Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 14

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	7
2	Robbery	8
3	Gang	5
4	Drugs	1
5	Maritime Incidents
6	Terrorism	4
7	Political/Government Agencies	1
8	Murder/Assassinations	13
9	Rape Incidents	1
10	Others
	Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Kidnapped Emir Regains Freedom in Zamfara

Emir of Bukkuyum in Zamfara State, Alhaji Muhammad Usman, who was kidnapped by unidentified gunmen on March 20, regained his freedom on March 25. This was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state command, Sanusi Amiru. He said police team assigned to search and rescue the kidnapped emir from the office of the state Police Commissioner successfully found and rescued the emir at Gadar Zaima. Narrating his experience while in captivity, the emir said he was comfortable, as not a finger was raised against him but he could not understand the reason behind his ordeal.

Kidnappers Release Abducted Labour Party Candidate

The abducted Labour Party (LP) candidate for the Calabar South/Akpabuyo/Bakassi Federal Constituency in Cross River State, Dominic Aqua Edem, has regained his freedom. Edem, who was kidnapped last Sunday, March 15 at his residence, was released on March 21. The kidnappers had demanded for N30 million as ransom. An aide of the LP candidate, Effiong Udobong, confirmed his release but did not state if the ransom was paid. The All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate in the state, Mr. Odey Ochicha, has condemned recent surge in insecurity and politically motivated violence in parts of the state.

Kidnapper Nabbed in Ogun State

A 24-year-old commercial motorcyclist who confessed to being a member of a kidnap syndicate that specialised in abducting their victims from Ogun and Lagos states, has been arrested by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Ogun State. The suspect, Taiwo Akilo, was arrested on March 21 while on the verge of taking the syndicate’s female victim to their hide out inside a bush around Imodi- Ijasi, along Ijebu-ode/Ikorodu road. The captive, Abosede Adenuga, was reportedly abducted at about 10.50pm, around Ikorodu area of Lagos, on March 16. State Commissioner of Police, Val Ntomchukwu, disclosed that the SARS operatives were informed of the kidnap case by some informants and they promptly swung into action and gave the suspects a hot chase, leading to the arrest of a suspect, while the woman was rescued. The following items were recovered from the gang: one locally- made, cut-to-size double barrel gun loaded with one live cartridge, four live cartridges, a Volkswagen car with Registration number MUS 471 AU used by the kidnappers and assorted charms.

Councilor, Four others Arrested for Kidnapping

The men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ogun State Police Command have arrested a serving councillor in Odogbolu LGA of the State, Agboola Lateef, and four others for kidnapping. The other are: Mukaila Olatunji, Sunkanmi Dacosta, Tunde Akilo and Ahmed Adebanjo. Three members of the kidnapping syndicate were said to be at large. The state Commissioner of Police, Valentine Ntomchukwu, led the team to their den in Ijebu-Igbo which comprised of three bungalows in a remote part of the town. The councillor, who said he regretted being arrested with the kidnappers, denied being part of the syndicate. He claimed it was his younger brother, who is currently at large that drew him into the situation. Mukaila Olatunji, who claimed to be a herbalist, owns the houses that served as the dens where the victims were kept. The men of SARS led by Mohammed Tijani led the team that smashed the syndicate on March 16 through the arrest of Tunde Akilo.

5 Suspected Kidnappers Killed, 18 Suspects Arrested in Anambra

Five persons, suspected to be kidnappers, were, March 26, shot dead by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Awkuzu, Anambra State, while 18 others were arrested for various offences. Among those killed during a gun battle with the police was one Jude, said to be providing information to the hoodlums. In the gun battle that ensued at Onitsha and Eziowelle in Idemili North LGA between the suspects and men of the state police command, two of the suspects escaped. The Commissioner of Police, Hosea Karma, said his men had been combing the state to fish them out. Eighteen other suspects, including a 300-Level computer science student of Odumegwu Ojukwu University, were paraded over alleged involvement in various offences ranging from robbery, rape, false information, diversion of goods to murder. Fake naira notes, amounting to over N200,000, two AK-47 rifles, four AK magazines, 117 rounds of ammunition, 30 live cartridges and a pump action gun were recovered from the suspects.

