Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 18

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Pirates Attack Fishermen, Seize Outboard Engines in Akwa Ibom

Pirates on Tuesday evening attacked about 18 fishing boats and seized outboard engines, fishing nets, fish, and other equipment along Ibeno high seas, Ibeno LGA of Akwa Ibom State. The pirates, who were said to be 18 in number, launched the attacks from three speed boats. It was learnt that no life was lost, although many of the fishermen sustained injuries as they tried to resist the assailants. Chairman, Nigerian Artisan Fishermen Association, Samuel Ayadi, disclosed that the pirates, who were armed with sophisticated weapons, lamented that the robbery incident would exacerbate the already bad situation of fish scarcity in the state. But the Divisional Police Officer, Ibeno Police Division, Mr. Sylvester Monday, said the incident had not been officially reported.

Police Arraign 4 over Gang Rape of 18-Year-Old

The Abia State Police Command has charged four suspects to court for raping an 18-year-old girl. The suspects -Chika Ejim, 20 years; Chinweotuto Nwosu, 20 years; Uchechi Nnaukwu, 20 years and Chigozie Ejikeme, 18 years - were arraigned under a 3-count charge of inducing and raping the girl at a burrow pit at Olokoro in Umuahia South LGA of the state on 4th of April 2014 and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 17 [a] of the Trafficking in Persons [Prohibition] Law Enforcement and Administration Act. Cap. T23 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 as applicable in Abia State.

Woman Kills 15-Year-Old Son in Akwa Ibom

A woman, Mrs. Ita Okokon, at Atai Obio Offot, Uyo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, has killed her 15-year-old son, Isaac Okokon, after a minor disagreement. Isaac was said to have died on Friday following a machete injury his mother inflicted on him. A neighbor, Ekaette Effiong, disclosed that Isaac had pushed his mother to the ground after she beat him. This further infuriated her and got out the machete and threw it at him, cutting through his body. Effiong stated that neighbours and the mother rushed Isaac to a hospital where he died. The mother was said to have fled Atai Obio Offot when she discovered that Isaac had died. The Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command, Etim Dickson, confirmed the incident.

Policeman Rapes, Impregnates 13-Yr-Old Girl

A police sergeant has been arrested in Anambra State for allegedly raping a 13-year-old daughter of a popular pastor at Nkpor in Idemili Council Area of the state. The young girl, said to be two months pregnant told her parents last Saturday who was responsible for her pregnancy. According to reports, the policeman initially denied the allegation and was supported by the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, which made the victim’s parents to petition a human rights group and the state Commissioner of Police. After the petition, the policeman was said to have accepted responsibility and agreed to take care of the girl till delivery. He promised to be giving the girl’s family N20,000 monthly for the girl’s up keep, which the father turned down, demanding N300,000 to enable him take proper care of her daughter till delivery.

Ex-Militant Launches Campaign against Oil Thieves

Ex-militant leader, “General” Felix Timilaemi, has launched a campaign against illegal oil bunkering, illicit refineries and other forms of oil theft in Ekeremor LGA of Bayelsa State. The ex-warlord, who commanded a camp known as Amabulu Federated Community, had already destroyed 30 illegal refineries and 12 boats used by suspected oil thieves in the council. Timilaemi, who lamented environmental pollution and health hazards caused by illegal bunkering in the area, said he had the backing of the chiefs and the traditional rulers in the council.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

12 Killed in Edo Road Accident

No fewer  than 12 persons were Tuesday feared death in a multiple road accident and scores of others sustained various degrees of injuries as a truck conveying granite rammed into three vehicles and four motorcycles by filling station in Auchi area of Edo State. The accident was attributed to break failure by the truck. According to an eyewitness account, the truck was said to have lost control and rammed into three vehicles, killing all the occupants while other road users and pedestrians including beggars were affected. Men of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Auchi command were on ground on rescue mission conveying the dead bodies of the victims to an undisclosed morgue while the injured were being rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Poly Students, Three Others Nabbed for Armed Robbery

