Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 24

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Police Smash Child Kidnapping Gang

The police command in Cross River said on Wednesday that it had arrested seven persons comprising two women and five men, who specialised in child kidnapping and trafficking. The Assistant Commissioner of Police in-charge of Criminal Investigation in the command, Mr Ganiyu Salami, said in Calabar that the command also rescued two children. Salami said two suspects, who specialised in defiling under-aged girls and two members of another kidnap syndicate were also arrested by the command. He said the suspects had confessed to the crime, adding that they would be arraigned soon. He said two of the suspects were arrested after snatching a nine-year-old child from her mother in Calabar, on May 5. The assistant commissioner also said that two others were arrested for conniving to steal a three-year-old boy. He said the rescued children had rejoined their parents.

Pro-Biafra Group Attempts To Seize Enugu Radio, Kills Police Sergeant

Members of the Pro-Biafra group, Biafra Zionists Federation (BZF) led by Barrister Benjamin Onwuka, who attacked the Government House, Enugu on March 8, struck again on Thursday at the Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) in an attempt to seize the radio and television station for a broadcast. The move was however foiled by a team of policemen who were alerted by some staff of the station who arrived for the morning duty and met their premises under siege. But a police sergeant and a member of BZF were killed in a shootout while a police inspector who led the team was seriously wounded. The BZF leader, Benjamin Onwuka and 12 members of his group were arrested as they tried to escape from the station after the clash with the policemen and are now undergoing interrogation at the Criminal Investigations Department of the State Police Command.

Rivers CP Flays Banks’ Poor Security Equipment

Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Tunde Ogunsakin, has expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of security equipment provided by banks for the protection of policemen on escort duties. He expressed sadness over the inability of Nigerian bank executives to provide modern quality equipment that would protect policemen on escort duties from being killed by armed robbers. Ogunsakin, while addressing bank executives at a bankers’ forum at the headquarters of the state police command, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, emphasized the need to provide quality equipment for escorts. Ogunsakin further expressed regret over the killing of two policemen by armed robbers at Igwuruta recently. According to him, the policemen were pulled out from their bank guard duty by a high ranking bank official and made to escort him with some cash, about $400,000. The men were ambushed and killed by robbers who also carted away the cash.

Ritual Killers Gouge Out Woman’s Eyes In Bayelsa

Some ritual killers have gouged out the eyes of a lady suspected to be a commercial sex worker in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital. It was learnt that the unnamed lady, who was a resident prostitute of a notorious Yenagoa red light district, was attacked on Monday. It was also learnt that the lady, said to be from Akwa Ibom State, had followed some “customers” to a rendezvous in a community outside the Yenagoa metropolis. She was said to have been invited along with two other prostitutes by three persons who came in a Sport Utility Vehicle, promising to give them N30,000 each. While the other two ladies declined, the victim was said to have decided to go alone with the three men. The men were said to have stopped at a bush path where they each had a round of sex with her. However, after the sex, they allegedly held her down, closed her mouth and gouged out her two eyes. After committing the heinous act, the yet-to-be-ascertained ritual killers allegedly abandoned her by the roadside. It was gathered that her cry of anguish attracted motorists passing through the road to her. She was said to have narrated her ordeal to the motorists who took her to a nearby police station.

Enugu Magistrate Dies in Prison Custody

Barely 48 hours after she was remanded in custody for alleged offences on “conspiracy, false information and attempted murder", a Magistrate in Enugu State Judiciary, Mrs. Ifeoma Nneji died inside her cell in Enugu Prisons in the early hours of Wednesday. Though reasons for her sudden death were yet to be ascertained as at Wednesday afternoon, sources said it may not be unconnected with complications arising from shock of her remand. The now deceased Magistrate was remanded in Enugu prison along with her husband on Monday after their arraignment. Nneji reportedly served at Oji River Magisterial District before she was recently suspended by the State Judicial Service Commission on account of her involvement in the alleged abduction of a 9-year-old-girl.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

29 Killed In Delta Auto Crash

A ghastly motor accident involving a Toyota Nissan car and two trailers loaded with goods on Monday evening between Ekwuoma Community and Igbodo along Benin-Asaba Expressway has claimed the lives of 18 persons, leaving the Toyota Nissan Car damaged beyond repairs. Eye witness account said that vehicular movements were paralysed for several hours after the driver of the Nissan car lost one of the tyres to top speed and veered out of his way to Onitsha to crash into upcoming trailers that left six occupants including the driver dead on the spot. It was gathered that goods in the two trailers were completely destroyed and scattered on the road, while 12 other persons who sustained fatal injuries died on their way to the hospital. The eye witness further disclosed that it took the intervention of men of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in the area to maintain law and order, especially with the crying and wailing of the victims’ relations who besieged the scene of the accident.

