims on Thursday, pledging that the government will do its best to rescue the hundreds still missing. Park made a visit to Jindo, where rescue efforts are centred, and promised family members updates and accurate information on the progress of search operations.

Senior Police Officer Abducted in Yemen

Gunmen have kidnapped a high-ranking officer of the criminal police investigations department in Yemen’s south-eastern province of Hadramout. The gunmen captured the investigative officer from a main street in Tarim city as he was returning from work, the military official said on condition of anonymity. An intelligence source also confirmed the kidnapping. The abducted police officer, whose identity has not been revealed, works for the investigations department in Hadramout province, the official said. The kidnappers took him to an unknown destination, he said, adding that army reinforcements were sent to help with the manhunt. Army and intelligence officials are frequently targeted by al- Qaida militants in the country’s restive southern regions. Earlier in the day, armed men ambushed two army vehicles and killed two soldiers in Hadramout after a short exchange of fire, according to security officials in the Qatan region.

Jordanian Envoy Kidnapped in Libya

The Jordanian ambassador to Libya has been kidnapped in the Libyan capital of Tripoli, officials say. Libya’s foreign ministry confirmed Fawaz al-Itan’s kidnapping, adding that his driver, who was injured, was in hospital. The Jordanian Prime Minister said that the envoy’s release was being negotiated. Libya has been plagued by instability since armed groups toppled Muammar Gaddafi from power in 2011. On Sunday, Libya’s newly appointed Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni stepped down after what he described as a “cowardly attack” on him and his family by a militia. Mr Thinni had been appointed as PM after his predecessor Ali Zeidan was sacked for failing to improve security. Several kidnappings of officials in Libya in previous months have been blamed on militiamen.

Berlusconi to do Community Service

Former Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, must do one year’s community service over tax fraud, a Milan court has ruled. He was convicted of tax fraud last year in connection with TV rights purchased by his firm Mediaset in the 1990s. The alternative to community service had been house arrest. It is not yet clear what form his community service will take. The 77-year-old billionaire has been embroiled in a string of court cases. He was spared prison in the Mediaset case because the Italian legal system is lenient to the over-70s. Italian media reports say he is likely to work one half-day a week at a home for elderly and disabled people near his estate outside Milan. He will be subject to a curfew and banned from meeting people with criminal convictions. Berlusconi has always denied the charges, accusing left-wing judges of a witch-hunt aimed at neutralising him as a political leader. He is still leader of Forza Italia, the main conservative opposition bloc.

Three Die in US City Shootings

Three people, including a man and his grandson, have been shot dead at a Jewish community site and a retirement home in Kansas City in the US Midwest. The shootings occurred at the Jewish Community Campus at Overland Park and a nearby assisted living centre, Village Shalom. Police said a suspect, a bearded white man in his 70s, was in custody. A local hospital said it was treating a teenage boy for a gunshot wound and that he was in a critical condition. Two victims were named by relatives as Dr William Lewis Corporan and his 14-year-old grandson, Reat Griffin Underwood. They were killed in the car park of the Jewish Community Campus. They were both Christian. A third, female victim was shot dead at Village Shalom, a retirement home several streets away from the community centre.

Five Students Dead in Canada Mass Murder

Five University of Calgary students were stabbed to death on Tuesday morning in what the city’s police chief called “the worst mass murder in Calgary’s history.” Chief Rick Hanson said about 30 students were at a house party celebrating the end of the school year Monday night when police received a call for a stabbing. Arriving officers discovered three men dead. A woman and another man who were found injured with stab wounds later died at the hospital, according to Hanson. Matthew de Grood, a fellow university student, was charged with five counts of first-degree murder Tuesday afternoon. Hanson said de Grood “obtained a large knife” at the house and began attacking his victims shortly after he arrived. “He targeted the victims one by one, stabbing them several times” said Hanson. De Grood, 22, is the son of a longtime Calgary police officer. Hanson said the suspect had had no previous run-ins with police.

