Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 2

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	2
2	Robbery	10
3	Gang	7
4	Drugs	5
5	Maritime Incidents	1
6	Terrorism	9
7	Political/Government Agencies	2
8	Murder/Assassinations	7
9	Rape Incidents	2
10	Others	6
	Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Police Foil Kidnap of Child in Abuja

The kidnap a five-year old child was, December 24, foiled at the Utako motor park, Abuja through the efforts of vigilant Nigerians and the prompt response of the Police. Security operatives apprehended one Bola Adesina (31), who was caught with a 5-year-old, Ahmed. The boy was abducted from Sagamu in Ogun State and was being transported to Kaduna State to be delivered to waiting customer when the policemen on a tip-off arrested the suspect. Following this development, FCT Police Command has admonished parents to closely monitor their children and wards and join the Police to combat the activities of criminal elements within the Capital City and its environs.

Navy Rescues Expatriates Kidnapped by other Expatriate Kidnappers in Nigeria

Nigerian Navy has alerted Nigerians to be wary of the activities of some unscrupulous foreigners in the country who now engage in kidnapping and hostage-taking. The Commanding Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, Captain Musa Gemu, gave the warning on January 1 while handing over two kidnapped expatriates to their company. Gemu said that the two men were rescued by the naval operatives, who stormed Broadwell Hotel in Warri, where the duo had been allegedly held hostage for about two weeks after illegally being held in Sapele by some Delta State-based expatriate businessmen, including a German and a Belgian.

Robbery

3 Robbery Suspects Nabbed in Edo

The Edo State Police Command, December 26, said it arrested three armed robbery suspects in Oredo LGA. Police Public Relations Officer, Joseph Edoigiawerie, said that the suspects were arrested at their hideout, following a tip-off. The suspected armed robbers were also said to have confessed that they were planning an operation before they were apprehended. The command recovered one locally-made single-barrel gun, 13 live cartridges, one army camouflage cap and three wraps of Indian hemp from fleeing suspects. The statement said the items were recovered from the vehicle of two fleeing suspects. The state police command, while appreciating the public for providing useful information to it, however, said that efforts were on to fish out the fleeing suspects.

Police Arrest 2 Suspected Robbers in Ekiti

The police in Ekiti State have arrested two men believed to be members of a gang of bandits that terrorised parts of Ado Ekiti on Christmas Eve. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Taiwo Lakanu, December 29, said the arrest was made possible due to the tight security network. Lakanu said the suspects, Busuyi Popoola, 19 and Segun Adewale, 20, had besieged Olaoluwa GRA area at Ado - Ilawe Road and broke into houses, where they carted away valuables. The Commissioner of Police said the suspects attacked and injured the victims with cutlasses, bottles and other weapons. Lakanu added that the suspects had fled into the nearby bush having been rounded up by the police, but later apprehended.

Police Arrest 482 Robbery Suspects; Recover 125 Stolen Vehicles in Kano

The police command in Kano State said it arrested 482 armed robbery suspects and recovered 85 arms and 546 ammunition in 2014. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Magaji Majiya, who disclosed this, December 1, said that the command was also able to recover 125 stolen motor vehicles abandoned during the period. Majiya added that the command also recovered 24 high calibre Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in different locations in the state. He stated that 214 suspects charged with rape were arrested, in addition to 27 others charged with homicide within the period under review. While commending the people for their cooperation, Majiya called for the sustenance of the tempo in 2015 and beyond, so as to ensure a crime-free society.

Robbers Kill One, Shoot Journalist in Ughelli

Suspected armed bandits, December 31, went on rampage in Ughelli, Ughelli North LGA of Delta State, killing a retired principal, Chief E. Ekee and shoot a Newspaper Publisher, Matthias Ogbagah,. The gunmen, numbering over seven, stormed the area, shooting sporadically as they made their way out. Ogbagah said he walked into the gunmen numbering seven, who were already within his compound before he was shot at close range after they collected his phones and the money in his pocket. They left me, thinking he was dead. The same journalist had, on November 15, 2014, sustained life-threatening injuries when he was attacked by three gunmen, who were later arrested by members of the Ughelli Vigilante Outfit. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, confirmed the killing of Chief Ekee.