Suspected Kidnapper Charged to Court

A 31-year-old man, Anthony Okeke, has been arrested and charged to court for allegedly attempting to kidnap Enugu State governor, Sullivan Chime, on February 22. But the father of the suspect, Linus Okeke, in a sharp protest, is demanding justice in respect of the son’s incarceration, saying the kidnap charge was a frame-up. Okeke was arraigned before a Magistrate’s court in Enugu on February 27. Anthony was alleged to have been armed with dangerous weapon/weapons when he attempted to kidnap the Governor along Ogui road. The suspect was remanded in prison custody since the day of arraignment as the court has no jurisdiction to hear the matter, awaiting legal advice from the State Attorney-General’s office before the matter can be transferred to a higher court.

Police Parade Suspected Kidnappers of Preacher

The Abia State Police Command, March 26, paraded two suspected kidnappers, who allegedly abducted one Gold Njoku, a preacher. The suspects, Sunday Onyekwere (43) and Samuel Ahuchaogu (40), allegedly abducted the victim at Okpula Ngwa in Obingwa on March 25. Commissioner of Police, Joshak Habila, said upon a tip-off, detectives of Anti- Kidnap Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department on patrol, swung into action and arrested the suspects. He said the victim, aged 55, was also rescued unhurt in a bush at Umuike village, Osisioma. Police said efforts were being intensified to apprehend other members of the gang. He said that as they were trying to escape, the car they were driving in suddenly developed a fault, when they were apprehended.

Robbery

Police Nab 4 for Armed Robbery

Three suspected robbers, who broke into a house at Okuokoko community in the state, stole Highlander Jeep and other valuables, have been apprehended by the police. They were arrested by policemen attached to the Anti-Crime Patrol, Ebrumede Police Division, who intercepted them at PTI Junction, Effurun, during a stop and search duty on March 20. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Celestina Kalu, disclosed that the suspects had confessed that they broke into a house located at Okuokoko and stole the Jeep and other properties. Consequently, the suspects were arrested. She said the police recovered the said Highlander Jeep with registration number, KWL 576 KA, 11 handsets of various makes, three ATM cards, one battle axe, two face masks and two toy guns from the suspects.

5 Injured, as Robbers Invade UNIUYO

Gunmen, in the early hours of March 23, invaded the graduate students’ hostel of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) in Akwa-Ibom State, leaving at least five students critically injured. It was gathered that the gunmen invaded the hostel at about 1am, ransacked the entire 20-room hostel and carted away laptops, mobile phones, cash and other personal belongings of the graduate students. The students lamented that the case of hostels’ attack by hoodlums was becoming too rampant on the campus.

Robbers Raid Okada Riders Park in Warri

Rampaging armed bandits, operating in Effurun community, Delta State, March 26, allegedly robbed motorcycle operators and carted away from them estimated N170, 000 including their cell phones. While the police in Ebrumede Divisional headquarters, Uvwie LGA of the State, said it has arrested four robbery suspects. The armed hoodlums, numbering over sixteen, attacked the Motorcycle operators in their park, shooting sporadically into the air. Police public Relations Officer (PPRO), Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the incident, said the police were currently trailing the robbers, adding that the four suspects arrested were picked around PTI- Effurun road during a stop and search routine. Kalu disclosed that the police recovered two toy guns, a battle axe, ATM card including handsets from the arrested suspects.

Carjacker Arrested after Vehicle Developed Fault

Luck ran out on a suspected car snatcher, Emmanuel Chukwunonso, who was arrested by the police after the stolen vehicle had a fault. It was learnt that Chukwunonso was nabbed by the Maroko Police Division in the Lekki area of Lagos after he and another gang member, identified simply as Chima, allegedly snatched a Honda Accord. Chima, however, remains at large. The police, on March 23, disclosed that the two suspects snatched the vehicle at gunpoint but the vehicle had a gear problem not far from the robbery scene. Our correspondent learnt that while Chima fled, Chukwunonso was caught and initially beaten by a mob before the police arrested him. The police are on the trail of the fleeing suspect, while the vehicle has been returned to its owner.

