Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 21

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Three Indians Bag 15 Years Jail Term over Illegal Bunkering

Three India nationals who were involved in illegal oil theft along the waterways of the Niger Delta have been sentenced by the Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa to 15 years imprisonment. They were arrested along with others in Nigeria territorial waters of Brass LGA of Bayelsa State. The three convicted Indian Nationals were Sahleh Kumar Singh, (the Captain of the vessel), Chadrashekar Sharma and Ajay Bhatiya, owner of the vessel MT Akshay, who remains at large.

NDLEA Arrests Four Suspects in Bayelsa

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Bayelsa State Command, has arrested four suspected drug peddlers. The suspects arrested in connection with dealing in illicit drug trade by the agency included a woman. Three of the suspects, when interviewed, admitted being caught with hard drugs such as cocaine, cannabis sativa, and Indian hemp. However, one of the suspects, Mrs. Rita Gibson, who was allegedly caught growing Indian hemp farm at the back of her Okutukutu, Yenagoa residence, denied the allegations. She was also said to be caught selling local dry gin (ogogoro) mixed with hard drugs. The state Commander, Mr. Frank Hanachor, said the suspects were arrested in different parts of the state. He said the suspects would soon be charged to court. Hanachor also appealed to the residents of the state to support the NDLEA with the useful information in the agency’s quest to rid the society of illicit drugs.

Akwa Ibom Residents Lament Flooding

Residents and shop owners in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Wednesday lamented loss of property and goods worth millions of naira to flooding. They accused the state government of insensitivity and poor handling of available drainage channels. The flood, which swept through IBB Way, Ukpong Ebet, Akpa Ebet, Akpan Ukpo, Udo, Urua Ikpa streets, among others, affected many shops and houses. A resident, Stanley Udo, alleged that all the drainage channels constructed around Abak Road Housing Estate empty rain water into the area. He added that neither the government nor the construction companies thought it wise to construct gutters that could take the flood away from the area. Governor Godswill Akpabio had said Uyo would require maximum investment to bring the issue of flooding under control.

17 Medical Staff Affected by Lassa Fever in Ebonyi

No fewer than eight doctors, four nurses and five health workers are feared to have contacted Lassa fever after they participated in operating on a pregnant woman at the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, FETHA. The pregnant woman and her baby, who later died days after they were discharged from the hospital, were suspected to have died of the deadly disease. The state Chairman of Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Dr. Chidi Esike, stated that the affected medical personnel had been moved to Specialist Hospital, Irrua, in Edo State for diagnosis and immediate medical attention. According to him, the refusal of the Federal Government to provide a virology centre in the South East geopolitical zone of the country, in the face of overwhelming evidence of the need for such facility, had threatened the gains in the health sector.

Policemen Nabbed for Extortion

Imo State Police Command has arrested its personnel for extorting money from motorists on the highway. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Andrew Enwerem, said that the arrest came on the heels of raging complaints from motorists over the level of extortion since the command reintroduced stop and search operation. The special team set up by the Commissioner of Police to monitor what policemen do on the road, arrested some policemen for varying offences, Enwerem said. While noting that those picked up by the CP’s special team were currently explaining their acts to the Command, the PPRO also appealed to motorists to report all acts of extortion to his office for commensurate action.

Ex-Governor’s Residence Bombed in Owerri

Unknown persons have reportedly bombed the Owerri private residence of the immediate past Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim. The former governor expressed gratitude to God that no life was lost in the unfortunate incident, adding that he arrived Owerri in the evening of the day of the incident from abroad where he went for medical check-up and wanted to sleep in the house, but later decided to proceed to his country home to pass the night.  According to them, after calling the fire service, there was no response until this morning around 10a.m before they came, but before then, the building had been completely destroyed by fire. The former governor stated that he does not foresee any foul play but added that the Department of Security Services (DSS) and the police had been invited while investigation is on-going.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Security Operatives Urged to Step-up Operations on Niger Delta Waterways

Security operatives have been urged to step up their operations on the waterways in the Niger Delta, so as to achieve results in the crusade against oil theft. Speaking, under the aegis of National Coalition on Gas Flaring and Oil Spills in the Niger Delta, NACGOND, Mrs. Tracy Adole wondered why there was rise in oil theft in the region despite government’s huge investment in security to police the waterways. Former National Coordinator of NACGOND, Mr Inemo Samiame, said there were six exit points on the waterways for oil thieves to ferry illegal crude out of the Niger Delta, adding that security operatives should have been able to tackle the problem from the exit points. He urged government to deal decisively with any high profile Nigerian caught in the act of oil theft, as it would serve as a deterrent.