Police in Anambra Kill 4 Robbery, Kidnap Suspects

The Anambra State Police Command has foiled kidnap and armed robbery attempts in Onitsha, killing four and arresting 12 suspects. The officer in charge of the State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), James Nwafor, disclosed that SARS operatives had trailed the gang to Asaba, Delta State, where the gang opened fire on them, leading to a gun duel and the killing of four suspects, while others escaped with bullet wounds. He said the other 12 suspects that were paraded were among those terrorizing Anambra State, adding that among those in the police net were a notorious armed robber and kidnapper, who killed the officer in charge of SARS in Onitsha, Emmanuel Ocheobi in 2012. The dead suspects belonged to the gang of the late kidnap kingpin, Ofeakwu, who was killed last year and his property demolished by the state government. Also paraded was a 65-year-old woman, Grace Offor, alleged to be the cook for kidnapped victims.

Delta Police Foil Attempted Robbery/Hijack of Luxury Bus

An attempt by a 5-man gang of armed robbers to hijack a luxury bus with passengers going to the eastern part of the country has been foiled by operatives of the Delta State Police Command. The suspects had, December 28, boarded the bus from Lagos and on getting to Umunede in Delta State, struck and seized the steering from the driver. Police spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the incident, said the police acted on a tip-off and intercepted the hoodlums at a lonely road where they were robbing the passengers. The hoodlums sighted the police and jumped down from the bus and escaped into the bush, while the driver of the vehicle and the passengers were rescued and taken to Ibusa Police Station. Kalu disclosed that efforts were in top gear to track down the fleeing culprits.

Robbers Kill Policeman, 4 Others in Calabar

Gunmen attacked a fuel station in Calabar, Cross River State, killing a policeman and three others before making away with millions of naira. The gang of robbers numbering about 10, on December 30, stormed the petrol station located along Palm Street and opened fire on innocent people who came to buy petroleum product, killing the policeman at the gate and three others. In another incident in Ikom LGA of the state, gunmen murdered an undergraduate, Emmanuel Agbor on December 27. It was learnt that assailants gunned down Emmanuel while returning from the shop at night.

Housewife Bathes Robber with Hot Water

A house­wife in Lagos poured hot water on a sus­pected robber identified as Kayode Oduto and got him arrested. Oduto and his accom­plice, Quadri Lateef, had, December 29, attacked the woman’s house at Kollington area of Alagbado on the outskirts of Lagos. While the housewife poured hot water on Oduto and used hot pot to smash his face beyond recognition, her husband dispossessed the second suspect of his gun and pinned him down. Police investigators dis­covered that Lateef used to live in the area where they went to rob. Lateef told Oduto that he knew every nook and cran­ny of the area and was sure his knowledge would make the operation easy.

Police Kill Robbery Suspect in Delta Hotel

A suspected kingpin of an armed robbery gang that specialized in robbing occupants of different hostels in Ogwashi Uku, Delta State, was December 30, killed by policemen in a gun duel. Police spokesperson, Celestina Kalu, disclosed that the police received information that robbers were robbing residents of a Hostel along Ogbe-Ofu Quarters in the town, and immediately dispatched a team to the scene. The robbers, on sighting the officers, opened fire on them and during the gun battle, one of them, suspected to be their leader was fatally wounded while the others escaped. Items recovered from the suspects include, one locally-made cut-to-size gun with one live and two expended cartridges. Kalu said police had spread their dragnet to arrest the fleeing suspected members of the gang. Meanwhile, five persons suspected to be cultists are now in police net for attacking Igbodo police station and beating up policemen on duty. Kalu disclosed that about 100 suspected members of cult group attacked the Igbodo Police Station.

Police Kill Two Robbery Suspects in Warri

The police in Warri, Delta State have shot and killed two armed robbery suspects believed to be operating with commercial tricycle in Warri and Effurun/Okpe metropolis. Two other members of the alleged robbery gang identified as Oghenero Eghagbere, and Michael Aguwaneshe, were arrested. Police spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, December 30, confirmed the incident, disclosing that the police also recovered a locally made gun and the tricycle used by the bandits when they ran into a unit of the Police Rapid Response Squad along Ogunu road on December 29. Items recovered from them include one cut-to-size locally-made gun, one live cartridge, one battle axe and one tricycle, with number plate AKU 027 QB. The arrested suspects are undergoing investigation at the Area Commander’s Office, Warri.

