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Latest News: Training and recruitment is ongoing - Wednesday, 02 March 2011 22:54

week 5

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N

CATEGORY

MAJOR INCIDENTS

1

Kidnap/Hostage

3

2

Robbery

3

3

Gang

6

4

Drugs

 

5

Maritime Incidents

1

6

Terrorism

8

7

Political/Government Agencies

4

8

Murder/Assassinations

11

9

Rape Incidents

2

10

Others

7

 

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Female Suspect Arrested for Masterminding Own Kidnap

A female suspect has been arrested alongside her boyfriend over her role in masterminding a fake kidnap incident to con money from her parents. The 25-year-old undergraduate was paraded by Police in Asaba, capital of Delta state for allegedly masterminding her own kidnap with her boyfriend and other friends of the boyfriend. The boyfriend 30-year-old boyfriend, who confessed to his role in the incident, disclosed that they had planned to use the money to get married before they were caught.

Soldiers Rescue 14 Pregnant Teenagers, Children in Abia Baby Factory

Soldiers from 144 Battalion, Asa, Abia State have rescued 14 pregnant teenagers and eight children from a motherless babies’ home at Umunkpeyi Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South LGA. Six young men, who claimed to be staff of the home, and two girls, aged 16 and 25, were arrested, while the proprietress of the home, Nma Charity, is at large. It was learnt that Charity claimed to be running a government-approved home, but engages in child trafficking and hiring of men who impregnates the teenage girls. Sources revealed that each girl got N20,000 on delivery, while their babies were sold for between N80,000 and N150,000 for females and males, respectively. A suspect, who was caught while trying to steal a baby, confessed that his role was to steal a child and deliver it to Charity, who in turn sold it. Acting on the confession of the suspect, the Commanding Officer 144 Battalion, Lt. Col. Omolori Rasheed, ordered his men to raid the home. The babies and pregnant teenagers would be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other Related Matters, NAPTIP, while the suspects would be handed over to the police for prosecution.

Woman Sells Neighbours Child for N250,000

A housewife in Delta State has been arrested over the alleged sale of her neighbour’s 2-year-old child for N250000. The woman was said to have arranged for the sale of the baby with a woman who was said to have been married for 18 years without a child in Lagos. It was reliably gathered that a trusting neighbour had appealed to the suspect, Eunice, to help look after the baby while she went on an errand. Eunice, however, put a call across to the said buyer, who is now at large. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the arrest of the woman, disclosed that the suspect had disappeared after selling the baby. But the police, relying on witnesses, who sighted the woman while the deal lasted, swung into action and arrested the woman at Ore Community where she was lodged in hotel.

Robbery

Two Armed Robbers Killed in Calabar

Two armed robbers have met their waterloo in Calabar, Cross River State, in separate encounters with the police and a mob. One of them was killed on January 18 by operatives of the anti-crime patrol during a shootout at Eight Miles area of the town. He belonged to a five-man robber gang. Items recovered from them were a Toyota Forerunner SUV, which they stole from a lady earlier in that day. Locally made pistol, an iron cutter and two cut padlocks were also recovered from the robbers. The other robber was lynched by angry residents of Abua Street in Calabar South. The residents had chased the 20-man gang of robbers and had caught and lynched one of them. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Hogan Bassey, confirmed the killing of the robbers.

Robbers, Vandals Nabbed in Kwara

The Kwara State Police Command, January 20, paraded two suspects, who allegedly vandalised an electricity transformer at a farm in Kanbi, Moro LGA of the state. The farm is said to be owned by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari. The command also paraded other seven suspected armed robbers who were arrested at various locations. Dangerous weapons such as guns and charms were recovered from the suspects. The state commissioner for Police, Saliu Garba, disclosed that items recovered from the vandalism suspects, included three cable wires, two complete hack saw, a plier, and a bottle with a small ball suspected to be mercury.