Warri Fire Outbreak: GMD Queries Refinery Boss

The group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr Andrew Yakubu, has summoned the managing director of one of the NNPC’s strategic business units, Mr Paul Obelley, to its corporate headquarters in Abuja, over the Tuesday fire incident at the ailing Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC). The Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) unit of the plant, where the fire occurred, is regarded in the oil industry as the heart of refining operation. Fire had razed the complex twice within one year. The official residence of the managing director in Warri was also ravaged by fire da few months ago. The NNPC management was apparently not pleased that we are always having issues at the Warri Refinery since the present management came on board. The fire ravaged the FCC unit and its sister component, the Topping Unit (TU). The fate of the FCC and TU led to the suspension of production of the automotive gas oil (AGO), popularly known as diesel, and dual purpose kerosene (DPK), popularly known as kerosene.

Oshiomhole to Supervise Demolition of Kidnappers Den

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State said that he would personally supervise the demolition of houses where kidnapped victims were kept by their abductors. The governor disclosed this during the parade of three kidnappers and two others involved in scam and racketeering by the Department of State Security (DSS). The men had confessed to the kidnapping of the three children of a former local government chairman in the state, Mr. Gani Audu, now an Executive Assistant to the Governor, a Medical doctor and a Pastor. He insisted that the decision to demolish buildings where kidnapped victims were kept was backed by the law passed by the Edo State House of Assembly which also prescribed death penalty for kidnappers. While praising men and officials of the DSS for their diligence to duty, the governor sued for cooperation between the citizens and security agencies.

Delta Police Nab 3 Notorious Robbery Suspects

The police in Delta State have arrested three persons for armed robbery along Sanubi/Eku highway in Ethiope East LGA of the State, after they barricaded the road, shot and raped their victims. Prior to their arrest, detectives also smoked out one Lucky Aungom and Issah Idris, from their hideout, after a failed attempt to kidnap one Charles Ihuagwa at Okureokpo in the same area. LEADERSHIP gathered that the suspects, sent a text message threatening to abduct Ihuagwa except he drops N2 million at a designated location in Asaba. But acting on a tip off, police detectives laid ambush at the location after advising the complainant to drop the money as directed by the kidnappers.

Power Output Drops over Repair of Gas Plants in Delta State

Nigeria’s total amount of generated electricity from thermal power plants operating within the country is to drop as two of the country’s major gas plants, Utorogun and Ughelli East gas plants are to be closed for scheduled maintenance works. The scheduled repair works on the two plants which supply gas to most of the country’s thermal plant is expected to last for about 20 days cumulatively, starting from June 2 to 22; upon completion of the maintenance and upgrades, both plants are expected to guarantee improvement in gas production.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Man Jailed 3 Years for Drug Trafficking

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday sentenced a 32-year old deaf and dumb man, Aliu Sanni, to a three-year jail term for dealing in cocaine. Justice M.B. Idris gave the judgment after Sanni had pleaded guilty to one count bordering on dealing in about 17.8 kilogrammes of cocaine. Counsel to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Orji Kalu, had informed the court that the accused was arrested on March 26, 2014 at a motor park in Iddo, Lagos, while trying to move the narcotic out of Lagos. The offence was said to violate Section 11(c) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Law of the Federation, 2004. In giving the ruling, Justice M.B. Idris said it would serve as a deterrent to others dealing in illicit drugs. Similarly, 22-year-old Waliu Lawal got a six-month jail term for illegal possession and dealing in heroine and cocaine. Justice C.J. Aneke gave the judgment following Lawal’s confession and after the court saw the evidence presented before it.

Two Killed, Six Injured In Ogun Road Crashes

Two persons were confirmed dead, while six others were critically injured in two separate accidents which occurred on Monday along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway, Ogun State. The first accident occurred at the notorious Onipepeye Village in Obafemi-Owode LGA and it involved a commercial Mitsubushi Space Wagon coming from Ketu in Lagos State and a Toyota Camry, which was heading towards the Sagamu end of the highway. The Toyota Camry was said to have skidded off the road and collided with the Mitsubushi in which two passengers died on the spot. Head of the Rescue Team, Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, Commander Adeola Adekoya, confirmed the incident. Adekoya attributed the crash to over-speeding on the part of the driver of the Toyota Camry.