Gang Incidents

Cult Clash Claims Two Lives in Bayelsa

A bloody clash between two secret cults led to the death of two persons, December 25, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The clash was said to have occurred over supremacy battle between Highlanders and Icelanders. A security source said the bloody clash occurred in Agudama area of the state. Police spokesperson, Butswat Afinim, said the matter had not been reported to the police.

Benue Police Nab 5 Suspected Cultists

Five cultists have been arrested by Benue State Police Command after the cult groups clashed during the Christmas celebration at Wadata and Modern Market areas in Makurdi. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), John Bako, who announced this on December 29, added that no life was lost during the clashes because of the quick intervention of the Police; however, some persons sustained injuries. The PPRO added that three locally made pistols and cartridges were found with the suspects, adding that many other suspects who committed minor offences were also arrested during the yuletide. He, however, appealed to members of the public to be security conscious and report any suspected movement to the force, to enable them serve them better.

Yuletide Celebration: Police Clash with Irate Youths in Benue

A bloody skirmish between the Police and irate youths in Ushongo LGA of Benue state, December 27, led to the shooting of five of the youths with one confirmed dead. It was gathered from an eyewitness that the mayhem in Lessel Town started at about noon when over 2,000 youths from across Ushongo had converged at Lessel town for a procession to the popular Ushongo Hills for their annual Christmas picnic. According to the witness, the youths were prevented from moving into the hills by the Police who were allegedly directed by the District Head of Mbayegh, Chief Nathaniel Hoyough, to prevent the picnic from taking place in his domain where the Hill is located. This is just as a cult clash in Agbouhogh village, in the outskirt of Makurdi has left 15 persons injured. Some of the suspects were reported to have been apprehended by the police.

Policeman Feared Killed by Cultists in Bayelsa

Armed men suspected to be cultists, December 26, shot and killed a policeman at Agudama area of Bayelsa State. The deceased cop, it was learnt, was shot dead by some cultists during routine patrol of the Agudama area. According to sources, the policeman was killed on the spot while two others sustained injuries. The attack, it was learnt, has triggered police raids in the area. Spokesman of the Bayelsa Police Command, Asinimi Butswat, said the attack on the police patrol team was carried out by yet-to-be identified gunmen.

Hoodlums go on the Rampage in Lagos, Two Killed

Two People were, December 27, killed and many others got injured as hoodlums went on the rampage in Badia area of Ijora, Lagos State. The hoodlums also vandalised several vehicles and looted property and goods worth millions of naira as they burgled homes and shops. The deceased persons, identified simply as Wasiu and Taiwo, were reportedly sleeping in their home when the hoodlums, suspected to be from the neighbouring Akorede Street, unleashed mayhem on their house. Three people, identified as Shina Sherif, Mustapha Akanbi and Rofia Moruf, were reportedly stabbed by the rampaging hoodlums.

Police Arrest 9 Suspects, Recover Arms over Chieftaincy Tussle in Ogun

The Ogun State Police Command, December 28, announced the arrest of nine persons in connection with recent unrest in Ijoko-Otta in Ado-Odo/Otta LGA of the state, over the lingering crisis on the stool of Onijoko. Police spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed that arms and ammunitions were also recovered from the suspects. Ijoko town was engulfed with crisis for days, and property worth millions of naira was destroyed, but the police successfully brought the crisis under control. Investigation into the cause of the mayhem is on-going. Two traditional rulers in the area, Oba Lasisi Ogunseye and Oba Fatai Matanmi who are Onijoko of Ijoko/Ota representing Egbaland in the area, were invited by the police over the crisis.