The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, Mr. Ambrose Aisabor, on Tuesday said four male students of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, -Olawuyi Babatunde, Osadahin Matthew, Bamikole Emmanuel and  one Adebisi-  had been arrested for alleged involvement in armed robbery. He stated that one of the suspects was a neighbour to the victim, Adeolu Emmanuel. Parading the four suspects and three others in Ilorin, the CP lamented the increasing involvement of students of tertiary institutions in the state in crimes. According to the CP, the suspects during interrogation, confessed to being members of a cult group, Eiye Confraternity. He added that the suspects would be arraigned. He said officials of the command recovered two AK 47 rifles, which were allegedly left behind by the hoodlums in a bush before the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, as the police chased them. The CP also disclosed that the command saved a man, suspected to be mentally unstable, from being lynched by an irate mob. He warned residents in the state to avoid lynching suspected kidnappers or suspected criminals.

Court Orders Police to pay N25m over Death in Custody

A Lagos High Court, Ikeja has ordered the Nigeria Police to pay N25m to the family of Femi Ilesanmi, who was allegedly killed in custody of Abattoir Police Station in Agege, Lagos State. Members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) were said to have arrested Ilesanmi in June 2013 for alleged armed robbery. The OPC members, according to the deceased’s family, subsequently handed the suspect over to the Police same day, but ever since he had not been seen. The family of the deceased had instituted a suit against the police, their officers and an OPC member when they could not determine their son’s whereabouts. Justice Atinuke Ipaye held that deceased’s death in police custody was a breach of his fundamental right. The court ordered the police to release the body of the deceased to his family and pay N25m to the relations as compensation. Justice Opesanwo, who in her judgment affirmed that the suspect was rushed to the hospital when he suddenly took ill in police custody, queried what could have caused his death within five days of his detention.

Rival Gangs Clash in Kwara over Girlfriend

Pandemonium broke out at Agaka and Adabata communities of Ilorin, Kwara State, on Wednesday as two groups engaged in a free-for-all. The fracas paralysed the economic activities in the area for many hours and forced many traders to close their shops and flee. According to an eyewitness, the two groups fought over alleged snatching of a girlfriend from a member of one of the groups. He stated that members of the two groups were at a ceremony when a member of one of the groups accused another man from a rival group of snatching his girlfriend. Following the allegation, an argument ensued which degenerated into the fracas. Both parties were said to have freely used axes, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons on rival members.

Suspects Arrested over Lynching of Woman

Four persons had been arrested over their alleged role in the lynching of a suspected female kidnapper at Adeta Roundabout in Kwara State. The suspected kidnapper was said to have been caught with three children on Tuesday evening. One of the children was said to have died before the mob lynched her. Similarly, a middle aged woman narrowly missed being lynched by a mob. The timely intervention of policemen rescued her from the mob that was about lynching her. The woman was alleged to have attempted to kidnap a three-year baby from the Amoyo Community. A source said the female suspect was caught with the baby while she was attempting to board a bus. It was also learnt that a resident, who had become suspicious of the woman’s movement, was said to have raised the alarm which attracted the mob. The Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, Ajayi Okasanmi, who confirmed the incidents, also confirmed the arrest of 18 suspected political thugs over their alleged involvements in political crisis in some area during the ward and local government congresses of political parties.

Mob Sets Suspected Ritualist Ablaze

An unidentified man, suspected to be a ritualist, was set ablaze by irate mob in Saje area of Abeokuta, Ogun State. He was said to have charmed a school girl and made her insane before he was caught and set ablaze. An eyewitness disclosed that the man, who was not a resident of the area, had sprayed a perfume onto girl’s face to make her insane. Resident asked him to give her the antidote but he refused. The action infuriated the boys, so they mobbed him before the arrival of the policemen. Vanguard, however, gathered that the girl is a secondary school student and was  with her elder sister when the man approached them, asking directions to  a street and in the process, allegedly hypnotised the girl. It was revealed that the lady was yet to regain sanity as she was taken away by some relatives.