NDLEA Nabs Malian with 4kg Cannabis

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Friday said it had apprehended a 22-year-old Malian for being in possession of compressed cannabis weighing 4kg. The agency’s Head of Public Affairs, Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju, said that the suspect was a businessman and also a student at Guangdong University of Technology, China. It said that the suspect was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, while attempting to board a Kenyan Airways flight to China. The statement said that the cannabis was hidden inside foodstuff like melon, dried bitter leaf and assorted local spices. It said that the suspect, studying Chinese language, was travelling with a Malian international passport No. B0563273. It quoted the NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Mr Hamza Umar, as saying that the suspect was nabbed while trying to check in his luggage.

NSCDC Recovers Sacks of Adulterated Oil

Officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have seized a truck of adulterated petroleum product from vandals who fled to the bush on sighting a team of the corps. The NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Mr. Chibuzor Mefor, said the seizure took place on Thursday at Obadoore, along Ijegun Iba Road in the Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos. It was gathered that the product was packed in 48 sacks, each of which was said to contain 200 litres. It was also learnt that it took hours before the truck could be towed from the swampy point. NSCDC Commandant in the state, Mr. Ikemefuna Donatus, said the information they got helped them to foil the vandals’ plan. He added that surveillance had been mounted on the area two days before the seizure. He also qualified the packaging of the product by the vandals as scientific and of a new dimension. Donatus called on security agencies, community leaders and private organisations to assist the corps in putting an end to vandalism and oil adulteration.

Court Remands Teacher over Rape of Under-aged Sisters

An Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan on Thursday remanded a school teacher, Oludare Olayinka, 38, in prison custody over the alleged rape of two pupils. The victims are sisters aged 10 and 11. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Sofiat Oyediran, ordered the remand pending the advice of the Directorate of Public Prosecution. Oyediran, thereafter, adjourned the case. The accused, an English Language teacher, was arraigned on a two-count charge of rape and having unlawful carnal knowledge of the pupils. The Prosecutor, Inspector Sunday Ogunremi, said the accused had carnal knowledge of the pupils on May 21 at 11.25am at their school.

Man Beats Son to Death for Theft

A 12-year-old boy was allegedly beaten to death by his guardian, while a man in Oregun, Ikeja, was also alleged to have beaten his son to death for stealing N1,000. The 12-year old boy, Onyedikachi Mbanozo, was reportedly brought from the village by Mr and Mrs Paul Obiefule, in 2013. Mbanozo was allegedly often beaten at the slightest provocation by his guardians. His death occurred on Tuesday when his guardian allegedly pounced on him as he was in the process of eating food. He slumped and died. Curious neighbours were said to have asked after Mbanozo, but his guardians lied. But some people suspected all was not well with the boy and promptly notified the police. Police Spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, confirmed their arrest. In a similar incident on Monday, one Bright whose surname was unknown was allegedly hit with iron belt by his father for stealing N1,000. The boy was rushed to Divine Private Hospital on Lawal Street Oregun where he was confirmed dead.

Ex-Oyo Union Leader in Court for Murder

A former chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Oyo State, Mukaila Lamidi, also known as Auxiliary, was on Monday arraigned before the Magistrate Court in Iyaganku, Ibadan. He was arraigned on two counts of murder and conspiracy. The accused was brought to the court premises by armed policemen, led by Inspector Banujoh Samson, of the Zonal headquarters of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Osogbo, while security at the vicinity of the court was beefed up by the presence of a large number of mobile policemen. The police accused Auxiliary of conspiring with others at large to kill one Adekunle Oladipupo around the Iwo-Road area of Ibadan. Magistrate O.K Omotosho ordered that the accused be remanded in the Agodi Prison. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, who paraded Auxiliary for illegal possession of arms, had said the former union leader had a case of murder hanging on his neck in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Woman Arrested For Child Abuse

The Ogun State Police Command in conjunction with a Non-Governmental Organisation, Women Arise For Change Initiative, led by Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin have arrested Okanlawon Omowunmi, in Arepo Area for maltreating her housemaids. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that the neighbours of Owowunmi, who intimated the NGO, said the battering of the housemaids had been going on for several years. Efforts of the NGO and the Police detectives attached to Ibafo Divisional Headquarters saw the arrest of Omowunmi, and subsequent rescue of the two young girls. Omowunmi was subsequently charged to the Owode Magistrate Court on two counts of child labour and child abuse. She has however been granted bail in the sum of N50,000, and surety. The case was adjourned to July 21, 2014.