Police Arrest 7 Teenage Suspects

Police detectives in Asaba, Delta State, have arrested seven suspected members of a cult group known as ‘cage bird’ and ‘dance sailor’. Police spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, confirmed the arrest of the suspects following complaints. Kalu further said that in a follow-up action, one Ufuoma, 15-year-old boy, was arrested who, upon his arrest, led the police detectives to the arrest of others. Kalu explained that after thorough investigation, it was discovered that some of the suspects were initiated into the cult groups while in secondary school through their peers. She further disclosed that investigations had been concluded, and that the suspects would be charged to juvenile court. She warned youths to shun cultism and other vices that would jeopardize their future.

Drugs

NDLEA Secures 70 Convictions, Seizes 1.6 Tonnes of Drugs in Ebonyi

The Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ebonyi, Raphael Igwenagu, December 27, disclosed that the command had seized 1.6 tonnes of drugs and secured 70 convictions in 2014. According to him, the 70 convictions was the highest level of conviction ever secured since the inception of the command. He commended the effectiveness, commitment and the precision handling of drug related cases by the judiciary in the state. Igwenagu pledged that the agency would intensify efforts in 2015 to prevent and control the use of hard drugs by youths across the state.

Kwara NDLEA Arrests 81 in 2014

The Kwara State command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), arrested over 81 alleged illicit drug dealers between January and December, 2014. The state commander of the agency, Olusegun Kolawole Oke, disclosed that some of the offenders were arrested at various joints while others were caught on transit following intelligence reports from members of the society. The NDLEA boss further stated that 40 of those apprehended were given orientation and rehabilitated while others were charged to court for prosecution on illicit drugs. He lamented the high rate at which cannabis and other hard drugs were been consumed especially by youths in the state.

NDLEA Arrests 14 Suspected Drug Traffickers at MMIA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 14 drug suspects at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos with 33.655kg of narcotic drugs. The suspects reportedly adopted various methods of drug concealment to escape arrest but these tricks were unmasked by the agency. Eight of the suspects were caught trying to smuggle cocaine into the country from Brazil and Argentina, while six others were intercepted while taking drugs to Hong Kong, Dubai, Italy and Brazil. The NDLEA commander at the Lagos Airport, Hamza Umar, December 30, disclosed that four of the suspects were apprehended in one flight, Royal Air Maroc on their way from Brazil. According to him, some of the seized drugs were dissolved in water and absorbed in two towels and a T-shirt; others were industrially packed in can foods, body cream packs while some of the suspects ingested the drugs in disregard of the health implications. The estimated value of the seized drugs was about N300, 000,000. The suspects will be charged to court soon, he said.

NDLEA Arrests 184, Seizes 6,821.4kg in Kogi

The Kogi Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Monday, said it had arrested 184 suspects in connection with drug-related offences from January to December, 2014. Alhaji Idris Bello, commander of the agency in Kogi State, said that 11 vehicles of various brands used in transporting the illicit drugs were impounded adding that of the 6,821.4 seized drugs, cannabis sativa (Indian hemp) accounted for 6,793.8kg while the rest 27.5kg were psychotropic substances. He hinted that the command also destroyed four “massive cannabis sativa farms” measuring approximately, 35 acres in a large-scale operation involving the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the police on Ogori-Magongo hills with one Isaac Bello, believed to be the owner of the farms, was arrested on the farm. The agency, he revealed, secured the conviction of 16 suspects after due prosecution in the law court.

NDLEA Seizes 7, 521kg of Hard Drugs in Kano

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kano state, December 31, disclosed that it had impounded a total of 7, 521.7 kg of hard drugs in 2014. The state Commander of the agency, Garba Ahmadu, said out of the total seizures, cannabis sativa or Indian hemp constitutes the largest with 3, 839.7 kg, psychotropic substances 3, 681.1 kg, cocaine 557.9grms and heroine 167grms. According to him, the command was also able to arrest a total of 503 suspects for various drug offences within the year. Ahmadu explained that the command had also secured the conviction of 193 persons at the Federal High Court, Kano during the year while 56 cases were still pending.