Four Suspected Trans-Border Car Snatchers Arrested

Four suspected car snatchers, who are now in the custody of the Lagos State Police Command, have explained how they snatched expensive vehicles in different areas of the state and sold them to buyers in Cotonou, Benin Republic. The suspects are Raoul Dedavi, Bright Ekeocha, Aziza Akobu and Adebayo Peter. According to the police, Dedavi, a Beninoise car dealer who is based in Cotonou, is one of the alleged receivers of the vehicles stolen by the gang. Information had reached the Commissioner of Police, Cornelius Aderanti, about the gang’s activities, and the Special Anti-Robbery Squad Commander, SP Abba Kyari, was directed to apprehend the gang members. The suspects were said to have confessed that they delivered the stolen vehicles to Dedavi in Cotonou, who allegedly sold them and shared the money.

Gang Incidents

14 Suspects Arrested over Osun Communal Clash

At least 14 suspects have been arrested by the police in Osun State over their alleged involvement in the communal clash between the people of Ipetumodu and Ashipa community, in Ife North LGA where houses and other valuable properties were burnt. The Commissioner of Police, Abubakar Marafa, who disclosed this, assured that that peace had since been restored in the warring communities. He tasked residents to maintain the existing peace, as the government had stepped in with a view to ensuring lasting peace. The suspects, from both communities, were arrested with axes, life cartridges and other weapons.

Thugs Attack Police, Party Supporters in Ebonyi State

Over 50 suspected thugs, January 20, attacked a Police Hilux Van escorting the convoy of Chief Nnanna Elechi, who is the standard bearer for Ebonyi Central senatorial seat, under the platform of Labour Party injuring eight persons and vandalising the police van and other vehicles on the convoy. The Police spokesman, Chris Anyanwu, who confirmed the incident, regretted the incessant attacks by suspected thugs on political opponents noting that the men of the command have been mandated to arrest and ensure the prosecution of any political thug that either disrupts the activities of a political party or attack supporters of the party. Anyanwu stated that the command, in a bid to ensure a violent-free election, has consistently mobilised its men to various campaign grounds and rallies of different political parties.

2 Killed, over 80 Vehicles Damaged as Area Boys Continue Clash in Lagos

Two people were reportedly killed and over 80 vehicles vandalised after two factions of street urchins, otherwise known as area boys, clashed in the Oshodi area of Lagos State. The clash started on January 19 and continued until 20th when factions inflicted machete cuts on one another and on residents, traders and commuters around the area. The clashing factions were identified as Orile Street and Sadiku Street boys. The clash on January 20 was a reprisal and spill over from the clash of January 19. An eyewitness disclosed that a party at Sadiku Street that turned violent, leading to the clash and reprisals. Over 50 policemen from Area F Police Command, Shogunle Police Station, Rapid Responds Squad and Operation Mesa took over the area. Police spokesperson, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident and the deaths of the leader of the Orile faction, Kamoru, and a yet-to-be identified youngster from Sadiku faction.

3 Dead, as Thugs Battle for Supremacy

Three persons were, January 22, shot dead in a violent clash between street urchins battling for supremacy at Amukoko-Ajegunle area of Lagos State. It wasgathered that some vehicles parked on Alapede, Abdul Rasheed and Turner Streets off Ojo Road, were damaged as the hoodlums opened fire on themselves. The hoodlums, said to be members of Alaba and Apasa boys, have been locked in a protracted bloody battle over control of motor and tricycle parks in the area. Three of the persons killed during the clashes were said to be members of Alaba group, while those injured were innocent residents in the area.

Cult War Claims 4 Lives in Delta

Four suspected cultists have been killed in a clash between Aye and Black Axe Baga at Owa in Ika North-East LGA of Delta State. One of those killed is believed to be a politician. There had been reported rivalry between the two cult groups over who had control of the area, which had resulted in attacks, counter-attacks and killings in recent years. The Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Agbor Police Division, Albert Dike, confirmed the incident, saying police were investigating the matter.

One Person Dies in Clash at PDP Rally in Kano

Political thugs alleged to belong to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) clashed during PDP’s campaign rally in Kano, on January 21, while one was reportedly killed and five vehicles burnt. The incident reportedly occurred when President Goodluck Jonathan was addressing supporters of the party at the Polo ground. The source disclosed that the political thugs attacked one another on their way to the campaign venue. Kano State police spokesman, Magaji Musa Majia, confirmed that one person died while five vehicles were burnt. He disclosed that the police were investigating the incident to ascertain the cause of the attack.