GENERAL

Death Toll Rises to 100 After Boko Haram Strike in Borno
…20 Boko Haram Suspects Arrested by Irate Youths

At least 100 persons are believed to have been killed in Borno State following Tuesday's attack by the terrorist group Boko Haram on four border communities with Cameroun. The attack, it was learnt, was a retaliatory one on the villages of Attagara, Ngoshe, Agapalawa and Aganjara in Gwoza LGA of the troubled state. A resident of Maiduguri disclosed that the armed men dressed in military camouflage drove into the communities in all-terrain vehicles and motorbikes. They subsequently gathered the unsuspecting villagers and opened fire on them. Meanwhile 20 Boko Haram suspects were arrested by irate youths who took them up when they attacked their village. A local chief, Mallam Dawa Pogu of a community in Askira/Uba LGA of Borno state, disclosed that the insurgents invaded Mbulakudla village where they killed two people, but some brave young-men arrested 20 of them took them to security operatives in the area for appropriate action.

Soldiers Repel Boko Haram Attack In Adamawa

The Special Forces on Thursday repelled another attack on Madagali headquarters of Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State on Thursday. A security source said the insurgents started the operation at Maisuru-Dawa village before heading towards Madagali for another attack by 10.20am. The source said that Special Forces on the ground were few and were in urgent need of reinforcement during the attack on Madagali. It was stated however that the timely response of the military saved the day as the insurgents were chased away by immediate reinforcements and a military jet deployed for the operation. Prior to the Thursday attack, the insurgents had launched an attack on Madagali on April 23, 2014 which led to the killing of a soldier, a driver and some of the insurgents. The military, had, on Monday repelled an ambush by insurgents in Buratai community in Biu LGA of Borno. The troops fell into an ambush laid by terrorists while on patrol.

FG Urges Media Blackout On Boko Haram

The Federal Government on Thursday reiterated its call for a media blackout on terrorist and terror attacks in furtherance of the counter-insurgency campaign against Boko Haram. The Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, said terrorists had taken advantage of the existing free media space in the country to propagate their ideology, noting that media reports should seek to protect and unite citizens against the antics of the insurgents. The minister said terrorism and related activities could only be tackled effectively if all segments of society particularly the media join forces against it.

Cameroon Soldiers Kill 40 Boko Haram

Cameroon security forces killed some 40 Boko Haram militants in clashes in the country’s far north, state radio said on Sunday, shortly after the release of two Italian priests and a Canadian nun suspected to have been held by the Islamist group. A presidency source confirmed the clashes, which took place west of the town of Kousseri, in the region bordering Nigeria and Chad. Cameroon, which has been criticised by Nigeria for not doing enough to fight the Nigeria-based Boko Haram, deployed some 1,000 troops in the far north this week as it steps up the fight against the Islamist militants.

Crisis Averted in Jos by Security Operatives

Security operatives, last Monday, averted an inter-religious mayhem in Jos, the Plateau State capital, when some Muslim boys went on rampage over a corpse discovered in the morning in their community at Gero road in Bukuru, Jos South LGA. The development created tension around the community, paralysing businesses as the youths armed with sticks and other dangerous weapons, started protesting, while other youths in the area mobilized for a showdown to protect their homes. It took the intervention of the men of the Special Task Force (STF) deployed to restore law and order in the state, who had to fire into the air to scare people. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Felicia Anslem, Superintendent of Police, confirmed that there were skirmishes around the locality.

Police Begin Enlightenment Campaign on Terrorism

As part of the strategies lined up in the ongoing war against terrorism, the Nigeria Police on Monday, in Abuja, began a counter-terrorism enlightenment campaign with the launch of a "fact sheet" to educate the citizenry on their roles in the war against terrorism. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, who launched the campaign through the force spokesperson, Frank Mba, urged Nigerians to be vigilant and key into the campaign. Abubakar said the public enlightenment materials, which are factsheets containing distress call numbers of the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and that of the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), are carefully designed by the Police to educate the general public on their basic roles in the fight against terrorism and how to identify terrorists’ subterfuge and other known modus operandi of criminals. The IG said tips contained in the fact sheets would help in protecting citizens from falling victim to crime, thereby improving their overall sense of communal safety.

Military Arrests Mubi Bomb Suspect

The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that the military has arrested those suspected to be behind the Sunday terrorist attack in Mubi, Adamawa state. The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade disclosed this, saying that the suspect was apprehended through a tip-off by the members of the public. According to him, the suspect was nabbed as observant members of the public confirmed sighting him alight from the vehicle used in conveying the explosive device that was detonated in Kabang shortly before the explosion.

Boat Accident Claims 11 Lives in Niger State

The Niger State Disaster Management Agency has confirmed the death of 11 persons in a boat accident between Garafini-Kodo and Garafini river side area of Borgu LGA of the state. Alhaji Mohammed Shaba, Special Adviser to the governor in charge of the agency, disclosed on Tuesday that the accident occurred on Monday. Shaba said 18 passengers were aboard the ill-fated boat when the accident occurred between 5pm and 6pm. He said seven persons survived the incident which, he described, as unfortunate while 11 others, who were confirmed dead, had since been buried. Shaba said the cause of the incident would be made public as soon as it was confirmed.