Gunmen Abduct Mother and Child in Onitsha

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Tuesday abducted a woman and her child in the commercial city of Onitsha, Anambra State. The gunmen, who operated in the afternoon at the popular Enugu Park, near Zik’s Mausoleum, at the Onitsha end of Enugu/Onitsha Expressway, also shot and wounded a passerby as they shot sporadically. According to the source, trouble was said to have started for the woman as she was being driven by her personal driver on her black SUV with her child. On getting close to Enugu Park, the source stated, the hoodlums allegedly double-crossed the SUV and immediately five men welding AK47 rifles, began shooting into the air as they forced the driver, the woman and her child to lie face down inside one of their cars and whisked them away to an unknown destination. A stray bullet hit a man on the leg and he was said to have been rushed to a nearby hospital.

70 Traders Arrested for Flouting Sanitation Order

About 70 persons were on Thursday arrested in Awka by officials of the Anambra State Waste Management Authority for violating sanitation order. The offenders were mostly people who refused to close their shops and stalls between 7am and 11am stipulated for the special sanitation exercise. The Managing Director of the agency, Mrs. Njideka Oredu, who led the exercise, expressed dismay over the refusal of shop owners to obey the sanitation order. She expressed regret that people blocked drains with refuse by refusing to utilise the receptacles mounted in strategic areas. According to her, the agency is determined to ensure a cleaner, hygienic and sustainable environment for the present and future generations of the people. Oredu said the exercise was in line with the directive of Governor Willie Obiano, who ordered that the state must be an exemplary in the area of cleanliness.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Woman Detained after Setting Nine-year-old Daughter Ablaze

A self-acclaimed prophetess, Bose Oluwole, has been arrested and charged to court by the police in Epe, Lagos State for allegedly setting her nine-year-old daughter ablaze during a ‘spiritual cleansing’ to cast out the ‘spirit of witchcraft’. The victim, who was identified as Damilola Oluwole, was rescued by neighbours when her screams rent the air. The neighbours immediately alerted the police from Epe Division after they had doused the raging fire. She was immediately rushed to the Epe General Hospital where she is being treated for first degree burn. The suspect, in her statement, said she was merely obeying a divine order to cast out the spirit of witchcraft that had possessed her daughter. The police had initially charged her to Igbosere Magistrates Court, on a two-count charge of felony to wit and attempt to commit murder, but the case was transferred to Family court 2 owing to the victim’s age. The magistrate, Mrs O.O. Oshin, ordered her to be remanded in Kirikiri prison until June 2.

Ondo Police Read Riot against Lynching

The Ondo State Police Command, on Monday read the riot act warning the people of the state to desist from jungle justice or face the wrath of the law. The State’s Commissioner of Police, Isaac Eke, warned that any person caught taking the law into his hands would be charged with murder. The commissioner said that the warning became imperative in view of recent happenings in various parts of the state where mentally challenged persons were killed through mob action. Eke said there was no report of kidnapping in the state until the recent happenings in Oyo and Osun States. The commissioner said the situation became more worrisome with the attack of policemen who were trying to rescue some lunatics that were suspected to be kidnappers. Eke noted that members of the public have the right to arrest suspicious persons and hand them over to the police but not to punish such persons.

Man Remanded in Prison over Murder of Neighbour’s Son

A 25-year-old man, Patrick Onyeka, who allegedly strangled his neighbour’s eight-year-old son to death in Ikotun area of Lagos State, was on Thursday remanded in prison. Onyeka was remanded by Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye of an Ikeja High Court after he was arraigned for the offence by the state’s Directorate of Public Prosecutions. Onyeka is facing a one count of murder. The State Prosecutor, Akin George, alleged that the accused murdered the child, Ayuba Erikotola, in January 2013 at his residence. Onyeka had allegedly lured the deceased into the compound, strangled him to death and kept the corpse in a sack inside a soak-away within the estate. Onyeka is also alleged to have thereafter demanded a ransom of N5m from the boy’s parents before he was arrested by the Police. The offence of murder is punishable by the death penalty if convicted. Onyeka pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Member of 6-Man Robbery Gang Arrested in Lagos