Drugs

Maritime

Ghanaian Navy Arrests 8 Nigerian Pirates on Board Nigerian Vessel

Ghanaian Navy has foiled a pirate attack on a Nigerian cargo vessel, MT Mariam, and captured all eight bandits. The pirates were armed, but no one, including a nine-member crew aboard MT Mariam, was injured when the Ghana Navy crew aboard GNS BLIKA made the arrest. According to the Public Relations Officer of 1 Garrison of Ghana Armed Forces, Lt Maxwell Asola, all eight pirates are Nigerians. Owners of the hijacked ship alerted the Ghana Navy about the incident and requested for assistance. The owner of the vessel had reported that the pirates told him via telephone that they wanted to use the vessel to carry out an attack and hung up. Most Nigerian pirates have moved their activities to neighbouring countries as Nigeria had put in more controls on the nation’s coastal and territorial waters. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Maritime Matters, Mr. Leke Oyewole, warned that any Nigerian caught in any nefarious activity outside the country will have to face law of that country.

Terrorism

Five Killed Injured in Yobe Suicide Bombing

A suicide bomb attack at a bus station in Potiskum, Yobe State, January 18, killed five persons and injured 36 others. Hospital sources said the death toll might rise, as some of the injured remained in critical conditions. The source also revealed that nine persons had been referred to the Federal Medical Centres in Azare, Bauchi State and Nguru in Yobe State. It was gathered that the suicide attack was carried out by a bomber disguised as a passenger at the Bulala bus park in the town yesterday. Investigations revealed that the suicide bomber and four others died instantly as a result of the blast.

Cameroon Rescue 24 Boko Haram Hostages

At least 24 of 80 hostages who were kidnapped by Boko Haram militants in Cameroon have been freed, the country’s defence ministry has said. The Boko Haram militants kidnapped about 80 people including children on January 18 in a cross-border raid in Mabass village of Northern Cameroon. The country’s defence spokesman, Col. Didier Badjeck, stated that the Cameroonian Army was able to free dozens of hostages as defence forces pursued the attackers who were heading back to Nigeria on January 19. Officials said several people who tried to stop the militants were killed and about 80 homes were razed to the ground.

Chadian Troops in Nigeria to Battle Boko Haram

Tens of thousands of people joined a march in N'Djamena, Chad Republic on January 18 in support of Chadian troops heading to Nigeria and Cameroun to fight Boko Haram. Marching some five kilometres (three miles) through Chad's capital, demonstrators waved the national flag and chanted in French and Arabic: “kick the forces of evil out of our territory.” Prime Minister, Kalzeube Pahimi Deubet, said the march sent “a strong signal, a warning to Boko Haram”.

Boko Haram Attacks Adamawa Village

Suspected Boko Haram members, January 18, attacked Dzagula village in Gombi LGA of Adamawa State. An eyewitness in the affected area said villagers scampered for their safety before the arrival of the insurgents. The eyewitness claimed that they got the hint of the attack before the insurgents arrived, adding that they were able to flee their homes before the insurgents struck. He said the insurgents were advancing towards Gombi town, the headquarters of the local government council. As a result of the sounds of the gunshots from Dzagula village, few kilometres away from Gombi town, residents of Gombi also fled their home into bush for the fear of being attacked.

Residents Battle, Kill Fleeing Boko Haram Members

Residents of Guyuk town in Adamawa State, January 19, killed four suspected armed Boko Haram members. An eyewitness, Mallam Aminu Buba Usman, said that the Boko Haram members are suspected to be parts of insurgents who had earlier attacked Gombi. The local hunters in the area were alerted to the presence of the insurgents in the area, approaching the gate of the Guyuk town. The hunters ambushed them and killed four of them instantly. According to him, guns and cartridges were recovered from the insurgents, who were riding two motorcycles. He stated that the local hunters engaged the insurgents in a fierce gun battle, leading to the death of all the suspects.