Police Arrest Robbers, Recover N15m in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Police Command on Monday said it had recovered N15m from three armed robbery suspects. The Deputy Commissioner of Police in the state, Douglas Agbouleni, who announced this, said that the suspects were arrested along a forest route in Rabah LGA with the money. He said the money was taken from one of the traders at Illela market during an operation. He said three other suspects were at large, assuring that the command would soon apprehend them. Agbouleni said a locally made pistol and ammunition were also recovered from the suspects. He said two other suspects, who specialised in attacking motorists in parts of the state, were also arrested. He said the command had also arrested two other suspects who specialised in snatching phones.

Police to Pay N1m as Damages over Unlawful Detention

An Abuja Federal High Court on Monday ordered the Inspector-General of Police to pay Mr Osita Okereke N1million as damages for unlawful detention. Okereke is the Director of the Task Force on Illegal Importation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria, a Public Private Partnership organistion. Justice Ahmed Mohammed ruled that the arrest and detention of Okereke violated Section 35 (1) (C) of the 1999 Constitution. Okereke was arrested by the police in Abuja on August 15, 2013, allegedly on the orders of the National Security Adviser (NSA). Okereke was later arraigned before an Abuja Magistrates’ Court on a one-count charge of posing security threat to the country. His lawyer, Mr Kanayo Okafor, had in an application for the enforcement of his client’s fundamental rights, urged the court to declare his detention unlawful. He also urged the court to pay him exemplary damages for the ordeal that he went through.

Traditional Ruler Remanded in Prison for Murder

A 70-year-old traditional ruler and 18 others suspects were on Monday remanded in prison custody by a Lokoja Chief Magistrate Court for allegedly killing Chief Isa Edimeh, a retired executive director of FRCN and one Muhammed Wada, both of Ojikpadala Egume village in Dekina LGA of Kogi State. The suspects, Alhaji Etila Ajeka, 70, the royal father of Egume, Muhammed Abdul, Ibrahim Salifu, Hassan Ocheni, Ocheni Salifu, Samson Achem among others all of Egume were alleged to have conspired and killed Chief Isa Edimeh and Muhammed Bawa on May 27,2014 at Ojikpadala Egume village in Dekina local government.

Sultan Condemns Acts of Terrorism against Muslims

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has condemned what he described as repeated and ungodly acts of terror being unleashed on Muslims. The Sultan, who is President General of the umbrella body for Muslims in the North, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), in a statement in Kaduna, directed Muslims to pray for the restoration of peace and security in the country. The Secretary General of JNI, Dr. Khalid Aliyu Abubakar, condemned the “repeated ungodly acts of terror being unleashed on the Muslims.” The statement also condemned the attack on three Emirs by gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram  members which led to the killing of the Emir of Gwoza in Borno State, and asked the federal government to wake up to its responsibilities of protecting the lives of Nigerians.

Three African Countries Ready to Join Forces with Nigeria against Terrorism

As Nigeria continues to secure international support in the battle against insurgency, two African nations, Equatorial Guinea and Sao Tome, have announced plans to join the fray. The two nations, in Abuja last weekend, announced their preparedness to join forces with Nigeria and other foreign nations in the effort to overcome the menace of insurgency by Boko Haram. Also, Malian President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, has promised that his country will work with Nigeria to stamp out terrorism in the country. These disclosures were made by their respective ambassadors to Nigeria, Job Obiang Esono Mbengono and Antonio Correia, during separate meetings with the Senate President, Senator David Mark. Nigeria and Mali have witnessed growing insecurity posed by an Islamist insurgency and a separatist conflict respectively which had left a heavy toll in human lives in recent weeks.

Traditional Rulers Seek Support For Security Agencies

The Governing Council of National Development Summit of Traditional Rulers, NDSTR, has directed its subjects nationwide to provide adequate support to security agencies and the intervening foreign security agencies to ensure the defeat of Boko Haram terror. The NDSTR, which issued the directive at the end of its meeting in Abuja, also urged the members to support government at all levels with a view to ensuring that the current state of insecurity it described as national calamity is brought to an end. A communiqué signed by the Chairman of the Governing Council, the Ovie Uvwie Kingdom. HRM, Emmanuel Sideso and Secretary General, Eze Ijikala II of Oko, Prof. Laz Ekwueme respectively, and made available to Vanguard, the paramount rulers warned the Boko Haram sect to release, without further delay, all the abducted schoolgirls in their custody. The council also charged traditional rulers to intensify youth empowerment in their domains, to minimize youth involvement in crimes.