Maritime Incidents

JTF Nabs 5 Suspects over Death of 6 Soldiers

The anti-kidnapping and sea robbery squad of the Joint Task Force (JTF) has arrested five suspected sea pirates involved in the December 23 killing of six soldiers on duty along the Nembe waterways of Bayelsa state. The deceased soldiers were killed in separate attacks along Santa Barbara, a notorious river in Nembe, Nembe LGA. The bandits hijacked a military gunboat used by the victims to escort items from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Brass terminal owned by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC). The Head of the Joint Media Centre of the Task Force, Col. Mustapha Anka, December 30, said that five of the suspected killers of the soldiers were arrested during a sustained stop and search operations along the waterways and creeks of the state.

Terrorism

Over 100 Boko Haram Militants Killed in Cameroun

More than 100 suspected Boko Haram insurgents were killed and over 200 arrested during an operation conducted by Nigerian army, December 26. According to reports, the operation took place in Doble, a place in the far-north region bordering Nigeria, and was conducted by the Air Force and Rapid Intervention Battalion, an elite army unit stationed in the region. Initial reports held that the raid was carried out by Camerounian military. This position was corrected by the Nigerian military, which claimed that the raid was carried out by Nigerian troops. Three Camerounian air force pilots were reportedly injured in the operation. This is as 23 Camerounian civilians were reported killed when suspected Boko Haram militants attacked and burned down their village in Mozogo, in the far-north region.

Car Bomb Kills Six Persons in Yobe

A car bomb, December 31, killed six persons in Maiduwa village, Fika LGA of Yobe State. An officer of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Maiduwa Town said the bomber had boarded a commercial Volkswagen Golf car with the explosive devices from Fika Town heading to Potiskum. He further revealed that five kilometres after takeoff, the car ran into a coming vehicle, killing six persons on the spot as the explosive devices went off prematurely. The driver of the Volkswagen Golf car survived, along with another teenager. Both have both been taken to Fika General Hospital. Maiduwa is 65 kilometres to Potiskum town east of Damaturu the state capital

Several Injured as Suicide Bomber Dies in Explosion Outside Church

A suicide bomber blew himself up outside an evangelist church in Gombe State on January 1, injuring several people. A suicide bomber, who was restrained from getting into the church, blew himself up, according to Abubakar Yakubu, heads of the Nigeria Red Cross in Gombe. A witness said the man arrived during the church service and refused to park his motorcycle outside a security barrier set up by church volunteers.

Female Bomber Killed in Attack on Military Barracks

A female suicide bomber was killed as she tried to enter a military barracks, December 31. Soldiers opened fire on the woman when she refused to be searched as she approached the barracks in Bolari, in Gombe state, detonating the explosives belt she was wearing. The woman, who was wearing a hijab, was killed instantly, witnesses said. Gombe state has been the scene of several attacks by the Islamist group Boko Haram in recent months, and the same barracks were targeted in July.

Gunmen Kill 10 in Kaduna Community

Gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, December 27, invaded Tattaura village in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State, killing 10 people, while four other people, who sustained serious injuries from gunshots, were rushed to the hospital in Akwanga, Nasarawa State. The Fulani herdsmen, armed with sophisticated weapons reportedly went to a shop where people were relaxing and opened fire on then. According to a resident, the attack came in spite of the peace accord signed between the communities in the LGA and the Fulani herdsmen.   A top security source who confirmed the incident, said security personnel were combing the area to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act. The acting Chairman of the Local Council, Alhaji Nasiru Harande, who confirmed the attack, described the incident as unfortunate. Harande said normalcy had already returned to the community.

15 Killed, Houses Razed in Kaduna Villager Attack

At least 15 persons were reported killed at Ambe-Madaki village in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State by suspected Fulani herdsmen, January 2. A resident disclosed that the invaders, who were armed with sophisticated weapons, arrived at the village at about 4am, shot sporadically and set houses ablaze. Scores of residents of the area sustained varying degrees of injuries from gunshots while over 20 houses in the area were razed.

Cameroun Launches Air Strikes against Boko Haram

Cameroun, December 29, announced that it has carried out its first air strikes against militant Islamist group Boko Haram, after it overran a military base and attacked five villages, officials have said. The military repelled the coordinated attacks and regained control of the base, they added. At least 41 militants and one soldier died in the attack, the officials disclosed. The latest fighting was the most intense, lasting for three days along several fronts, reports indicate. About 1,000 militants attacked five villages, including Amchide, and seized the nearby Achigachia military base, army spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Didier Badjeck, disclosed.