Bomber Abandons Bomb Laden Vehicle at Police Check Point

A suspected bomber, January 16, abandoned a bomb-laden vehicle at a police check point on the Gombe-Biu road. The suspect fled to an unknown destination after a failed attempt to detonate the improvised explosive devices at the check point. The suspected bomber had concealed the devices with bags of maize, house utensils, beddings and other items. He was said to be driving from Gombe to Dadin Kowa-Biu. According to a witness, the suspect first attempted to bribe the policemen, but the policemen on duty refused the bribe and insisted that he should park his van for checking. The source said at that point, the suspected bomber rammed the vehicle into one of the drums filled with sand which was used as a barricade, but the devices did not explode. The suspect had earlier beaten two other police check points on the Gombe-Biu road before he ran out of luck.

Over 5,000 Detained Terrorists Commence De-Radicalisation Programme

The Federal Government, January 19, commenced the intake of over 5,000 Boko Haram terrorists, who have been in their custody on the de-radicalisation programme, aimed at changing their behavioural pattern. National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Dasuki Sambo (retd), who announced this, said the de-radicalisation programme was part of the soft approach launched last year, as an effort to end terrorism approach. He said the programme would be carried out in batches. The NSA disclosed that two prisons had been refurbished in Kuje, Abuja and Aguata, in Anambra, for the de-radicalisation programme.

Residents Flee Borno Villages after Boko Haram Warning

Hundreds of people from four villages near the devastated Nigerian town of Baga have been forced to flee after a warning from Boko Haram militants, community leaders disclosed on January 20. News of the exodus from Kekenu, Budur, Yoyo and Mile 90 villages came as Niger hosted a meeting on how to fight the rebels as concern mounted at the threat to regional security. Boko Haram fighters attacked Baga on January 3, looting and burning down homes and businesses in the town and at least 16 surrounding villages on the shores of Lake Chad. Security analysts said the attack, in which a regional military base was captured, potentially puts the group in a strong strategic position to strike southwards and launch cross-border attacks.

Political/Government Agencies

ICC to Prosecute Perpetrators of War Crimes in Nigeria

The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) prosecutor has condemned the escalation of violence in North-eastern Nigeria, warning that it would prosecute members of any party responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, January 20, said her office was continuing a preliminary examination of allegations that Boko Haram extremists are killing large numbers of civilians, using girls and boys to participate in the conflict and forcing massive number of people from their homes. She also warned the federal government of its obligation to prosecute crimes that “deeply shock the conscience of humanity”. Both Boko Haram and the Nigerian military are accused of summary executions of hundreds of civilians in the six-year uprising.

Police Arrest Suspects with Fake State House Number Plate, ID Cards

The Police in FCT have arrested two suspected fraudsters and recovered a fake number plate and two identity cards purportedly issued by State House/Presidency. The FCT Commissioner of Police, Wilson Inalegwu, who disclosed this on January 16, said the suspects were arrested in a white Range Rover Jeep bearing the fake number plate after the City Gate on Airport Road. The commissioner added that 2,900 fake Euros were also recovered from the suspects. The commissioner said the suspects also mentioned other accomplices, now at large. He urged the public to be vigilant and wary of fraudsters who would want to use all means to defraud them of their hard earned money.

Protesting Soldiers Dismissed for Cowardice, Indiscipline

The Nigerian Army has said about 227 officers and soldiers who protested against the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Armoured Division in Jos, Plateau State on January 16, were dismissed for acts of cowardice, indiscipline and desertion. The aggrieved soldiers claimed that they were unjustly dismissed without any known offence and without the benefit of fair hearing and pleaded for the intervention of President Goodluck Jonathan. However, a senior army officer said the protesting soldiers were simply playing to the gallery having known the consequences of their actions. A source said the affected soldiers were free to appeal the decision of the army in accordance with the provision of the Armed Forces Act.

Thugs Invade Lagos APC Rally, Stab Two

Scores of supporters at an All Progressives Congress rally in the Oworonshoki area of Lagos State on January 19 fled as thugs invaded the rally, stabbing two youths in the process. The violence was caused by a supremacy battle between two rival cults based in the Bariga area of the state. The thugs did not seem disturbed as the violence continued even while Governor Babatunde Fashola was delivering a speech alongside leaders of the APC in the Kosofe LGA of the state. One of the youths that was attacked, attempted to escape, but he was surrounded by assailants and stabbed with a knife and hacked with a cutlass. As the victim still struggled to escape, he was pushed to the floor and trampled upon by the suspected cult members. It was observed that after stabbing the two youths, the thugs who thought they were dead fled the scene.