Terrorists Kill 51, Raze Village in Borno State

Boko HaramIslamist sect, during the week, killed 51 persons and injured 12 others in separate attacks in Borno State. In one of the attacks on Gurmushi village in Marte LGA of Borno State, the terrorists killed 42 persons and set the entire village ablaze, leaving many of the villagers displaced and taking refuge in Cameroon. Marte is a border community with Chad and Cameroon, which had witnessed deadly attacks in recent times, including the military offensive on some terrorists camps along the Lake Chad Basin. The terrorists also carried out another attack on Tuesday morning on Amuda and Arbokko border villages killing nine people, before torching dozens of houses and shops.

UN Resumes Demarcation of Nigerian Communities to be Ceded to Cameroun

The Nigeria-Cameroun Mixed Commission, supervised by the United Nations, Tuesday, resumed the demarcation of the Nigerian border communities in Boki LGA of Cross River State in preparation for its final ceding to the Republic of Cameroun. The communities being demarcated include Biajua and Danare located on the boundary line between Nigeria and Cameroun. Last year, the UN body carried out the first phase of the exercise but following stiff opposition by the youths of all the communities that the demarcation was running through, the surveyors, Cameroun government functionaries and UN officials had to abandon it for fear of hostilities. The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Attah Ochinke, when contacted, said government was in the know and can do nothing about it since it was in compliance with the judgment of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He denied that the exercise was for ceding of border villages to either Nigeria or Cameroun.

Jos Communities Raise the Alarm over Herdsmen’s Plan to Attack

Villagers in Riyom and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State have raised the alarm over an alleged plan by armed Fulani militants to launch fresh attacks on the villages, and called on the security agents for help. The concerned villagers said they had discovered a training camp of unknown gunmen behind the hills of Rim near Riyom. The villagers said that the alarm has become necessary so as to attract security agencies to come to their aid in protection, the whole of Bachit district is under serious risk of gunmen attack, and if nothing is done to improve security surveillance in the areas, it may turn out bloody. Member representing Riyom State Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, who described the incessant attacks on Riyom communities and adjoining areas by Fulani herdsmen as acts of terrorism, asked security agencies in the state to intensify action to apprehend those behind the frequent attacks.

Lawmakers Recommends Electronic Surveillance on Highways

In its bid to ensure that the incessant insecurity challenges which necessitated the mounting of checkpoints in many parts of the country, the House of Representatives is set to interface with the security chiefs to explore the possibility of using electronic surveillance to insulate security operatives from further loss of lives. Hon. Emmanuel Jime moved the motion on the need to introduce explosive detection devices portal on the highways in lieu of the manual checkpoints currently being operated. The lower chamber resolved to ensure that the checkpoints were managed in a manner that causes the least extra congestion in spite of attention to details pending the installation of detection devices.

100 Killed in Borno Communal Clash

More than 100 persons were killed in a communal clash involving three border communities in Gwoza Local Government Council of Borno State. Members of Attagara, Aghapalwa and Gwoshe border communities were said to have taken up arms against one another. It, however, turned out to be a religious war between Christians and Muslims. It will be recalled that no fewer than nine Christian worshippers were said to have been killed last Sunday, by Islamic militants during a Sunday service in Attagara village, leaving many others critically injured. According to reports, the youths in a spontaneous reprisal attack mobilized themselves and killed 37 of them. However, following the reprisal attacks, sources said, some Muslim youths believed that the Christian youths killed other Muslims rather than Boko Haram members, who were responsible for the death of the nine Christian worshippers as well as the burning of churches in Attagara Village. Meanwhile,

Soldiers Arrest 13-Year-Old Girl for Spying for Boko Haram

Special Forces of the Nigerian Army Unit in Gwoza, Borno State, have arrested a 13-year-old girl for spying on the military formation for the members of Boko Haram. A security source said the soldiers who picked up the girl were said to be stunned when they found an AK 47 assault rifle in her residence. It was further gathered that the girl led the soldiers to three other girls who were also said to have been recruited by Boko Haram to spy on military formations. However, the source did not say whether the soldiers found any lead in the residents of the other girls said to be undergoing interrogation. It was further stated that there were fears in security circles that the insurgents might have embarked on the recruitment of innocent children to get information on military formations for possible attacks.

Soldier, One Other Killed By Gunmen In Adamawa

Unknown gunmen suspected to be members of Boko Haram, on Thursday, killed a soldier in Madagali Local Government  of Adamawa state after which they razed the old Roman Catholic Church and the Madagali Development Area Secretariat. Eyewitness confirmed the attack and reported that the unknown gunmen struck the area at about 4am on Thursday and immediately overran the military check point where they killed a soldier. He said the insurgents also snatched two military patrol vans at the check point in cross fire battle with the soldier which lasted for three hours.