Seven Terrorists Die in Explosive-Laden Vehicle

Seven suspected Boko Haram terrorists were, December 29, killed when an Improvised Explosive Device hidden in a Toyota Pick-up van they were driving in exploded before they could get to Biu Market in Maiduguri, Borno State. The suspected terrorists reportedly hid the explosives among bags of beans and maize to create the impression that they were traders going to the market. But the IEDs exploded before they could get to the market, which the source said was their main target.

Boko Haram Kills 15 in Borno Town

Suspected Islamist militants, December 29, opened fire in a remote town in Borno State, killing at least 15 people, witnesses disclose. The attack targeted Kautikari village, near the Cameroon border. According to reports, about 20 well-armed insurgents came in four-wheel drive vehicles and some motorcycles. A survivor, Jonah Umaru, said there were 15 people lying dead in the streets. Suspected Boko Haram gunmen had kidnapped 172 women and children and killed 35 other people in the month of December near the same area.

Political/Government Agencies

IGP Reassures Families of Slain, Missing Police Officers

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba, December 30, met with the families of deceased or missing police officers in the line of duty, assuring them that the force would not abandon them. Addressing the families in Nasarawa State, the IGP said the Force was concerned about the welfare of all its personnel as has been demonstrated in many ways since his assumption of duty. He emphasized that he regretted the loss of any officer in line of duty, adding that he was greatly disturbed about the fate of the missing officers. As part of efforts to cushion the pain in each family, the Force has presented the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (500,000.00) to them. The IGP has assured the families of the missing police officers that efforts are being made to trace and rescue them.

FRSC: Yuletide Road Fatalities Reduced By 42%

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), December 29, disclosed that about 120 persons were killed in road crashes across the country between December 19th and 28th. This, according to the FRSC, translates to 42% reduction in comparison to the figures of 2013 yuletide. According to the Corps Public Education Officer, Imoh Etuk, the FRSC also recorded 48% reduction in the number of road traffic crashes within the same period, which stood at 193, in comparison with 368 road crashes in 2013. Etuk also reiterated the corps’ appeal to road users to ensure strict compliance with traffic rules and regulations, in addition to proper maintenance of their vehicles.

Murder/Assassinations

Woman Feared Killed by Returnee Lover

A young woman, Grace Aifuwa, was, December 25, killed in Benin City Edo State by lover, simply identified as Festus, who had just returned from Australia. It was learnt that Festus had engaged in a bitter quarrel with the deceased over undisclosed reasons, before he allegedly ploughed into her with his car, dragging her on a tarred road for over 500 metres. Some relatives of the deceased described the act as barbaric. The alleged killer is said to have been arrested by the Police. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Joseph Edogiawerie, said the matter is being investigated.

Family Alleges Assassination as in Doctor is Found Dead in Hospital Fire

Dr. David Akintayo Oguntuase, Head of Paediatrics at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, was found dead on his clinic in Akure, Ondo State, after it was razed by fire December 25. His family has alleged that he was murdered, while the police are still examining the different theories to unravelling the cause of the fire. The deceased’s family has concluded that the medical practitioner was killed by assassins and burnt to give a semblance of a fire accident. The elder brother of the deceased, Ben Oguntuase, said that a thorough examination of the site of the incident revealed trails left behind by the murderers and how they accomplished the dastardly act. Oguntuase said the walls of the clinic were stained with blood showing that his brother was attacked and dragged to the place where he was eventually burnt. Police spokesman, Wole Ogodo, said although the command had yet to get a full briefing on the development, the family would be required to come up with substantial evidences supporting their position.

Man Beheaded in Plateau Village

Armed men, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, December 31, beheaded a young man in Kantoma village in Mangu LGA of Plateau State. The assailants were also said to have shot another person dead within the same time. The villagers were said to have woken up to behold the gory body of the victim along the road. A resident disclosed that sporadic gunshots were heard all through the morning and the locals stayed indoors to avoid being caught up in the crossfire. Spokesman for the state police command, Emmanuel Abuh, confirmed the incident. He said two people were killed, adding that the command had deployed more men to ensure law and order and stop the escalation of violence.