A member of the six‑man armed robbery gang said to be terrorising Ajangbadi, Shibiri, a Lagos suburb and its environs, has been nabbed by security operatives. The suspect was arrested following a tip‑off by residents, when the gang operated along Imude road, Shibiri. Although five members of the gang escaped, four locally‑made shotguns and cartridges were recovered from the arrested suspect, simply identified as Kabiru. However, when the gang retired to share loot at an uncompleted building, a resident alerted Neighbourhood Watch members who were on routine patrol. Kabiru was arrested while the others escaped. He was handed over to Policemen at Ilemba Hausa police station. The suspect has been transferred from Ilemba Hausa police station to the Special Anti‑Robbery Squad, Ikeja.

Court Remands 2 Brothers, Friend for Murder

A magistrate’s court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, has remanded two siblings and their friend for allegedly killing a man identified as Yusuf Jubril. The two brothers, Abdulahi Aliu and Sheu Aliu were arraigned alongside their friend, Musa Ahmadu, before the magistrate’s court for allegedly hacking Jubril to death using machete. The prosecutor, Sunday Eigbejiale told the court that the accused committed the offence on June 30, 2013 at Rounder area in Abeokuta. Eigbejiale said the accused are facing two-count charge of conspiracy and murder. The Chief Magistrate, Martins Akinyemi, remanded the three accused in prison pending the advice by the Ministry of Justice. Akinyemi, however, adjourned the case till October 8, 2014.

Lagos Police Arrest Assassins

The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Lagos State has apprehended three men for attempting to assassinate a Lagos socialite and businessman, Mr. Victor Adelakun, aka Ade Lexus. The suspects were allegedly hired by an Ibadan-based hotelier, Mr. Adebayo Orekoya, aka Bobby Ibadan, who had been declared wanted by the Lagos State Police Command. According to police authorities, Bobby Ibadan hired four men in Ibadan to do the job and gave them an advance of N140, 000. The suspects arrived in Lagos and held a meeting at a night club, where they were said to have made plans for the operation. A SARS informant was said to have eavesdropped on their conversation and immediately alerted the officer in charge of SARS. A team of SARS operatives promptly stormed the night club and arrested three of the suspects while one of them escaped. Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, confirmed the incident.

One Dies as Vehicle Plunges into Canal in Heavy Downpour

Tragedy struck in Lagos, Wednesday night, as an unidentified person was confirmed dead and three others injured when a vehicle plunged into a canal at Pleasure bus stop on Abeokuta expressway, Agbado‑Okeodo Local Council Development Area, LCDA. The car plunged into the canal at about 11:47 pm during the downpour which lasted for over four hours across the state. Eyewitness said the vehicle which was on high speed could not wade through the heavy flood which took over the road during the downpour which started at about 7:30 pm. It was further learnt that efforts by the driver to manoeuvre through the flood proved abortive, causing it to plunge into the canal. The Director of Lagos State Fire Service, Rasak Fadipe, confirmed the incident, and lamented that they could not rescue the occupants of the vehicle immediately because the car was covered by the flood.

GENERAL

Soldiers Protest, Shoot Sporadically in Maiduguri over Killing of Colleagues

Soldiers from the 7 Division of the Nigeria Army, Maiduguri, on Wednesday, shot sporadically to express their displeasure over the killing of their colleagues while returning from an operation in pursuit of members of the Boko Haram sect. The soldiers reportedly shot into the air when the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Maj. Gen. Ahmadu Mohammed, visited the Maimalari Barracks where some of the soldiers allegedly killed were mobilised from. The soldiers were said to have started shooting into the air in protest against what they described as a wrong order from their boss which led to the killing of over 10 of their colleagues. Some soldiers were sent on an operation in the on-going counter-insurgency operation and had indicated their willingness to spend the night in a village on Tuesday but were allegedly ordered by the army leadership in the division to proceed to Maiduguri in the night. The order however proved disastrous as they were ambushed by Boko Haram, leading to the death of over 10 of them. Major-General Ahmadu Mohammed has been replaced by Brigadier-General M.Y. Ibrahim as the GOC. This is the fourth time since the creation of the 7 Division that the GOC has been removed. Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has set up an investigative panel to find out what led to the mutiny.