Police Arrest Arab for Robbery

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested an Arab, Ali Mohammed, for robbery.
Ali, according to state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, was arrested by policemen attached to the Ibafo Police Division on Sunday at Moko near Ibafo around 2am. The policemen had responded to a distress call from the area. About four armed men had burgled into a house and were robbing the occupants in the area. The policemen dislodged them and arrested one of them. Efforts are on to arrest the fleeing members of the group. In a related development, Adejobi said divisions in the state raided black spots in their jurisdictions and arrested about 110 suspects. The areas where the raids were carried out included Sagamu, Ijebu Ode, Ilaro, Ota and Abeokuta. The PPRO added that the operation was supervised by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Akpoebi Agberebi.

NDLEA Detects Cocaine in Shoes, Voltage Regulator at MMIA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has discovered 2.5kg of cocaine inside female shoes and voltage regulators at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The NDLEA’s Head of Public Affairs, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the seizures were made from a consignment of female shoes from Brazil on board an Ethiopian Airline flight and a shipment of voltage regulators meant for export to Gabon on a DHL cargo flight. NDLEA Commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr. Hamza Umar, confirming the seizure, said the shipment of shoes had been abandoned. During examination, 1.860kg of cocaine was found inside the shoe soles, while 600 grammes of cocaine was found hidden in a voltage regulator. A freight forwarder had been arrested in connection with the cocaine shipment to Gabon. The suspect, 37-year-old Anslem Nyeaka, a native of Imo State, in his statement said that he was given the consignment by a client. The Chairman of NDLEA, Mr. Ahmadu Giade, said a close watch would be kept over the Nigeria-Brazil route, while other African routes were being re-classified in line with current risk levels.

17 Docked over Attack on Ex-Police Officer, Others

The Ogun State Police Command on Monday arraigned 17 suspects in connection with the attack on a house at the Ijaye area of Abeokuta, the state capital. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said that the suspects were arraigned at Magistrate Court 1 Isabo Abeokuta and charged with malicious damage, conspiracy and conduct likely to cause breach of peace. The suspects were amongst the angry youths who attacked a house of a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police at Ijaye Abeokuta for alleged ritual purposes. Okoye condemned such acts, noting that attacking people for unconfirmed allegation of kidnap or theft is unlawful.

Robbers Raid Lagos Streets

There were fears and tension in the Mushin area of Lagos State on Monday morning after about 60 robbers operated on eight streets and destroyed about 30 vehicles. Some residents disclosed that the robbers also raped some young ladies and operated unchallenged for about seven hours. The hoodlums, who reportedly belonged to two cult groups – Akala boys and Toheeb’s gang – ravaged New Balogun, Euba, Ayonuga, Tiamiyu, Haruna, Ereko, Oyedele streets and Coker Lane. A mosque on Coker Lane was not spared as the worshippers, who slept in the mosque after a vigil, were robbed by the hoodlums.

Woman Arraigned over Stabbing Death of Husband

A 38-year-old woman, Janet Fagbadebo, has been accused of killing her husband, Kehinde Fagbadebo, during an argument at their matrimonial home in Ikorodu, Lagos State. On the fateful day, 43-year-old Kehinde was said reportedly going out without giving money for the upkeep of the house. Janet, who allegedly suspected he was going out with a concubine, demanded money and tried to stop him from going out but he rather slapped her. In a fit of anger she dashed into the kitchen and reached for a knife and stabbed him. While Kehinde bled from his wound, Janet alerted neighbours who rushed him to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead. Janet was then arrested and arraigned before an Ebute Meta Magistrate’s court on one count of murder. The matter was adjourned till May 19, 2014.

Rape Allegation: Police Investigate DPO

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) accused of raping a detainee mother of two in Lagos has been released on bail after three days in detention. He was granted bail as more allegations emerged that he had faced similar charges in the past. One of such cases was allegedly reported against the suspect while he was serving at the Zone 2 Police, Onikan. The IGP, last weekend, directed that a discreet investigation be carried out on the rape allegation. The three-man team of investigators was said to have been drawn from the Lagos State Police Public Relations Office, Human Rights and X-Squad, which is expected to make its findings in the rape saga known to members of the public. The DPO, alongside seven other police officers on duty on the day of the alleged incident, were summoned last Friday for interrogation at the state Police Command, but some of the accused persons, according to police sources, claimed ignorance of the matter as they said they went to eat at the period and never saw when the lady was invited by the DPO into his office for alleged “debriefing.’