Man, 45, Kills Son in Ebonyi

The Ebonyi State Police Command, December 28, confirmed the arrest of a 45-year-old man, Nwofu Igbo, who allegedly killed his son. Police Public Relations officer (PPRO) of the command, Chris Anyanwu, disclosed that the suspect had confessed to the killing of his 16-year-old son. An eyewitness, who said the deceased mother was chased away from her matrimonial home 16 years ago, noted that the deceased decided to return to his paternal home to reconcile with his father.  The deceased was hacked to death by his father, denied the act until one of his sons from the second wife, testified against him before the villagers and the police, that he saw his father hit the deceased with an iron on his head and dumped his remains at a nearby road.

2 Policemen Detained for Killing Herdsmen in Adamawa

Two policemen have been arrested for alleged murder of two Fulani youths in Toungo LGA of Adamawa State. The policemen allegedly shot and killed their victims during an argument over N50 outside the LGA. National liaison officer of Miyetti Allah, Mallam Sanusi Bara, said it took a lot of pleading to prevent violent reactions from the people.’ According to the liaison officer, the two youths Jibo and Maikudi, had five and three bullet holes in them. Bara disclosed further that the deceased’s father Dawa Musa had now been left to cater for Jibo’s two children.

Mother of 2 Killed By Gunmen in Kaduna

Gunmen, December 30, attacked Angwan Dauda community in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State and killed a mother of two children. The attack took place less than 24 hours after the visit of the state deputy governor, Nuhu Audu Bajoga, to the troubled LGA after the recent killing of over 10 people. Bajoga, who appealed for calm and prayers, expressed dismay that another community could be attacked so soon despite the recent agreement signed by various ethnic groups, women, youths, community leaders and stakeholders to halt attacks.

Two Germans killed in Nigeria

Two German engineers with construction company Julius Berger have been killed in Nigeria, the foreign ministry in Berlin said, December 31. They were reportedly shot dead while on a motorcycle trip, December 27. The victims were said to be worker with Julius Berger in Abuja. The ministry did not release further details, either on the victims or the suspected killers.

10 Killed, 30 Houses Burnt in Plateau Attacks

About 10 people were killed and 30 houses burnt in Mangu LGA of Plateau State as a result of hostility between Fulani herdsmen and the indigenes between December 31 and January 2. There have been series of attacks and counter attacks between the Fulani and the indigenes during which three people were beheaded in Kantoma village. It was learnt that people suspected to be Fulani on revenge mission swooped on Shurun village and killed 10 people while more than 30 houses were set ablaze in the early morning attack. This is as the anti-bomb squad of the Plateau State Police Command, January 2, defused a bomb close to the residence of the National President of Jamatul Islam Bida Waikamatu Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheik Yahaya Jingir in Jos. Spokesman of the Special Task Force (STF), Captain Ikedichi Iweha, confirmed the incident.

Rape Incidents

Man, 85, Arrested for Raping 7-Year-Old Girl in Edo State

An 85-year old man, Peter Elaiho, has been arrested by the police for allegedly defiling a 7-year-old girl in Egor LGA of Edo state. Mother of the victim, Endurance Ogieva, a trader, alleged that she was offered N1 million by relatives of the suspect, for the case to be withdrawn. Endurance disclosed that the act was committed at the residence of the suspect, where she had left her children with her sister, who is a neighbour to the suspect. She disclosed that the screams of her daughter attracted her to the suspect’s house, where she said she saw him pants down on her daughter. Upon the discovery of blood stains and sperm on my daughter’s vagina, I went to the police station and the man was arrested. Medical examination showed that the girl had been defiled.

Man Defiles 9-Year-Old Daughter

A 55-year-old man, identified as Osaro, has been arrested by men of the Edo State Police Command for allegedly defiling his nine-year-old daughter. Osaro, according to his wife, Stella, had earlier impregnated their 17-year-old daughter. The girl’s mother said ‎her husband had pushed her out of their apartment at about 8pm on December 25 and locked her two daughters inside the room, before defiling one of them. She explained that the nine-year-old victim had told her the next day that her father had canal knowledge of her.