Police Kill 4 Robbery Suspects in Osun

Nemesis caught up with four suspected robbers, terrorising motorists on Gbongan-Ibadan Expressway, on March 23, when officers of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of Osun State police command, gunned down four of the hoodlums, while two others escaped with gun wounds. The SARS team, led by Adekunle Omoyele, acted on a tip- off about the presence of the robbers on the road in the early hours of day and promptly swung into action. The robbers, numbering six had already begun operation when SARS team swopped on them and engaged them in gun duel for several hours. Speaking to newsmen in his office, Omoyele hinted that two of the robbers, however, escaped with gunshot injuries.

Police Recover Gun Used in Robbery

A five-man robbery gang, March 22, lost its only weapon while struggling to snatch a vehicle from a middle-aged man in the Ikotun area of Lagos. The robbers reportedly accosted the owner of a Toyota Highlander at about 9pm, Sunday, as he was driving into his compound on Sosanya Street. One of the robbers, armed with a locally-made cut-to-size gun, was said to have ordered owner of the vehicle to come out of the car he bought about two months ago and hand over its keys to him. The car’s owner struggled with them and the pistol fell inside a ditch. However, the man was reportedly overpowered by robbers, subsequently kept him inside the boot of the car before it was driven out. The victim reported that they dropped him off along the road and drove off, but his vehicle was recovered in the middle of the road the next day, just as the police recovered the lost weapon.

Robbers Invade Five Banks, Kill Manager, Others

Armed robbers, March 25, invaded the ancient town of Owo, headquarters of Owo, LGA of Ondo, state killing a bank manager and his assistant for their alleged refusal to cooperate when they struck. The armed robbers, numbering about 7, reportedly stormed the town at about 4pm, shooting sporadically until they got to the heart of the town where they robbed three banks. Findings also revealed that the armed robbers carted away an undisclosed amount of money in all the banks they robbed and injured many staff of the banks. An eyewitness said the bandit robbed the banks one after the other unhindered for about three hours, after which two officials of one of the banks, a branch manager and his assistant, were shot dead. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Wole Ogodo, who confirmed the development last night, said men of the command had been deployed in the town to enforce orderliness.

Court Sentences Robber to Death over Theft of Phone

A Delta State High Court, March 25, sentenced one Vincent Okwekwu to death by hanging for robbing his victims of a handset and N10,000 at gunpoint. The court found Okwekwu guilty of three counts bordering on conspiracy to commit armed robbery. He was sentenced to death by hanging for the offence of conspiracy, while he got 21-year-jail term for each of the other two counts. The prosecution team from the Department of Public Prosecutions had told the court that Okwekwu, on November 1, 2009, with two others now at large, had broken into the apartments of their victims, Ofoyeju Peter and Tietie Moses, and robbed them of N10, 000 and a handset while armed with a gun and a cutlass. The crime was said to have taken place at Umueha quarters, Ibusa. The victims were said to have raised the alarm that attracted members of a vigilance group in the area, which led to Okwekwu’s arrest.

Gang Incidents

2 Killed as Hoodlums Unleash Mayhem in Mushin

Two persons have been reportedly killed, while 14 others were injured as some hoodlums went on the rampage at Idi Iroko, Mushin area of Lagos, on March 20. It was gathered that hoodlums went on rampage after a notorious kingpin allegedly instigated some street urchins because of a huge amount of money, which was paid over a parcel of land in the area. One of the victims simply identified as Eniiba was shot dead on March 18 when the fracas started, while the other person was killed on March 21. The hoodlums, who were seen brandishing weapons such as cutlasses, sticks and guns, took advantage of the situation to loot shops, break into houses and molest residents. The Lagos State Police spokesman, however, said that nobody was killed, while two suspects were arrested in connection with the skirmish. Normalcy has been restored to the area.

2 Killed as APC/PDP Clash in Rivers State

Two persons were killed, on March 24, during a violent clash between supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Omoku, Rivers State. The incident is said to be a reprisal as it was a spill over of another violence that had earlier occurred, on March 23. The LGA was the stronghold of the state chairman of PDP, Mr Felix Obuah and the state Commissioner for Power, Mr Augustine Nwokocha, who was also said to be related to one of the victims of the clash. Apart from the commissioner’s house, an unspecified number of houses were also said to have been set ablaze by the rampaging supporters of the two political parties. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmad Muhammad, confirmed that two persons were killed, but stated that there was no reported case of house burning and that the situation had been brought under control.