Five Killed in Attack in Taraba

Five persons were, on Tuesday, killed while two others were seriously injured by suspected Fulani herdsmen, who launched attack on Kungana Village in Bali LGA of Taraba State. This is coming barely 48 hours after gunmen also suspected to be Fulani herdsmen killed four people set over 30 houses ablaze at Dinya Village in Gassol LGA of the state. The State’s Police spokesman, Joseph Kwaji, who confirmed the incident, said the gunmen attacked the village at about 2am and set several houses ablaze. He further disclosed that the five people killed in the attack were burnt beyond recognition while two others were seriously injured and are presently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital. Kwaji however revealed that the state police command had dispatched officers and men to the area to restore normalcy and maintain law and order just as he promised that the command was not leaving any stone unturned to contain the unwarranted attacks and threat to peace in the state. The PPRO further revealed that 13 empty shells of AK 47, four cartridges and an assault rifle were recovered from the scene of Sunday’s attack on Dinya Village.

Vigilante Groups Kill Boko Haram Suspects in Borno Village

The people of Kalabalge, a village in Borno State have killed and arrested scores of suspected Boko Haram members who were suspected of planning to launch an attack, the residents and a security official said. The attack on members of the group comes amid the creation of vigilante groups that are resisting the Islamic uprising. According to reports, after they learnt of an impending attack by militants, a vigilante group in Kalabalge ambushed two trucks in which gunmen travelled, killing and arresting scores of them. Residents of Kalabalge said they had formed a vigilante group to foil attacks by Boko Haram insurgents amid accusations the Nigerian military is not doing enough to stem attacks. Local officials said 41 insurgents were killed by the villagers. Several other residents disclosed that the members of the community had received advance information that Boko Haram’s death squads were on their way to wreak havoc in the community and they promptly mobilized and laid ambush in surrounding bushes and forests armed with bows and arrows, Dane guns and pump action rifles.

Jonathan Rules Out Prisoner Swap for Missing Girls

President Goodluck Jonathan has ruled out the release of Boko Haram fighters in exchange for the freedom of more than 200 schoolgirls kidnapped in April. Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, suggested in a video released on Monday that he may be prepared to release the girls if Nigeria freed militants detained by security agencies. Interior Minister, Abba Moro, immediately rejected the plan, saying that Boko Haram could not dictate terms. The rejection of a prisoner swap came as international powers ramped up the search effort, including with the use of US military surveillance drones and manned aircraft. In France, President Francois Hollande’s office said the leaders of Benin, Cameroon, Niger and Chad would meet with Jonathan in the French capital for a security summit.

Three JTF Personnel in Jigawa by Roadside Bomb

A roadside bomb, on Monday, hit some vehicles belonging to the military Joint Task Force (JTF); killing three officers while six others sustained injuries at Gwani forest, Basirka village in Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa State. The incident occurred late in the evening when the JTF officials entered the forest suspected to be the hideout some gunmen who had in the last few weeks attacked a police station and killed seven policemen in Gwaram. The roadside bomb was suspected to have been planted by the criminals who turned the forest to their hideout. The state Police Commissioner, Theophilos Kayode, confirmed the incident.

Mastermind of Nyanya Bomb Blast Arrested in Sudan

The Federal Government, on Wednesday, said it had arrested Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche, the co-mastermind of the April 14 bomb blast at Nyanya bus station, which led to the death of over 75 persons. Ogwuche was reportedly arrested in Sudan and the security operatives were perfecting plans to extradite him to Nigeria. The efforts of Interpol, Nigeria police and the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly led to his arrest. Ogwuche, formerly of the Nigerian Army, but was said to have deserted the army in 2006. The DSS also paraded five suspects in connection with the bomb blast. The spokesperson of DSS, Ms. Marilyn Ogar, also declared wanted the masterminds of the blast – Rufai Tsiga (aka Dr. Tsiga) and announced a cash reward of N25 million for information that could lead to his arrest. Ogar explained that investigations had indicated that Tsiga and an arrested suspect, Ishaq, had moved a vehicle laden with explosives to the Nyanya bus station on the night of April 13, 2014.