Others

Police Nab Two Suspects with Human Skull

The police in Ondo State have arrested two suspects for trading in human skulls. The suspected ritualists were arrested with a human skull along Ibillo/ Isua expressway in Akoko South East council area of Ondo State. Parading the 44 suspected criminals, the state commissioner, Isaac Eke, said other suspected arrested include 32 suspected cult members, six suspected armed robbers, four suspected burglars and two suspects in possession of human heads. The police commissioner said the suspected cultists were arrested in Akure, Ondo and Owo towns. He added that they have been responsible for terrorizing, stealing and rapping in the towns.

6-Year-Old Dies in House Fire

A six-year-old girl was reportedly burnt to death, while her brothers suffered severe burns, December 24, fire incident at the Swali suburb of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The fire reportedly consumed a popular slum estate in the area leaving the residents homeless. One of the victims of the inferno said the fire was triggered by the mother of the deceased who reportedly lit a candle, put it on the carpeted floor and went out while her three children were sleeping. According to him, before neighbours noticed the fire, it was already too late and that it took the bravery of a sympathiser who broke into the building to rescue two kids. He said though the fire service came early enough, there was little they could do due to the haphazard nature of the area and shortage of water.

Fulani Herdsmen Threaten Abia Villagers

Some Fulani herdsmen have caused the people of Okporenyi village in Bende LGA of Abia State to go into hiding after they threatened to attack them over missing cows. According to a member of the village, trouble started December 24 when a group of herdsmen stormed the village, threatening to raid the village if they failed to locate their missing cows. The source said the herdsmen also invaded farmlands in the village with their cattle, destroying crops. It was gathered that farmlands in the village had come under incessant attacks by the herdsmen while complaints by the villagers had fallen on deaf ears. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Geoffrey Ogbonna, confirmed the incident, adding that the police had initiated talks with both parties with a view to resolving the face-off. He assured the villagers of full protection of their lives and property, advising them not to take the law into their hands.

Police Arrest 12 Suspected Ritualists in Delta

A police patrol team in Akwukwu Igbo near Asaba, Delta State, has   arrested 12 suspected ritualists in the area, following a tip-off. Police spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, confirmed the arrest of the suspects inside the thick forest in the community some corpses were alleged to have been exhumed recently by unknown persons. Kalu disclosed that the suspects would be charged to court on completion of investigation. She disclosed that the suspects confessed to the crime, saying that they used dead bodies to prepare native bathing soap for their patrons, especially

FCT Police Parade 24 Suspects

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Commissioner, Acting CP Wilson Inalegwu, December 30, paraded 24 suspects that were arrested by the officers from the command, for committing various offences. The FCT Police boss urged all residence of Abuja should remain vigilant and continue to have confidence in the police. The police boss also noted that the force recovered 17 vehicles in December and 14 of the vehicles have been released to their rightful owners.

2 Killed as Tanker Drivers Clash in Kaduna

The crisis between the two factions of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Association (PTD), Kaduna State chapter, claimed two lives, December 31. Many were reported injured while the police had since commenced investigation into the crisis. The factional leaders, Tuge and Marafa, have been in and out of courts since 2012, after a controversial election that unseated Marafa, who appeared to enjoy lots of goodwill from the PTD members. “Trouble started when hoodlums who claimed they are representing one of the factions of the group came to shut down the secretariat, so as to prevent the other group from gaining access to the secretariat,” witnesses say.

Review/Analysis

As the Yuletide draws to an end, robbery/gang related cases are at the apex on our crime index, with the southern part of the country recording more cases and a few of these in the southwest, southeast and northern region of the nation.

In the north-east, terrorism and communal attacks remain high as the Nigerian military, supported by some volunteer vigilante groups, battle to purge the region of all traces of terrorism. Murder/assassination cases are also on a high, cutting across different parts of the country and various strata of the society.

Security consciousness remains the watchword. Government Security agents have continued to urge persons living in the country to remain alert to threats and promptly report any perceived threat, strange behaviour or movement noticed to the appropriate authorities for investigation.

Villeworth urges everyone to be security conscious to stay safe.