Boko Haram Kills 45 in Fresh Attack

Forty-five persons have been reportedly killed with several others sustaining gunshot injuries during an attack by suspected members of Boko Haram sect on Bargari village of Konduga LGA of Borno state, Wednesday night. Bargari is on the outskirts of Maiduguri, the capital of troubled Borno State, and about 30 kilometres south east of Giwa Barracks which came under attack on 14th of March, this year. It was learnt that the attack has left many people displaced as the insurgents were said to have set many houses ablaze. Shops, vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles were also set on fire. The marauders were also alleged to have carted away many food items and livestock.

INTERNATIONAL

Three Brothers Confess To India Gang Rape of Cousins

Three brothers have confessed to involvement in the gang rape of two teenage girls in India, according to police sources. The men have pleaded guilty to the rape charges but have not admitted to killing the girls, police spokesman Mukesh Saxena, said. All five known suspects, including two police officers, have been arrested, he said. The police complaint also names two unknown people in the case. The assault on the cousins, ages 14 and 16, sparked outrage in the community in Uttar Pradesh state. After being gang raped, they were hanged from a mango tree, police said. In the northern village where the attack occurred, crowds surrounded the girls for hours after their bodies were found Wednesday. They accused authorities of siding with the suspects and blocked them from taking the girls down from their nooses unless arrests are made. In addition to possible rape and murder charges, the officers face charges of conspiracy in the crime and negligence of duty after villagers accused them of failing to respond when they first pinpointed the suspects. An autopsy confirmed that the girls had been raped and strangled, according to authorities.

Yemeni Forces Kill Two Al-Qaida Militants

The Yemeni security forces clashed with suspected al-Qaida gunmen at a military checkpoint in the southeastern province of Hadramout on Wednesday, killing two terrorists and detaining four others, a government official disclosed. The security personnel manning a military checkpoint in Wadi Hadramout reportedly intercepted an al-Qaida vehicle loaded with explosives and ammunition, triggering a short shootout that ended with killing two terrorists and four others detained. The government official also confirmed that the security forces found and seized heavy weapons hidden inside the truck and two policemen were also injured in the firefight that lasted for one hour. On Tuesday, a high-ranking security official said that army units of the 37th Armored Brigade shelled a number of suspected al- Qaida-held sites in the valley of Hadramout, without saying if there were any casualties. Militants of the Yemen-based al-Qaida offshoot have been blamed by the government for a series of assassinations and armed attacks, mostly in the country’s southern regions.

Libya: 20 People Killed, 70 Wounded

At least 20 people have been killed and almost 70 wounded when the Libyan army and forces of a renegade general fought Islamist militants in the eastern city of Benghazi, medical sources said. Reports show that combat helicopters belonging to forces loyal to former army general Khalifa Haftar – who wants to purge the North African state of Islamist militants he says a weak government has failed to control – supported the army in the worst fighting in months. At least 20 people were killed and 67 wounded in Benghazi alone. Some 18 wounded were reported in al-Marj, a town east of Benghazi, where fighting also broke out, medical sources said. Libya is in protracted turmoil three years after the NATO-backed war that ousted Muammar Gaddafi, with Islamist, anti-Islamist, regional and political factions locked in conflict. The Ansar al-Sharia militant group attacked a camp on Monday belonging to army special forces, residents there said. Haftar’s forces joined the battle taking place in residential areas with frightened families staying indoors.

Five Militants Killed In Ukraine Border Attack

Five militants were killed in the volatile eastern Ukrainian city of Luhansk on Monday after they took part in a large coordinated assault on a border guard base, an official at the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service told CNN. The attacks began early Monday morning when least 100 militants tried to storm the border unit on the southern edge of the city, said Oleg Slobodyan, the spokesman for the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service. The guards repulsed the first few attacks, but then the militants changed positions and began to shoot from inside nearby buildings where local people live, Slobodyan said, adding that the attackers weren’t letting residents out of their homes. He said border guards were refraining from returning fire because they didn’t want to cause civilian casualties. Five militants were killed and eight were wounded in the fighting, Slobodyan said.