Police Arrest 92 Suspected Cultists, 5 Robbers in Port Harcourt

Rivers State Police Command, March 24, paraded 92 suspected cultists arrested from different locations in Port Harcourt. This came on the heels of several cult-related killings that had claimed about 25 lives on one month. Police spokesman, Ahmad Muhammad, disclosed that the cultists were arrested with assorted firearms and ammunition, including cutlasses and charms. The police warned cultists and other miscreants to turn a new leaf or be ready to face the full wrath of the law. The Police also paraded five robbery suspects, who were arrested at a Police check point on Akpajo area of Port Harcourt on their way back from a robbery operation in Akwa Ibom State. Among items recovered from the robbers were a Sienna bus with number plate RH 339 CH, a locally-made revolver pistol, 17 phones and 1.6 million naira cash.

Gunmen Shoot MD, Two Others in Port Harcourt

Gunmen, March 25, attacked and shot one Tony Eze, the managing director of an oil service firm in Port Harcourt. The armed men, who drove a Sport Utility Vehicle, also shot the driver of the vehicle and a policeman attached to Eze before they disappeared from the scene. It was learnt that the unknown gunmen had trailed their victims to Agudama Road and opened fire on them inside their car. The victims were immediately taken to the hospital. Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Mohammad, confirmed the incident, saying only two persons were shot and were receiving treatment at the hospital. Mohammad said the victims were still alive and receiving treatment at the hospital. It was not known as of the time of this report where the victims were being treated.

One Killed as Hoodlums Clash in Oshodi

At least one person was killed and many others injured on March 26 when some street urchins clashed at the ever crowded Oshodi bus-stop in Lagos state. It was learnt that the streets were deserted during the clash, in which axes, guns, bottles, and other dangerous weapons were freely used. Although the reasons for the bloody clash was not immediately clear, sources said that the hoodlums were arguing about the collection of tolls at the park.

Drugs

NDLEA Arrests Tanzanian, 4 Nigerians with Illicit Drugs

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), March 26, disclosed that it was investigating the involvement of a Tanzanian and four Nigerians in trafficking substances suspected to be ephedrine and cocaine, weighing 30.673kg. The Tanzanian was nabbed while attempting to smuggle 25kg of ephedrine to South Africa on a Kenya Airline flight while the other four suspects were apprehended with 5.673kg of cocaine during an inward screening of passengers on an Emirates Airline flight at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja. The NDLEA Airport commander, Hamisu Lawan, gave the names of the suspects as follows; Sekwoa Morris Mackindoshi, caught with 25kg of ephedrine, Eneh Chinedu Innocent, found with 1.534kg of cocaine, Nzube-chukwu Amaizu John, ingested 1.349kg of cocaine, Okafor Onyeka Obiajulu, found in possession of 1.642kg of cocaine and Udechukwu Pascal Onyeka, who was arrested with 1.148kg of cocaine.

Maritime

Terrorism

Military Liberates Gwoza, Boko Haram's Headquarters

The Nigerian military has finally reclaimed Gwoza previously occupied by the terrorist Boko Haram for nearly a year, with the sacking of the sect from the town on March 27.
The Borno State town was hitherto the headquarters of the self-declared caliphate of the Islamist sect. President Goodluck Jonathan has commended the gallantry of the soldiers for restoring Nigeria’s territorial integrity. The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, announced the recapture of what is regarded as the last frontier of Boko Haram. The Defence Spokesman disclosed that a massive cordon and search operation had commenced to locate any of the fleeing terrorists or hostages in their custody. Olukolade disclosed that the military had been able to take over virtually all the enclaves and hideouts where the terrorists were marauding. He assured that the mop-up operation in Gwoza and other liberated areas would continue in order to ensure that no vestiges of terrorists or terrorism remain in our country

Chad Troops Return as Boko Haram Kills 11 in Gamboru

Chadian troops, March 21, returned to the northeast Nigerian border town of Gamboru, after Boko Haram reportedly took advantage of a lack of military presence to kill 11 people. Troops from Chad were credited last month with liberating Gamboru in Borno state from Boko Haram control but the Chadians’ withdrawal from Nigeria last week appeared to have left the town exposed. The Islamists returned on March 18 and 19, killing 11 people.‎ Chadian troops had pushed into Nigerian territory after freeing Gamboru, going on to retake the Borno town of Dikwa, near Boko Haram’s Sambisa Forest stronghold. Fotokol resident, Umar Ari, said that Gamboru residents welcomed the soldiers with clapping and cheering.