Two Killed as Hoodlums Clash

Hoodlums from the notorious hotspot of Akala attacked residents of Railway Line and New Balogun Street, Idi-Oro, leading to the death of two of the attackers from Akala. In the process, some residents from Railway Line and New Balogun Street repelled their attack, forcing them to beat a retreat. The hoodlums, however, regrouped and staged another attack which lasted four hours. More than 10 houses along the Railway Line and New Balogun were looted and some of their female occupants raped. It was learnt that the incident started around 1am, when most residents had gone to bed after the Easter celebration. They were startled when sounds of gunfire and broken bottles from the Akala hoodlums reverberated.

GENERAL

Boko Haram Spreads to Niger Republic

The Boko Haram terrorist sect may be enjoying support from some persons in South-Eastern part of Niger Republic, al-Shabab in Somalia and the al-Qaeda in the Maghreb (AQIM). Reports indicated that the group has spread its tentacles to Niger Republic, where internally displaced persons from Borno and Yobe have been flocking since the crisis escalated in recent times. Niger may not be insulated from future attacks in the near future if the group's recruitment drive attains a proportion required by the group, it was gathered. A group in Diffa, a border town with Yobe state, has been found to be assisting Boko Haram with manpower while the latter dish out money to their protégés across the border. This development fuels fears that there might be a backlash effect on Niger, Cameroon and Chad.

Military Seeks Retention of Emergency Rule in North-East

The military has warned against not extending the emergency rule imposed on Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States. It had been reported on Sunday that the presidency would not seek an extension of the emergency rule, which President Goodluck Jonathan, in line with Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, imposed on the three North-east states in May 14, 2013. Following the president's request for an extension, the National Assembly in November last year, pushed it forward for another six months. However, a military source said that despite the fact that the insurgency in the three states could be tackled with the Terrorism Prevention Act, the Nigerian Army Act and the powers of the National Security Agencies Act, as being contemplated by the federal government, the non-extension of the emergency rule could hamper the routing of the insurgents.

Woman Steals Baby in Makurdi

A three-month-old baby belonging to one Mr. Ikyavngi Imande has been stolen in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. The baby was stolen on April 19 at about 8.00pm on Inikpi Street, Makurdi. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Daniel Ezeala, disclosed that the police had begun investigation into the matter. Ezeala said the police had arrested one suspect, while the others were still at large. He assured the family and the people of the state of adequate security. The prime suspect, simply identified as Chichi, was in Makurdi to adopt a baby, but was turned down by the government officials. The mother of the baby, Mrs. Msendoo Ikyavngi, said her baby was stolen from her house after Chichi, the girlfriend of her neighbour, came in, tricked the nanny and stole the baby.

FG Inaugurates Task Force on Sexual Abuse, Violence against Children

The federal government has set up a National Joint Task Force for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Violence against Children in Nigeria. The move is aimed at addressing the growing cases of violence against children, especially child sexual abuse, rape and abduction. The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina, who inaugurated the committee in Abuja, said this was coming on the heels of the recent terror attacks and abduction of about 200 girls from a government secondary school in Maiduguri. Maina noted that whenever there are insurgencies or natural disasters such as flood, children become very easy targets. According to her, children are killed, maimed or abducted. She added that when there were economic problems in the family, children were made to hawk in the streets where they are exposed to all kinds of hazards. The minister disclosed that membership of the taskforce were drawn from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and other relevant stakeholders that include Nigeria Law Reform Commission, National Human Rights Commission, and NAPTIP, amongst others.

Police Arrest 24 Protesters in Taraba

The Police in Taraba have arrested 24 suspects in connection with a clash which occurred in Wukari on April 15. Police spokesperson in the state, Joseph Kwaji, on Sunday, disclosed that the suspects would be charged to court soon. The command had so far arrested 24 persons in connection with the current Wukari crisis, he disclosed. Violence broke out in Wukari on April 15 when youths in the town protested the alleged killings in some villages by suspected herdsmen. Alhaji Garba Umar, Acting Governor of Taraba, during a visit to the troubled area on Friday, imposed a 24 hour curfew on the town.