Murder/Assassinations

Ogun Farmer Beheads Wife, Daughter, Commits Suicide

A 46-year-old farmer, Olubusayo Sunday, January 14, committed suicide after beheading his wife and daughter at Onigbedu town in Ewekoro LGA of Ogun state. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed that the man stabbed himself severely and set himself ablaze. He was said to have beheaded his wife, Oyewole Sunday (40), and their 3-year-old daughter, Esther Sunday, for unknown reasons. Adejobi said that police detectives attached to Ewekoro division of the command had commenced investigation into the incident.

2 Killed as Gunmen Attack Army Checkpoint in Bauchi

One soldier and one civilian were, January 18, killed at Takanda-Giwa village on the Bauchi-Jos highway, as gunmen attacked an army checkpoint in the area. A military source informed that only one soldier, who was a driver, was killed in the attack, while the civilian was caught in the crossfire between soldiers on duty and the gunmen. The source added that the attack by the gunmen was a retaliatory attack, as security personnel had been chasing the gunmen in recent times. More military personnel had been deployed in the area to pursue the fleeing gunmen.

Pregnant Politician’s Daughter Killed by Suspected Assassins

Suspected assassins, January 19, killed the pregnant daughter of Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura’s campaign organisation Director-General, Alhaji Musa Illu, Mrs. Amina Suleiman. Mrs. Suleiman, who was seven months pregnant, was found in the pool of her blood with her neck cut and a knife stuck in her stomach. Illu’s younger brother, Namairo Babai, said the late Amina was killed in her home in faraway Katsina State when her husband, Suleiman Mohammed, was away to Zaria for his doctoral degree programme. She was found dead after her husband sent someone to his house to check up on her as she was not responding to his calls.

Residents Discover Mutilated Corpse in Katsina State

There was panic at Turare area of Funtua town of Katsina State when residents reportedly saw the mutilated body of an unidentified woman. It was gathered that the body of the woman was found under a tree with some vital parts allegedly removed. Police in Funtua has intensified manhunt for the suspected ritual killers. Funtua residents have lamented what they described as an increase cases in ritual killings, urging the security agents to ensure increased vigilance.

Woman Stabbed to Death in Lagos Car Park

A woman was stabbed to death by yet-to-be identified persons at Victoria Island, Lagos. It was learnt that the lady, simply identified as Joy, was discovered in a pool of blood with stab wounds in the early hours of January 19. It was learnt that Joy went to the park with her 3-year-old son on the night of January 18 when she was believed to have been stabbed to death. The boy was found sleeping at a corner close to the body of the deceased. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident. He added that the police were investigating to apprehend the killers.

Man, 43, Kills Friend over Dry Gin

The Lagos State Police are currently investigating the death of a 57-year-old man allegedly stabbed to death by his friend during a disagreement over sachet of dry gin worth N30, in Otto community. It was gathered that the victim, identified as Abudu (aka Baba Timo), was hanging out at a bar with his friend when trouble began, and led to a fight in which they both freely used dangerous weapons on each other. Baba Timo reportedly inflicted machete cuts on his friend’s head and hand, while his friend used a broken bottle on his (Baba Timo) neck. Unfortunately, Baba Timo died on the spot while his friend who sustained injuries on his head and neck is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Lagos.

Lotto Boss, Thugs Kill Agent over N500

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a woman, Sade Onafowopo, over her alleged role in the January 15th death of a lotto agent, Oluwatosin Efuneye (31).  It was learnt that Efuneye was allegedly beaten to death in the Ojuelegba area of Lagos by thugs who were carrying out Onafowopo’s order to torture the lotto agent. Eyewitnesses said Onafowopo, who was Efuneye’s boss, ordered the punishment because the deceased reportedly deducted N500 from the money paid by a customer. Efuneye, who hailed from Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, collapsed during the beating, and was afterward rushed to a private hospital in the area where he was confirmed dead.