Female Suicide Bombers Die in Accidental Detonation

Two female suicide bombers were, on March 22, blown-up after the improvised explosive devices strapped on them detonated at Auno village in the Konduga LGA of Borno State. The suicide bombers were believed to be on mission to Maiduguri Market when the IEDs blew them apart. The suicide bombers were said to have been brought by one suspected Boko Haram member. The spokesman for a youth vigilante group in Borno State, Jibrin Gunda, said he was informed about the incident, adding that the group had intensify stop-and-search to prevent bombers from getting into Maiduguri.

Troops Sack Terrorists from Borno Town

Nigerian troops, on March 23, took full control of Pulka town in Borno State, after a fierce battle with terrorists who had been operating in the town. The town had been a major access to the Mandara Mountains and supply route out of the country and link towards Cameroon. Cordon and search has commenced after the air and land operation that overpowered the terrorists in the area. Also in the mission area, a male terrorist suspect, who disguised himself as a lady fully dressed in hijab, was nabbed by vigilant troops as he went for a mission to kill innocent citizens in Kwaya Kusar Market in Borno State on Saturday.  He is currently in the custody of the troops and had reportedly given useful information on the mode of their operations.

Political/Government Agencies

FG Approves Committee to Investigate Crisis Agatu Killings

The Federal Government has approved the constitution of a committee to investigate the recent killing of over a hundred people in Egba, Agatu LGA of Benue State, and find lasting solutions to the crisis. This was disclosed on March 22 by the Senate President, Senator David Mark, who condemned the inhuman loss of lives and property in the protracted crisis.

Murder/Assassinations

Assailants Kill 4 at Drinking Spots in Port Harcourt

Four persons were shot dead, on March 21, at a drinking spot close around Amadi-Ama roundabout in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmad Muhammad, confirmed the killing. According to eye witnesses, the incident occurred when some gunmen alighted from their vehicle and opened fire at some persons at the drinking joint. Police said the shooting at the drinking spot had the trapping of cult related incident. Two persons were also killed on Gada Street in Ogbunabali, Port Harcourt on March 19 in similar circumstance in a makeshift restaurant.

Man Hacks 50-Year-Old to Death in Ekiti

A 25-year-old man, Wale Ede, March 20, severed the head of a 50-year-old man, Joshua Fagbola, following a misunderstanding. It was gathered that both men were involved in a heated argument, which allegedly started during the wake-keep of a deceased in Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State. It was gathered that the deceased and his assailant had argued over a dispute on concrete blocks while at the funeral, and had allegedly continued their quarrel until the incident occurred at about 8.00 p.m. According to the sources, Ede had attacked Fagbola who was about to leave for his house on his motorcycle. Ede allegedly brought out a machete from an umbrella he was holding and fiercely cut Fagbola, from his neck and all over his body. It was alleged that the deceased had, the day before, seized the suspect’s cell phone for “failing to provide the blocks he had paid him for.” Police spokesman, Albert Adeyemi, while confirming the incident, disclosed that Wale Ede had been arrested and was being held at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Ado Ekiti.

Trader Murders Customer over N10 Cigarette

The police in Lagos have arrested a 42-year-old man, Alli Mustapha, for allegedly killing one of his customers, Idowu Maliki, in the Ikotun area of Lagos State. It was learnt that Mustapha had a shop at Imope Compound in Ikotun, where he sold petty goods to people in the community. The Niger State indigene was alleged to have sold a stick of cigarette to the deceased on March 7, which the latter refused to pay for, leading to an argument ensued between him and the suspect. In the ensuing scuffle, Mustapha hit Maliki’s head with a long stick and he slumped. Efforts to revive him failed as he was later confirmed dead at the Igando General Hospital. In his statement to the police, Mustapaha admitted to committing the crime, adding that the deceased had first hit him with a stool.