Taraba: Gunmen Kill 50 in More Attacks

Gunmen, Tuesday, defied the dusk-to-dawn curfew and attacked Gidan Aku community in Wukari LGA of Taraba State, killing at least 50 persons in the dead of the night. The attackers reportedly shot at people and burnt houses at the same time without any intervention by the security forces. Soldiers and policemen from Yola have been drafted to restore peace and prevent further attacks. The acting Governor of the State, Garba Umar, has warned against politicizing the spate of violence and called on all to join hands in finding lasting solution. Meanwhile, the Taraba House of Assembly has called on the federal government to intervene and provide security for the people in the crisis area. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced that some of the arrested suspects in the attacks admitted to being members of Boko Haram.

Gunmen Killed Five in Adamawa

Five persons, including a soldier, have been killed in Sabongari Hyambula in Madagali LGA of Adamawa State following a gun duel between the military and members of the outlawed Boko Haram sect. The insurgents who were apparently on their way to carry out terrorist activities, had run into a military checkpoint in the area, a border town with Borno State, and opened fire on the troops. In the exchange of gunfire between the terrorists and the military, two civilian passers-by, a soldier and two members of the sect were killed. A witness disclosed that the gunmen attacked the military checkpoint in the border town in the night, adding that the soldiers repelled the attackers after a prolonged gun duel that lasted several hours.

FG Approves New Border Posts in North-east

The Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), David Parrandang, Wednesday, disclosed that the federal government had given approved the opening up of 30 new border posts in the troubled North-east. Parrandang lamented the existence of well over 1,400 illegal borders in Nigeria -a situation he said contributes to the spate of insurgencies in the country. He said a paltry 22,300 staff are currently in the employ of the immigration service nationwide, adding that the organisation needed to be recruiting an average of 5,000 officers annually for the next five years, if it must discharge its responsibilities adequately. He said plans are underway to open up 30 new border control posts in strategic locations in the country to beef- up the 83 existing border posts. The Comptroller General said only five legal control posts exist in that region, in addition to 80 illegal routes through which the sect members may be finding their way  into the country.

Apo Killings: SSS Rejects Commission’s Decision, Indictment

The Department of State Security (DSS) has given notice of its intention to challenge the April 7 decision of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) which indicted it in the killing of eight squatters at the Legislative Quarters in Apo district of Abuja. Pursuant to Section 18(3) of the NHRC (Amendment) Act, the SSS has given the commission a month pre-action notice. In a letter to the Executive Secretary of the commission, Professor Bem Angwe, the SSS said that it was dissatisfied with the commission’s recommendations and award and had therefore decided to seek a judicial review of the decision. Eight squatters were killed on September 20, 2013, while 11 others were injured when security operatives stormed an uncompleted building at Apo. The SSS claimed that those killed were members of Boko Haram. However, after holding a public inquiry during which the SSS, the Nigerian Army and members of the National Association of Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association (NATOMORAS) gave evidence, the commission came to a conclusion that the SSS’s claim was not supported by the facts.

63-Year-Old Sentenced to Death for Raping Girl and Infecting Her with HIV

A Shariah Court sitting at Noman land in the Kano metropolis Wednesday sentenced a 63-year-old man to death by stoning, for raping a 13-year-old girl and infecting her with HIV. The accused, Ubale Sa'idu Dotsa was accused for luring and defiling the teenager in March, and infecting with HIV. The convict revealed that he was not aware of his HIV status. After the court registrar, Uba Alasan Rimi, read the charges to the accused, he instantly pleaded guilty and expressed regret for his action. The presiding magistrate, Faruk Ahmad, then sentenced the defendant to death by stoning for committing adultery, since he is a married man. In Shariah law, a married person is stoned to death if convicted for adultery. The magistrate then assigned the registrar to write a letter to the state Governor, Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso, for recommendation.