Attackers Kill 3 Women in Taraba Farms

A pregnant woman and two others were reportedly killed on January 17 when gunmen attacked Igoh village in Donga LGA of Taraba State. Two of the women from the same husband were killed while working on their farms at the outskirt of Igoh village, while the other was gunned down while attempting to flee on sighting the attackers. Some of the residents of the community noted that another woman was also discovered in a pool of her blood with her left hand cut off. The killing is making the second time in less than a month that the village is coming under attack. Taraba State Police command confirmed the attack.

9 Killed, 4 Missing as Gunmen Attack Taraba Community

No fewer than nine persons were killed on January 21 when unidentified gunmen attacked some residents of Kente village in Wukari LGA of Taraba state. A resident of Kente village, Wahaba Agyo, disclosed that the victims were working on their farm at the outskirt of Kente village when the gunmen attacked them. He added that since the incident occurred, four persons who left their home to their farm had not returned. Some of the residents of the community who spoke to our correspondent said the attack has caused mass exodus of people from the Village. The Taraba State Police command confirmed the incident, stating that only four persons were killed by the attackers.

Gunmen Invade Drug Store, Kill Pharmacist

Suspected assassins, January 21, shot and killed a pharmacist, Tarnongu Labe, at his popular outlet, Labet Pharmacy, in Gboko LGA of Benue State. Labe, who was also a trained lawyer, was shot in the head. PUNCH Metro gathered that residents, who learnt of Labe’s death on Thursday, took to the streets in protest, calling for the arrest of his killers. Police Public Relations Officer, John Bako, said the police had been able to douse the tension in the area. No one could give any clue to the cause of the killing. When contacted, the Benue State Police Commands Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP John Bako confirmed the incidence saying one of the killers, who specialises in abducting people and who doubles as notorious armed robber, terrorising the people of the state has been arrested.

1 Dead, Many Injured As Thugs Attack LP Supporters

One person has been confirmed dead and properties worth millions of naira burnt and destroyed, while several people, including the Ohaozara West candidate of the Labour Party were on January 22 injured in an attack carried out by some   thugs in Ohaozara and Ikwo LGAs of Ebonyi State. The coordinator, Ikwo Central Development Center, Chief Linus Amaga confirmed the incident, saying the deceased, Ogo Nwakpu, was attacked by the thugs after the Labour Party campaign rally in the community and he died following complications from the injuries inflicted on him, adding another victim of the attack was in critical condition in a hospital in the area. He said over 20 Labour Party supporters in the local government had been attacked and seriously injured by some suspected thugs working for the PDP in recent weeks.

Rape Incidents

Man, 50, Arrested for Defiling Daughter, 14

A 50-year-old man, Isiaka Alade, has been arrested for defiling his 14-year-old daughter. It was gathered that the man had allegedly been sleeping with his only surviving child, for two years. The girl is the 12th and only surviving child of Alade. Mother of the victim had been separated from her husband for over 8 years. But the girl soon returned to live with her father, who began to molest her at the age of 12. The bubble burst after neighbours reportedly caught her father pants down with her.

60-Year-Old Man Rapes 14-Year-Old Pupil

A 60-year-old bricklayer, Segun Benson, has been accused of raping a 14-year-old girl on Mommoh Street in the Agege area of Lagos State. After he allegedly raped the victim, he was said to have sent her out, despite the flow of blood from her private parts. Residents were said to have sighted the victim in a public bathroom writhing in pain and bleeding from her genitals before she collapsed. She reportedly told concerned residents that Segun tricked her into his room with N50 and raped her. The police, in company with some relatives of the victim, arrested the suspect in his house. Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, said the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba, while the victim was taken to the hospital.

Others

Bird Flu Hits Lagos, Other States

Consumers in Lagos, Rivers and Kano states will have to be very careful in the consumption of poultry products such as chicken and eggs, following the sudden resurgence of Avian influenza, AI, commonly called bird flu. This ugly development has led to the killing of several birds from affected poultries. According to the World Health Organisation, WHO, most avian influenza viruses do not infect humans, however some such as A(H5N1) and A(H7N9), cause serious infections in people. They recently stated that the outbreaks of AI in poultries may raise global public health concerns due to their effect on poultry populations, their potential to cause serious disease in people, and their pandemic potential.