Indians Protest against Gang-Rape

Indian police have fired water cannons to disperse hundreds of protesters in Uttar Pradesh state where two teenage cousins were gang-raped and hanged. The protesters were demonstrating outside the office of state chief minister Akhilesh Yadav. Police have detained five people, including two policemen, in connection with the attacks and a federal police investigation has been ordered. The girls were found hanged from a tree in Badaun district last week. The victims’ families say it took police more than 12 hours to respond to reports they were missing. Police in the city of Lucknow used force and water cannons to keep back hundreds of protesters demanding that Yadav put an end to violence against women in the state. Yadav’s government has come under criticism for its lax approach towards women’s safety, Three suspected attackers have been held, along with two policemen accused of dereliction of duty and criminal conspiracy. A post-mortem examination confirmed multiple sexual assaults and death due to hanging. Scrutiny of sexual violence in India has grown since the 2012 gang-rape and murder of a student on a Delhi bus. Some women’s groups argue that the low conviction rate for rape should be challenged with more effective policing rather than stiffer sentences.

Pakistan PM Orders Action on Stoning

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has described the stoning to death of a woman by her family in front of a Lahore court as “totally unacceptable”.  Farzana Parveen, who was three months pregnant, was pelted with bricks and bludgeoned by relatives furious because she married against their wishes. Her husband said that police simply stood by during the attack. Lahore’s police chief has denied this and said Ms Parveen had been killed by the time police arrived at the scene. There are hundreds of so-called “honour killings” in Pakistan each year. This incident has prompted particular outrage as it took place in daylight while police and members of the public reportedly stood by and did nothing to save her. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has ordered the chief minister of Punjab province to take “immediate action” and submit a report by Thursday evening.

Saudi MERS Death Toll Rises to 282

Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health said on Wednesday that deaths from the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) corona virus had risen from the previous figure of 190 to 282. There are now 688 confirmed cases in the kingdom since 2012. Tareq Madani, President, Medical Council Advisory Centre, said in Riyadh that the data review led to discovering other confirmed cases that must be added. He said the number of new registered cases continued to decline over the past few weeks. Glenn Thomas, WHO spokesman commended Saudi authorities for the review, saying it had improved the monitoring of the disease. MERS has similarities to the SARS virus which broke out in Asia in 2003. It is deadlier, but has a lower rate of transmission. Symptoms include fever, pneumonia and kidney failure.

G7 Threatens More Sanctions on Russia over Ukraine Crisis

Group of seven (G7) leaders on Thursday urged Russia to complete its troop withdrawal from the Ukrainian border, saying they stood ready to intensify targeted sanctions against Russia. The group of industrialised nations welcomed the May 25 election in Ukraine and Petro Poroshenko’s election as Ukraine’s new president, according to a statement issued after the first day meeting of the G7 summit. The G7 countries urged Russia to recognise the results of the Ukrainian election complete the withdrawal of its troops from the Ukrainian border and stop the flow of weapons and militants across the border. The G7 leaders, however, decided to meet in Brussels in the G7 format following the expulsion of Russia in March after the Crimean peninsula joined Russia after a controversial referendum. Ukrainian authorities and some Western countries denounced the referendum as “illegal.’’ The United States and the EU have initiated rounds of sanctions on Russian individuals and entities connected to the Ukraine crisis.

Egypt Introduces New Sexual Harassment Laws

Egypt has introduced new punishments for sexual harassment in an effort to crack down on the worsening problem. In a decree issued by outgoing interim president Adly Mansour, sexual harassment is now a crime punishable by up to five years in jail. Until now, Egypt has not had a law defining sexual harassment. A 2013 UN study said that nine out of 10 Egyptian women had experienced some form of sexual assault, ranging from minor harassment to rape. Human rights campaigners have describe the extent of the problem in Egypt as “horrifying”. Incidents have soared in the three years since the 2011 overthrow of Hosni Mubarak. Under the new laws, harassers face from six months to five years in prison. The longer sentences are reserved for offenders who hold a position of power over their victims such as being a woman’s superior at work or being armed with a weapon. Presidential spokesman Ehab Badawi said the decree defines a sexual harasser as a person seeking to achieve “an interest of a sexual nature”.

Yemeni Security Forces Kill Two Al-Qaida Militants

The Yemeni security forces clashed with suspected al-Qaida gunmen at a military checkpoint in the southeastern province of Hadramout on Wednesday, killing two terrorists and detaining four others. He also confirmed that the security forces found and seized heavy weapons hidden inside the truck and two policemen were also injured in the firefight that lasted for one hour. On Tuesday, a high-ranking security official said that army units of the 37th Armored Brigade shelled a number of suspected al- Qaida-held sites in the valley of Hadramout, without saying if there were any casualties. Militants of the Yemen-based al-Qaida offshoot have been blamed by the government for a series of assassinations and armed attacks, mostly in the country’s southern regions. The Yemeni military and security forces, with U.S. support, have recently intensified operations against suspected al-Qaida strongholds throughout the country, killing many non-Yemeni al- Qaida suspects, and prompting retaliation attacks by the al-Qaida.