FG to Flush Out Suspected Cattle Rustlers in Katsina

The Federal Government on Wednesday restated its determination to deploy military forces to flush out suspected cattle rustlers in Rugu Forest in Katsina State. Sen. Muhammadu Magoro, Chairman, Senate Joint Ad hoc Committee on Security, stated this in Faskari, Katsina State. Magoro assured continued presence of military personnel and surveillance helicopters across the forest. He urged residents to accord the government proper cooperation to rid the place of hoodlums. The senator also held interactive session with victims of multiple armed men attacks in Faskari and Sabuwa LGAs at Maigora village. Magoro appealed to residents to collaborate with their community leaders and provide useful information on all suspicious movements in their communities. The senator said that hoodlums had agents and those that harbour them within the settlements and must be exposed and brought to book.

Gunmen Kill 390 in Zamfara in 20 Months

The Zamfara Government said on Wednesday that gunmen had killed more than 390 villagers in the last nearly two years as a result of incessant attacks on villages in the state. Gov. Abdul’aziz Yari disclosed this in Gusau when the Senate Joint Committee on National Security called on him. Yari said that the state experienced one of the highest security challenges in the northern part of the country in recent times. According to the governor, out of the 14 local government areas of the state, only six have so far not been attacked by the gunmen. Yari commended the Federal Government for improving security in the state and assured the committee of maximum support and cooperation to ensure success of their assignment.

6 Women Arraigned over Kidnap of Speaker’s Children

Six women have been arraigned before a Lokoja Chief Magistrate Court over their alleged involvement in the kidnap of two children of Kogi State House of Assembly Speaker, Alhaji Momoh-Jimoh Lawal. The accused persons include Bilikis Lawal, Raliat Musa, Rabiyat Mohammed, Zainab Ismaila, Aminat Ibrahim and Nafisat Abdullahi. The prosecution led by Mohammed Abaji told the court that a gang of four persons armed with sophisticated weapons invaded the residence of the Speaker on April 15, 2014, and kidnapped two of his sons, who are yet to be recovered. The abductors later demanded N200 million as ransom using the hand set and telephone number of the first accused, Mrs Bilikisu Wahab. He further said investigation led to the arrest of five other suspects, while others were still at large. Lead counsel to the accused persons, Miss Safiya Abdullahi, orally applied for bail of her clients, which was refused by the Chief Magistrate, Alhassan Hussain, due to the severity of the offence.

Man Arraigned over Kidnap, Rape of Housewife

A 38-year-old man, Augustine Tochukwu, has been arraigned before an FCT High Court for allegedly kidnapping and raping a housewife. Tochukwu, of Umudioka Awka, Anambra, is charged with four counts of conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnap and rape. The prosecutor, Corporal John Ijagbemi, alleged that the accused had kidnapped his victim on January 18, 2013. Ojagbemi alleged that the accused used his telephone to call and text the victim’s husband demanding for N40 million as ransom or risk losing his wife. Ijagbemi said the accused also raped his victim. After the charges were read to him, the accused pleaded not guilty. Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf admitted the accused on bail in the sum of N500,000 with two reliable sureties in like sum. Baba-Yusuf ordered the sureties to produce title deeds of landed property within the FCT. The judge also ordered that if the accused failed to meet the bail conditions, he would be remanded at the Kuje Medium Security Prison. Baba-Yusuf adjourned the case until October 13, for trial.

Gunmen Attack Bauchi, Burn Schools, Kill One

Unknown gunmen on Wednesday burnt down two primary schools and an MTN telecommunication mast in Shadarki village in Darazo LGA of Bauchi State. The attack is coming 3 weeks after unknown gunmen attacked the Government Girl’s Secondary School Yana in Shira LGA of the state in which a five-year old girl was burnt to death and staff quarters, the school bus and an eight-man block rank and file quarters were all burnt down. Other facilities attacked were the Yana branch of First Bank and large sums of money carted away, MTN, Glo and Etisalat Telecommunication masts were also destroyed. The spokesperson for the Bauchi State Police Command, Haruna Mohammed, in a statement in Bauchi, said no death was recorded during the over one hour attack. Mohammed added that the gunmen also burnt down one MTN Mast Site and the surveillance monitoring site located adjacent to the mast. He said the entire surroundings had been cordoned off by the combined security forces and efforts were being intensified to arrest the suspects. Also, the Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed that suspected Fulani ambushed and attacked a car in Bogoro Local Government Area of the state killing one person and injuring five others.