Delta Community Laments Invasion by Herdsmen

Suspected Fulani herdsmen have begun to unleash terror on Otulu town, in Aniocha South LGA of Delta State. The traditional ruler of Otulu community, Chief Paul Eboji, who called for police intervention, said that the people were now living in fear due to the continuous raid by the herdsmen. Chief Eboji lamented that they herdsmen had turned their farmlands into grazing ground for their cattle. The community leader lamented that the herdsmen attack and maim the helpless community farmers whenever challenged. According to him, the herdsmen often molest and flog women in their farms with horsewhips. He disclosed that recently, it took the intervention of two men to rescue an aged woman from the herdsmen who almost beat her to pulp in her farm.

6-Year-Old Killed in Enugu Inferno

A six-year-old child has been killed in a fire incident in Enugu State. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the incident, said the fire, which occurred at Awkunanaw gutted two flats in a two-storey building and also burned a six-year-old child, identified as Sochimaobi Nwatu, to death. The cause of the incident was yet to be ascertained, while the police had commenced full scale investigations.

Police Men Arrested over N150,000 Bribe

Five policemen attached to the Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Area M Police Command have been put in detention for allegedly taking a bribe of N150, 000 from a suspected fraudster. It was gathered that the police officers had arrested the complainant, identified simply as Ifeanyi, for allegedly engaging in internet fraud. He was said to have been led to the nearest ATM to make withdrawal so as to be free of the accusation. The incident reportedly took place on January 7. Ifeanyi was said to have petitioned the police, asking for the probe of the five men and claiming that he was innocent of the accusation. Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, said the police were investigating the petition, and anybody found culpable would be punished.

14 Killed in Dankwambo Convoy Crash

Fourteen people were, January 22, burnt beyond recognition in an accident involving the convoy of Gombe State governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, on the Bauchi-Gombe federal highway. Three Hummer buses and a motorcycle were gutted in the accident. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Haruna Mohammed, confirmed the accident. According to him, police patrol team attached to Alkaleri Division visited the scene, cleared obstruction and evacuated the casualties to Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Gombe for medical attention and post mortem examination. He added that the police were investigating the accident.

Several Killed as Trailer Crushes Commercial Vehicle in Lagos

A ghastly accident, January 23 claimed several lives in Ketu area of Lagos when a trailer fell and crushed occupants of a commercial bus. Eyewitnesses say the trailer, which was carrying a container, fell on a commercial bus and killed many of its passengers.

Police Arrest Woman for Brutalising 15-Year-Old

Ugochukwu Ebere, the guardian of a 15-year-old girl who was allegedly assaulted, has been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command. It was learnt that the state’s Office of the Public Defender and Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, January 21, went with policemen to arrest the woman at her residence in the Ejigbo area of the state. A human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has also intervened in the matter of the 15-year-old victim. It was also said that the minor declined to report the alleged assault to the police for fear of being flogged again by the woman.

Review/Analysis

Murder/assassination incidents are seen taking the lead in security threats and incidents. Cutting across different parts of the country and various strata of the society are stories of murder and assassinations. Politicians, their associates and family are seen to be at risk with the general elections at hand, and players trying to undo each other in the battle for elective positions.

The Federal Government continues its battle to purge the nation of terrorist attacks by insurgent groups. The Boko Haram terrorist sect has consistently bombed and attacked villages, killing people and taking several hostages. The military, with help from neighbouring countries, hunters and community vigilante, is striving to keep the insurgents at bay as they kill and make arrests of members of the sect. Northern Nigeria bears the brunt of these attacks and counter attacks.

Gang related cases remains high on the watch list for the authorities as these incidents get rampant particularly in the western part of the country, where gangs and cult groups battle for territorial supremacy. The 2015 general elections in Nigeria are seen as catalyst for the upsurge in cult clashes.

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. Be alert to your environment, avoid trouble areas and always inform someone you trust of your movement.