Man Kills Daughter’s Lover

A man, Godwin Elewana, has been accused of killing a 22-year-old youth, Douglas Ojugbo, for allegedly having an affair with his daughter. Neighbours said Elewana had warned Douglas to stop coming to his house to see his daughter. It was learnt that Elewena could no longer hold his anger on March 10 when he pursued the boy from his house and allegedly shot him to death. Neighbours disclosed that he subsequently bundled the boy into his car and drove him to the Federal Housing Police Station. It was learnt that the youth died on the way to the station, while the police was alleged to have hastened Douglas’ burial at the Goldie Cemetery to cover up the crime. But the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the station, Mike Ezenwenrem, on March 24, said the allegation was false. The bereaved father, Augustine Ojugbo, a lawyer, said he had petitioned the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 6, Calabar, and the National Human Rights Commission to investigate the cause of his son’s death and bring those who killed him to justice.

Man Attacked, Killed for not Paying N50

A resident of Pampo village in Kwara State, Suleiman Muritala, was, on March 15, killed by a gang of hoodlums, led by one Muri Ogbena. It was learnt that Ogbena, a youth group chairman, and 20 other thugs, armed with cutlasses and sticks, stormed Muritala’s house to ask for a sum of N50 said to be the village due. An altercation reportedly ensued when the victim declined to pay the due. The argument degenerated into a scuffle and the gang descended on the deceased with the weapons. It was also learnt that the miscreants had acted on the order of a leader of the community, identified as Kareem Magaji. It was gathered that 65-year-old Magaji and one Jimoh Ajao, 75, were later arrested by the police. They were arraigned before a magistrate’s court in Ilorin for criminal conspiracy, breach of public peace and homicide. The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Woman Stabs Lover to Death in Lagos

Tragedy struck in the Ajegunle, Apapa area of Lagos State, after a 20-year-old woman, Gift Wahab, stabbed her lover, Ebi Amade, 28, to death at the couple’s residence on March 19. It was learnt that the couple had gone on an outing when an argument ensued in the afternoon over feeding money. Wahab, a hairdresser, was said to have stabbed the 28-year-old to death after they got home. Policemen from the Layeni division were alerted by neighbours and she was subsequently arrested. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident, adding that the matter had been transferred to the State Department of Criminal Investigations for further investigation.

Police Parade Suspected Killers of Traffic Warden

The Abia State Police Command, March 23, paraded six suspected killers of a traffic warden, Emmanuel Nwankwo, who was killed on February 24 while on duty. The suspects’ names were given as Chisom Solomon, Temple Ikpeazu, Justice Wisdom, Sunday Nwabueze, Jacob Orji and Uche Jumbo. Commissioner of Police, Joshak Habila, said one of the suspects, Solomon, was arrested with a locally-made pistol during a random stop and search operation. The suspect had reportedly confessed that he was an armed robber and a member of a cult group, and that one Teco Daco was responsible for the killing of the traffic police officer. Habila said the suspect led detectives to arrest other members of the gang, adding that they would be arraigned as soon as investigations were concluded. But one of the suspects, Wisdom, denied involvement in the alleged killing. He explained that he was returning to his house one evening when he was arrested by the police.

Police Arrests Four over Death of Ex-Deputy Speaker

The Nigeria Police Force, Akwa Ibom State Command has arrested four suspected persons over the murder of former Deputy Speaker, Okon Uwah. The State Commissioner of Police, Gabriel Achong, disclosed this on March 21. According to him, after the incident, police operatives led by a senior police officer, quickly mobilised to the scene which led to the arrest of the perpetrators. The police commissioner said the command would not hesitate to deal decisively with any disgruntled person or group of persons that may wish to disturb the peace of the people. Uwah was killed on March 18, when he went for a political meeting in Ukanafun LGA.