Government Records N30bn Drop in Revenue

The Federation Accounts Allocation Committee on Thursday said the country recorded N30.20bn drop in gross revenue as it recorded N584.15bn in April from N614.35bn in March. The Accountant-General of the Federation, Jonah Otunla, who revealed this, attributed the decline in revenue to production shut-in at the Qua Iboe and Yoho terminals as well as the shutdown of the Forcados and Bonny terminals. Otunla also explained that repair of the Brass Terminal, which was occasioned by oil theft and pipeline leakage, was also a major reason for the drop in gross revenue. In spite of the revenue drop, he said the sum of N634.72bn was allocated to the three tiers of government for the month of April.

Boko Haram: NEMA Seeks UN Intervention in Humanitarian Crisis

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), on Thursday, called on the United Nations to intervene in the humanitarian crisis caused by the destructive activities perpetrated by the Islamic extremists, Boko Haram, in North-East Nigeria. Addressing the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Said Djinnit, at the NEMA headquarters in Abuja, the Director-General of NEMA, Mr. Sani Sidi, said that Nigeria, like some other countries, had been confronted by a number of disasters.
This, he said, posed serious humanitarian challenges in form of displacement of people, damage to the environment and destruction of the means of livelihood of many Nigerians. He said that the wave of insurgency in the north-eastern states of the country in the past years had become one of the greatest challenges facing emergency responders in the country. Sani, however, noted that from the beginning of the emergency rule in the three crisis ridden states, the agency had established humanitarian cell in Borno State and sub-cells in Yobe and Adamawa states to provide emergency relief assistance to communities affected. He stressed that the efforts were not enough as the agency was getting overwhelmed by the continued crisis.

Reps Approve Extension of Emergency Rule in North-East

Members of the House of Representatives, Thursday, gave a nod to President Goodluck Jonathan to extend the Emergency Rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe after a 3 hour closed door session with service chiefs. Also, the service chiefs made it clear that no election can hold in the three troubled states as Nigeria was at war. Speaker Aminu Tambuwal who presided at Thursday’s plenary before putting the issue to a voice vote confirmed the decision of the lawmakers. When he eventually put it to a voice, a thunderous ay carried the day.

INTERNATIONAL

238 Dead in Turkey Mine Explosion

A  mine  explosion in western Turkey has killed 238 people, with 80 injured according to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the toll could rise with many more still trapped. Erdogan, who made the announcement during a visit to the western town of Soma – the location of the disaster on Wednesday, added that a further 120 workers remained trapped. About 787 workers had been in the Soma mine when the explosion hit a power unit. Most of the confirmed dead were killed by carbon monoxide poisoning. Rescue workers pumped oxygen into the mine in an attempt to keep trapped miners alive. A line of police held back thousands of family and fellow workers of the trapped miners who assembled outside of a Soma hospital.

36 Migrants Killed as Boat Capsizes off Libyan Coast

At least 36 migrants drowned when their boat sank off the Libyan coast earlier this week, officials said, following the recovery of more bodies on Sunday. The navy said it rescued 52 people when the boat sank on Tuesday, but survivors say there were 130 people on board. On Saturday Libya’s interior minister urged the European Union to do more to help stem the tide of migrants. Libya is the preferred crossing point for many African migrants trying to enter Europe. Libyan navy spokesman, Ayoub Kassem, disclosed that the boat capsized about 4km (2.5 miles) out to sea near the Libyan coastal town of Garabouli. The bottom of the boat had collapsed, causing it to capsize, he said. At least 54 people remain missing, he added. On Sunday 24 more bodies were recovered from the sea near Garabouli, bringing the death toll to 36. Mr Kassem added that the migrants were from various sub-Saharan African countries including Mali, Cameroon, Ghana, Gambia and Burkina Faso.