Egypt: Security Forces Kill Muslim Brotherhood Members

Unrest and dissension rolled across Egypt as authorities killed two Muslim Brotherhood members during a gunfight and clashed with protesters in several cities. Egyptian security forces killed the Muslim Brotherhood members during a gunfight in the Nile Delta, north of Cairo, reports say. Several men attempted to torch a traffic checkpoint and opened fire on police guarding a highway connecting the cities of Tanta and Al-Mahalla Al-Kubra in the northern governorate of Gharbiya. Police officials said they arrested five protesters, including a student, and confiscated a weapon in Fayoum. Police said they confiscated knives and images of “the four-fingered sign” from protesters, a reference to the image of a yellow hand used by many Morsi supporters. Several pro-Brotherhood demonstrators were arrested during protests in the northern port city of Alexandria, security officials said.

Libya’s PM Resigns after Brutal Assault on Family

Libya’s interim Prime Minister, Abdullah al-Thani, on Monday, announced that he has resigned during a General National Congress meeting, adding that he and his family were violently assaulted the previous night. He said, “My family and I suffered a brutal attack last night and the shooting terrified local residents and put their lives in danger. “I will not accept one drop of blood to be spilled because of me and I will not allow myself, as prime minister, to be a reason for Libyans fighting.” According to the report, the interim prime minister will officially submit his resignation as soon as the General National Congress finds a replacement. Report says Thani, a former defense minister, was sworn in as prime minister of Libya’s caretaker government in March after his predecessor, Ali Zeidan, was ousted amid disputes over oil exports and criticisms that his government failed to restore stability.

Police Arrest Sex Offenders for Murder

Two convicted sex offenders out on parole have raped and killed at least four women while wearing GPS trackers, police said. Franc Cano was wearing an ankle monitor and Steven Dean Gordon was carrying a GPS device when they allegedly assaulted and killed their victims in California. Officials did not explain how the pair was able to carry out the crimes while under supervision by law enforcement authorities. But they did say it was data from their GPS trackers – along with cell phone records from the victims and other evidence – that led investigators to link them to the killings. If convicted, they could face a minimum sentence of life without parole or the death penalty. They are being held without bail. Cano and Gordon each served time after being convicted in separate cases of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14. While out on parole, they chose their victims from the prostitution hangouts of Orange County. The murders were discovered after the naked body of Jarrae Nykkole Estepp, 21, was found on a conveyor belt at an Anaheim refuse-sorting plant in March.

Police in Argentina Rescues Girl Kept for 9 Years in Garage

Police in Argentina say they have rescued a 15-year-old girl who had been starved, beaten and kept in a garage for nine years by her foster parents. The girl weighed only 20 kilos (44 pounds), and said she had been fed only bread and water in her captivity. Her only company had been that of a dog and a monkey, and she said she was beaten with a belt if she tried to eat the leftover food thrown to the pets.  Her guardians have been arrested and charged with slavery and abuse. The teenager was found in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, by one of her biological sisters. The girl, who has been hospitalised, said she had been out of the garage only twice in nine years. According to officials, her foster parents took the girl into care provisionally in 2001 after a court found that her biological parents, who had seven more children, were financially unable to look after her.

Guinea: Six Die in Gold Mine Collapse

At least six people, including women and children, were killed when a small gold mine in Guinea, West Africa caved in on them. The incident happened on Tuesday when the group was digging in the mine in the country’s mineral-rich Siguiri province. Some small mines in the country employ unskilled workers and it is not uncommon for children to be taken in. The central government’s local representative for the Siguiri region, Mohamed Cheick Diallo, did not say how many were working at the site. Thousands work in Guinea’s mines, seeing it as a route out of poverty. Mining is legal but notoriously dangerous. One person was killed in an accident in March in the same area and 25 died in a gold mine explosion in eastern Guinea last November.