One Killed as Aguleri/ Umuoba Anam Fight over Land

A clash between Aguleri and the neighbouring Umuoba Anam communities of Anambra State over a stretch of land close to the Anambra River, on March 20, led to the loss of one life, while 10 persons sustained various degrees of injuries. Four houses, including the building housing the World Bank –assisted Anambra State FADAMA 111 Project, were burnt down, while the magnificent building housing Aguleri Micro Finance Bank was torched. All the dredging equipment belonging to JCECAN Global Link Nigeria Ltd, as well as welding machines, rubber floaters deep black hosts, batteries, 150 plastic chairs and 30 canopies for hiring, were also set ablaze. Policemen were deployed to keep the peace, while the state commissioner of police, Hosea Karma, met with the traditional rulers of the two communities imploring them to call their youths to order.

5 Killed as Herdsmen Attack Taraba Village

Gunmen, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, killed about five persons and wounded dozens when they attacked Ananum village in Donga LGA of Taraba State on March 22. An eyewitness, Ages Tarza, disclosed that the gunmen, numbering over 200, invaded the village, shooting and killing five persons, while many escaped with bullet wounds. Tarza said Fulani herdsmen had been attacking Tiv villages in the recent times. He added that after an attack on March 21, the council chairman, Douglas Ndatse, in company of security men, inspected the damage in Ananum village, but the attackers to return on March 22 to do more damage. Tarza, who is the Chairman of Tiv Cultural and Social Association, called on the government to find a lasting solution to the problem. Police spokesman, Joseph Kwaji, confirmed that gunmen invaded Ananum village and burnt some houses. The police spokesman assured that the attack would not in any way affect the forthcoming elections.

Friend Stabs 23-Year-Old to Death

The Police in Lagos State, March 26, announced that operatives of State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) are currently investigating the murder of 23-year-old Joshua Oni, who was reportedly stabbed to death by his friend, identified as Aniefiok Umanha, in Maza-Maza area of Lagos. The victim, who is from Osun State, was on his way to buy food stuff for dinner, when an argument ensued between him and his friend. It was learned that the argument degenerated into a fight, with Aniefok stabbing the former on the neck with a knife after which he took to his heels. Operatives of the homicide unit of SCID are making efforts to fish out the suspect, currently at large, to face the law.

Labourer Kills Civil Servant in Imo

A civil servant, who was on the verge of retirement, Emmanuel Emereonye, was on March 17, killed by a labourer in his facility in Imo State. Emereonye, a federal civil servant was killed three days to his retirement from the service. He was hacked to death by a labourer, Samuel Edomobi, who he had hired to work for him in his hometown at Dioka Nzerem village, in the Ehime Mbano LGA of Imo State. It was gathered that Edomobi, who had been paid for his job, had returned to the facility at night to cut some palm fruits. The deceased, who got wind of this, accosted him and ordered him to get down from the tree. An argument ensued and in the process, Edomobi allegedly used the machete he was using to harvest the palm fruits on Emereonye, who tried to run, but was chased and hacked to death by Edomobi.

5 in Court over Murder of Ex-Deputy Speaker

Police in Akwa Ibom, March 26, arraigned four suspects including the Vice Chairman of Ukanafun LGA, Effiom Abai, over the gruesome murder of Obong Okon Uwah, a former Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly and an All Progressive Congress candidate for Ukanfun state Constituency in the coming election. Those arraigned alongside the Vice Chairman before Ukanafun Magistrate Court include Endurance Marcus Udoh, Godwin Moses Udon, Akaniyene Benson Brown, and Simon Dan Udoikpe. The court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Charles Akan, ordered the suspects to be remanded in prison custody at Ikot Ekpene, pending the reassignment of the case to the High Court, while the case file is transferred to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for necessary action. The former Deputy Speaker was killed recently while embarking on a door-to-door campaign at Nkek village in Ukanafun LGA of the state.

Rape

Man Defiles 10-Year-Old Niece in Lagos

The Police in Lagos State, March 23, disclosed that it was investigating the defilement of a 10-year-old girl who was allegedly raped by her uncle, Uwem Femi Asuquo (32), at his residence while she lived with him and in a mosque after she left for her grandmother’s place. It was learned that after the incident, the victim had difficulty walking as she had sustained injuries in her genitals, which attracted the attention of a female neighbour, who called on the victim’s mother to check what was wrong with her child. The victim confessed to her mother that her uncle, Femi, had raped her. She further revealed that Femi had been having sex with her throughout her stay in his place. Immediately, the mother reported the case to Gowon Divisional Police Station and the suspect was arrested.