Gunmen Kill Five-year-old Girl, 15 others in Bauchi, Taraba

The orgy of bloodletting continued in the North-east at the weekend with gunmen killing a five-year-old girl during an attack on Government Girls' Secondary School (GGSS), Yana in Shira LGA of Bauchi State and another set of bandits killing 15 others in Nyakwala village, in Wukari LGA of Taraba State. The gunmen who attacked the school also set ablaze the staff quarters, a school bus, the conference hall of the LGA and about 15 vehicles. According to the state   Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Haruna Mohammed, the attackers also burnt some telecommunication masts and attacked a branch of First Bank in the town, during which they destroyed the bank's vault. A source disclosed that soldiers from Bauchi and Jigawa States ambushed the gunmen and recovered some motorcycles, locally-made bombs and a green Hilux van from them. Also in Taraba State, 15 people were killed in the attack on Nyakwala village, which came barely 24 hours after the state’s acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, visited Wukari and Ibi, which have witnessed a violent clashes in recent times.

Teacher Rapes 12-Year-Old Pupil in Plateau

The police in Plateau State have arrested a teacher with Bright Kids Academy, Barkin Ladi, Barkin Ladi LGA of the state, Chukwudi Boniface, for raping and impregnating a 12-year-old pupil of the school. It was gathered that the teacher had in December last year organised an extra-mural lesson, which was attended by only four pupils, including the victim. Boniface, after giving them a class work, allegedly told the victim to wait behind with her book and forcibly had carnal knowledge of her. Confirming the arrest to journalists yesterday in Jos, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Felicia Anselm, said the teacher had been arrested. The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Sarah Yusuf, said government would take steps to bring the perpetrators of rape to book. She also encouraged all stakeholders in the campaign against rape to speak out against the menace.

Women Stage Protest in Ilorin over Abduction of Students in Borno

The women wing of the Nasrul-lahi Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), Kwara State chapter, on Tuesday, staged a peaceful protest against the abduction of over 200 female students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, and other acts of violence by insurgents in some parts of the country. Members of the society said their hearts bleed in view of the pains and agonies the families of the abducted school children are facing. The leader of the women group, Hajia Ummuani Abdulrahaman, said the activities of the insurgents, particularly the bomb blast at Nyanya, Abuja, and the abduction of the female students called for concern by all stakeholders in the country, irrespective of their religious and political differences.

Boko Haram Kills Politicians in Borno

Two Borno politicians have been killed by suspected members of the deadly Boko Haram sect in an ambush along the notorious Maiduguri/Dikwa road. It was gathered from sources that the two politicians, the Kala/Balge council chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Modu Janga; and its Youths Leader, Alhaji Abba were shot dead by suspected Boko Haram insurgents near Mafa town on the Maiduguri-Dikwa road at 11am on Monday. They were said to be both returning back to Gudumbali after attending political meeting in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital. The vehicle conveying them was ambushed by the hoodlums near Mafa town.

Yobe Honours Six Police Officers for Bravery

The Yobe Police Command on Wednesday presented special certificates of commendation to six policemen for bravery. The six policemen were honoured for foiling an attempt by gunmen to attack the Mobile Police Base, Damaturu. Alhaji Rufai Sanusi, the Police Commissioner, while presenting the certificates, said one inspector and five others, uncovered plans by gunmen to attack the mobile police base. Sanusi said the command would recommend their promotion to the Inspector General of Police.

Boko Haram Threatens to Kill Abducted Schoolgirls

The Islamist sect, Boko Haram, has threatened to kill the abducted students, should the search to recover them continue. The Borno women, under the auspices of BAOBAB Women’s Right, have said they were ready to storm the major hide out of the insurgents in Sambisa forest, where the abducted girls were believed to be held. Spokesperson for the group, Professor Hauwa Biu, said that they resolved to embark on the rescue mission when it was evident that no reasonable progress was being achieved in the rescue efforts. The group urged security forces to expedite action in their search and rescue mission of the students so that their parents can have rest of mind.

Fulani Herdsmen Confess to Membership of Boko Haram

Groups of alleged herdsmen or gangs operating in the middle belt states of Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and even those that recently killed scores of people in Zamfara state, are Boko Haram sect members. This development came to light following the confessions of some arrested Fulani herdsmen that took part in the killings and burning of houses in Wukari, Taraba state, they disclosed to security forces that they took part in many Boko Haram attacks. A statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, confirmed the development. Meanwhile, the curfew imposed on Wukari and its environs is expected to be relaxed as normalcy returns to the town. Troops have maintained patrol of the area while a house-to-house search for arms is ongoing. In another development, troops on patrol of the Lake Chad Islands have made some arrests. Among those arrested was a boat operator who ferries terrorists across the Lake Chad while another confessed to being a supplier of hard drugs to the terrorist groups in the area”.