South Korean Ferry: Dead Crew Members Named Martyrs

Three crew members who died saving passengers as a South Korean ferry sank in April have been honoured by the government. An engaged couple, Jung Hyun-seon and Kim Ki-Woong, and Park Ji-young, 22, were named “martyrs” on Monday. More than 300 people died when the Sewol ferry went down on April 16. The captain and other crew members have been criticised for abandoning ship while passengers were still on board. The ferry, carrying 476 people, was sailing from Incheon to Jeju Island when it went down. Park Ji-young, reportedly the youngest crew member, gave her life jacket to a passenger. Their designation as martyrs means they will be eligible to be buried in a national cemetery, and their families can receive financial compensation and medical assistance. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries revoked the license of ferry owner Chonghaejin Marine Co, saying it had contributed to the disaster. The ferry is believed to have been carrying more than three times the authorised amount of cargo. The captain and 14 other surviving crew members have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and breaking maritime law.

Journalists Assaulted in Syria

A reporter and a photographer working for British newspaper, The Times, were badly beaten while being held by a rebel gang in Syria. Anthony Loyd and Jack Hill were returning to Turkey from Aleppo when they were seized on Wednesday. They were reportedly freed after members of the Islamic Front, a coalition of rebel groups, intervened. The men had been on a three-day trip to the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, which has come under fierce aerial bombardment as government forces try to end a long-standing stalemate in the city. Loyd, a reporter for the Times, was shot twice in the legs, and both men were badly beaten to stop them trying to escape, the newspaper said. Over 60 journalists been killed in Syria since the beginning of the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad three years ago.

California Wildfires: Thousands Evacuated

Thousands of people in California have been forced to flee after wildfires hit San Diego County on Wednesday. A major fire engulfed the coastal town of Carlsbad, north of San Diego, scorching several buildings and forcing an amusement park to close. Further north, blazes also caused evacuations at a nuclear plant and a military base. Months of drought have made California particularly prone to fires this year. California and other areas on the US west coast, often experience wildfires over the warmer months. Nine fires raged across San Diego County on Tuesday and Wednesday, and officials ordered at least 20,000 people to leave their homes. Fires also hit the military base at Camp Pendleton, between San Diego and Los Angeles. Carlsbad fire chief Michael Davies said such fires were unprecedented this time of year.

Ex-Israeli PM Jailed Six Years for Bribery

Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was on Tuesday sentenced to six years in prison for taking bribes while mayor of Jerusalem. Olmert was also fined 1 million shekels (about $289,000). Olmert was convicted in March of receiving about $161,000 in bribes related to a controversial Jerusalem housing project called Holyland. The judge acquitted Olmert on a third count of bribery. The developer of Holyland, Hillel Cherney, had been previously convicted of bribing Olmert and other high-level officials in exchange for Holyland approvals. Olmert was mayor of Jerusalem from 1993 to 2003. Olmert, an attorney who in 1973 became the youngest person ever elected to Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, served as prime minister from 2006 to 2009. He announced his resignation shortly after police recommended corruption charges against him.

Kidnapped Jordan Envoy Regains Freedom

Jordan’s ambassador to Libya has been freed after being abducted by gunmen in the capital, Tripoli, in April. Fawaz al-Itan was released unharmed, Jordanian officials said. The kidnappers had reportedly demanded the release of a Libyan Islamist militant in exchange, but it is unclear whether this was granted. Diplomats have been the targets of a number of abductions in Libya in recent months amid continuing instability. The central government has struggled to assert its authority over the armed groups and tribesmen who helped end Muammar Gaddafi’s 41-year rule in 2011. Itan was kidnapped in the Libyan capital on April 15 when masked gunmen shot at his car, wounding the driver. Jordan’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Judeh, confirmed his release, saying he was already on his way back to his homeland on Tuesday. He gave no further details about the circumstances of the release. The kidnappers had demanded the return of Mohamed Dersi, a Libyan militant who was jailed for life in 2007 for plotting to blow up an airport in Jordan.

15 Die in DR Congo Football Match Stampede

At least 15 people died and 30 others were injured in a stampede that occurred during a football match at the Tata Raphael Stadium in Kinshasa. The death toll was announced on Monday by the Interior Ministry. A source in the DR Congo Red Cross said earlier on Sunday that the death toll could rise. A source from the stadium said that the match between two popular football teams in the country had been played in a sporting spirit until towards the end, with the score standing at 1-0 in favour of TP Mazembe. It said that they consequently, started throwing stones and other objects on the football pitch, forcing the referee to stop the game several times. By the 90th minute, the score was still one to zero before the referee added five minutes. It added that it was at this point that V.Club supporters threw more stones on the pitch. However, the referee was forced to blow the final whistle even before the end of normal time.

Migrants’ Ship Sinks off Italy, 14 Killed

At least 14 people were killed when a ship carrying migrants sank about 100 miles off southern Italy Monday, the Italian navy said. Italy’s coast guard rescued about 200 other people who’d been on the ship, the state-run ANSA news agency reported. The incident came a day after a boat carrying illegal migrants sank off the coast of Tripoli, Libya, killing at least 40 people. Southern Italy — especially tiny Lampedusa, which is the closest Italian island to Africa — is a frequent destination for refugees seeking to enter European Union countries from Africa. The Italian military has rescued about 2,000 migrants in the last five days alone, Italy’s navy said on Monday. Tens of thousands of people are rescued from the Mediterranean each year.

Three Killed in Deadly Attack on Thai Protest Camp

Three people have been killed and more than 20 others injured in an attack on an anti-government protest camp in the Thai capital, officials say. Witnesses reported explosions and gunfire on Thursday at a protest camp at Bangkok’s Democracy Monument. Protesters have been pressing the Senate to replace the cabinet with an appointed administration. Later on Thursday, they forced a meeting between the government and the Election Commission to be abandoned. The government is trying to organise a new general election in July, after protesters disrupted the previous election in parts of the country. A crowd led by Suthep Thaugsuban, head of the anti-government movement, broke into the Air Force base where the meeting between acting Prime Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisan and the commission was being held. The attack on protesters comes days after former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was removed by a Thai court. Police identified two of the victims as a protester who was asleep and a protest guard who was shot.

Anti-World Cup Protests Hit Brazil

Riot police in Brazil have fired tear gas to disperse thousands of protesters in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro who marched against the cost of hosting the football World Cup. Some demonstrators hurled stones while other burned tyres and blocked roads. They say they are angry that billions of dollars are being spent on the world’s most prestigious football tournament, rather than social projects and housing. Protests also took place in many other cities, including the capital Brasilia. Teachers and civil servants, among others, were also on strike across Brazil. In Rio, aerial images showed hundreds of people marching in rush-hour traffic on a main thoroughfare. The city will host the final match of the World Cup on 13 July. Protesters there and in Sao Paulo, Brazil’s biggest city, clashed with police before beginning to disperse. The number of people on the streets was much lower than during similar protests last year. Some of those taking part, however, promised the demonstrations would get bigger and more frequent as the World Cup gets closer. The tournament is due to kick off on 12 June.

Christian Woman Sentenced to Death for Refusing Islam in Sudan

A Sudanese judge on Thursday sentenced a Christian woman to hang for apostasy, in a ruling which Britain denounced as “barbaric”. Born to a Muslim father, the woman was convicted under the Islamic sharia law that has been in force in Sudan since 1983 and outlaws conversions on pain of death. Meriam Yahia Ibrahim Ishag, 27, is married to a Christian and eight months pregnant, human rights activists say. Judge Abbas Mohammed Al-Khalifa addressing her by her father’s Muslim name, Adraf Al-Hadi Mohammed Abdullah, also sentenced Ishag to 100 lashes for “adultery”. Under Sudan’s interpretation of sharia, a Muslim woman cannot marry a non-Muslim man and any such relationship is regarded as adulterous. Britain’s Minister for Africa, Mark Simmonds, said he was “truly appalled” at the death penalty decision. Ishag, dressed in traditional Sudanese robes with her head covered, reacted without emotion when Abbas delivered the verdict at a court in the Khartoum district of Haj Yousef where many Christians live. Sudan has an Islamist government but, other than floggings, extreme sharia law punishments have been rare. “The fact that a woman has been sentenced to death for her religious choice, and to flogging for being married to a man of an allegedly different religion is appalling and abhorrent,” said Amnesty International’s Sudan researcher, Manar Idriss. Amnesty said Ishag was raised as an Orthodox Christian, her mother’s religion, because her Muslim father was absent.