INTERNATIONAL

Nine Killed In Pakistan Violence

At least five policemen and four civilians were killed on Tuesday in two attacks by suspected militants in Pakistan’s restive north-west, officials said. Shafiullah Khan, District Police Chief said the armed rebels ambushed a police vehicle in a suburb of Peshawar, killing five policemen and a civilian. He said that in nearby Charsada district, insurgents struck a police vehicle with a remote control bomb, killing three civilians and injuring 33 people, including 12 policemen. The bomb was reportedly planted in a parked motorbike. He said nobody took responsibility for the attack, the latest in a wave of violence since a 40-day cease fire declared by the Taliban ended on April 10. Peace talks were launched in January to end the decade-old insurgency that has killed more than 40,000 people. But the negotiations have made little headway amid insistence by the Taliban on the release of arrested rebels and the designation of a peace zone in areas under their control.

Gunmen Attack Policemen, Kill Two in Egypt

A police officer and a conscript were killed after armed attackers opened fire on their patrol car, Egypt’s interior ministry has said. The ministry said in a statement that those killed in the latest attack were patrolling the road between Cairo and Suez. Fighters have stepped up their attacks against security forces since the army ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July last year. A little-known armed group, Ajnad Misr, has vowed fresh attacks against security forces in retaliation for their crackdown on Morsi supporters. Ajnad Misr or Soldiers of Egypt claimed responsibility for Friday’s attack on a traffic police kiosk. But the deadliest attacks have been claimed by Sinai-based Ansar Beit al-Maqdis, a group inspired by al-Qaeda. Official figures show that more than 500 people – mostly policemen and soldiers – have been killed in bombing and shooting assaults by fighters since July 2013.

16 Dengue Fever Cases Reported in Mozambique

Mozambican Authorities on Sunday confirmed 16 cases of dengue fever in the country’s north. Dengue fever, also known as break-bone fever, causes fever and joint pains. The disease broke out in Pemba, capital city of the northern Cabo Delgado Province, while another nine suspicious cases were also reported there. Authorities attributed the outbreak of the mosquito-borne tropical disease to the heavy rains in the province in recent months. The country’s Health Ministry said that the situation was under control and it has sent medical staff to eliminate the vectors of the disease. Report says that the infectious tropical disease was last confirmed in Cabo Delgado Province in the 1970s.

Ukraine Orders Re-Launch of Military Operations against Pro-Russian

Ukraine’s acting president has ordered the re-launch of military operations against pro-Russian militants in the east after two men were “tortured to death”. Oleksandr Turchynov said the body of politician Vladimir Rybak was found near rebel-held Sloviansk. The move came as US Vice-President, Joe Biden, was visiting Ukraine. As he met Ukrainian leaders in Kiev, Biden called on Russia to “stop talking and start acting” to defuse the Ukraine crisis. The US and the West accuse Russia of using undercover military to back separatists in eastern Ukraine, where public buildings are occupied in at least nine cities and towns. Russia denies involvement. Biden warned Russia that further “provocative behaviour” would lead to “greater isolation” and urged Moscow to end its alleged support for pro-Russian militants. The US is to provide an additional $50m (£30m) for political and economic reforms in Ukraine, including $11m to help run the presidential election due on May 25. The US is also sending 600 troops to take part in NATO exercises in the three Baltic States and Poland.

French Journalists Abducted In Syria Regain Freedom

Four French journalists have arrived back in France after their release from 10 months of captivity in Syria, according to reports. Edouard Elias, Didier Francois, Nicolas Henin and Pierre Torres flew in from Turkey on a French Air Force plane. They had been found, blindfolded and handcuffed, by Turkish soldiers who were patrolling the border with Syria late on Friday. French President Francois Hollande said the men were all “in good health”.

Japan Begins Construction of Military Site near Disputed Islands

Japan has begun construction work on a military radar station near a string of islands that is at the centre of a territorial dispute with China. The move will anger China as it may allow Japan to expand surveillance near the Chinese mainland. The new base on Yonaguni Island is located just 150km from the Japanese-held Senkaku Island group, claimed by China as the Diaoyu Islands. About 150 personnel are due to be deployed on Yonaguni within two years. Japanese Defence Minister, Itsunori Onodera, suggested his country’s military presence could be extended to other Islands in the region. Tensions between Japan and China rose last year after China imposed an Air Defence Identification Zone above disputed islands in the East China Sea, including the Senkakus. The move was also condemned by the US. Several countries claim competing sovereignty over islands, reefs and shoals in the South China Sea.

Three to Die in Saudi Arabia over 2003 Attacks

A Saudi court has sentenced three men to death and jailed 40 more for assisting suicide bombers who attacked three residence compounds in Riyadh in 2003. The court said more than 25 people were killed in the attack, including 18 foreigners, along with 12 of the assailants. It said one of them was also found guilty of plotting to blow up an air base in the south of the kingdom. It added that 40 defendants received sentences ranging from two to 26 years for offences, including collaboration with or pledging allegiance to al-Qaeda. Saudi Arabia had suffered a wave of attacks, thought to have been linked to al-Qaeda between 2003 and 2006.

Defendant Shot Dead in US Courtroom Attack

A man accused of robbery and assault was shot and killed in a Salt Lake City court after he lunged at a witness giving evidence. Siale Angilau, 25, died in hospital after being shot several times by a US marshal in front of the jury at the new federal courthouse. The FBI said he had rushed towards the witness with a pen in an “aggressive, threatening manner”. Angilau was the last of 17 accused gang members tried as part of a 2010 case. The case included 29 counts, including assault, conspiracy, robbery and weapons offences. US District Judge Tena Campbell declared a mistrial, writing in her order that members of the jury were visibly shaken and upset. Angilau’s lawyer declined to answer questions as he left the court on Monday. The accused had been transferred to federal custody last week after serving time in prison in Utah on other charges.

UN Secretary-General Calls for Action on Syria

The United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, has demanded the Security Council respond to “flagrant violations of international law”; claiming warring parties in Syria were breaching a resolution to provide aid access to help millions of people. Ban disclosed that none of the parties to the conflict have adhered to the demands of the Council. The Security Council must take action to deal with these flagrant violations of the basic principles of international law,” he wrote. The resolution, unanimously passed in February, said that that “all parties, in particular the Syrian authorities, promptly allow rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access for UN humanitarian agencies and their implementing partners, including across conflict lines and across borders”. The strongly worded statement also said that an appeal to help millions of people had gone “largely unanswered”.

Three Suspected Militants Killed in Yemen

Three more suspected al-Qaeda militants have been killed in a drone strike in southern Yemen. The men were travelling in a car in Shabwa province on Monday when it was hit by a missile and destroyed. More than 40 militants are now believed to have been killed in a series of drone strikes during the week. Last Sunday, drones fired missiles at al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula training camps in the remote, mountainous area of Wadi Ghadina, killing about 30. The operation was based on “certain intelligence information that terrorist elements were training in those camps and planning to target vital civilian and military facilities”, a Security official added. On Saturday, a drone strike on a lorry in the central province of Bayda killed another 10 suspected militants and three civilians, according to Saba. Officials said intelligence had suggested that AQAP planned to attack military and civilian sites in the city of Bayda.

South Sudan President Sacks Army Chief

South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir, has sacked the head of the army, General James Hoth Mai. No reason was given. The country has been in turmoil since December. Last week rebels seized the oil hub of Bentiu. Analysts say the military has suffered several setbacks in the north of the country in recent days. Gen Paul Malong was named as the new general head of staff. Meanwhile the UN has accused the government of providing “erroneous information” regarding a massacre of hundreds of civilians in the town. After rebel forces captured Bentiu on 15 and 16 April, they targeted hundreds of people who had taken refuge inside a mosque, a church and a hospital, and killed them because of their ethnicity, the UN Mission in South Sudan said. The rebels say the retreating government forces were responsible.