Others

NIS Deports 61 Illegal Immigrants

The Nasarawa State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on March 22 sent 61 illegal immigrants, apprehended at different parts of the state, back to their country. It was gathered that the illegal immigrants were all from Niger Republic. The state Comptroller of NIS, Baba Mamodu, said the illegal immigrants were arrested in the Lafia, Keffi and Agwanga areas during a simultaneous operation carried out by men of the command. He disclosed that the illegal immigrants, who were doing menial jobs in the state, were between the age brackets of 20 and 35 years. He lamented that many Nigerians gave protection to the illegal immigrants, who found their way into the country because of the porous nature of the nation’s borders.

Youths Protest Police Involvement in Killing of Student

The alleged killing of a Senior Secondary School II (SSII) student, Abubakar Sadiq, on March 18, by police in Kuta, Shiroro LGA of Niger State caused chaos in the area over as youths took to the streets protesting the killing. The youths claimed that the boy was killed by a team of policemen on patrol after being hit by the police with a butt of their gun for not stopping to be checked. But the police insisted that the boy ran into a truck as he tried to evade police patrol team. The youths claimed that Sadiq fell from a motorbike when hit by the police and remained unconscious for three days before his death. Findings revealed that the incident occurred when Sadiq was coming back from a neighbouring village to Kuta when he was stopped by the police but allegedly refused to stop. Police spokesman, Ibrahim Abiodun Gambari, confirmed the incident but stated that the deceased ran into an incoming van while trying to evade the police patrol team.

Two Remanded in Prison over Attack on Buhari’s Wife

An Ilorin Magistrate’s Court, March 23, ordered that Sulaiman Lawal, 27, and Lukuman Isiaka, 20, be remanded in prison custody for allegedly attacking the convoy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate’s wife, Hajia Aisha Buhari, during her recent visit to Kwara State. During the attack, about 10 vehicles on the convoy were vandalised by the suspects along Emir Road, Ilorin on March 16. Lawal and Isiaka were arraigned on a 5-count charge of criminal conspiracy, mischief, belonging to gang of thieves, extortion, assault and disturbance of public peace.

FRSC Tasks Tankers, Trailers on Retro Reflective Tapes

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is to begin nationwide clampdown on tankers and trailers that fail to affix retro reflective tapes before the April 21 deadline set by the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas - Petroleum Tankers Drivers Association (NUPENG - PTD). The Corps has also reaffirmed that the June 1, 2015 deadline when all commercial vehicles in Nigeria are expected to be fitted with the speed limiting device, remains sacrosanct. Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of FRSC, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, on March 23, said this enforcement would enhance safety and confer competitive advantage to trucking business in Nigeria. Representatives of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW); Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners (NATO), the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN); the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas - Petroleum Tankers Drivers Association (NUPENG - PTD), among others were at the conference.

Party Supporters Clash in Kaduna

The one million-man march of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held in Kaduna, on March 23, has left 20 people injured, as supporters of both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clashed in Kaduna. It was gathered that the grand rally was originally planned to kick off from the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, but was stopped by security agents and they were asked to move from there to Kaduna International Trade Fair Complex on Kaduna-Zaria Expressway. This did not go down well with the party supporters and they vent their anger on anything that had to do with the PDP, pulling down billboards and posters. The situation almost got out of control, when some supporters of APC tried to scale the fence of the Goodluck/Sambo Campaign office, but were met with stiff resistance from the PDP supporters, who were on hand and fight ensued, leaving 20 people injured. Police spokesman, Zubairu Abubakar, confirmed the incident, adding that normalcy had returned.

Pipeline Explosion Rocks Delta Community

A pipeline explosion, March 22, rocked Ekuigbo community in Ughelli North LGA of Delta State. It was gathered that the pipeline conveying crude oil, exploded around 9:45p.m., spilling its contents and huge balls of flames several kilometers from the scene of the explosion. The fire was put under control by a combined team of fire service officials from the area that arrived in the middle of the night to battle the fire.

NIS Arrests 201 Illegal Aliens, Repatriates 107 in Niger

Niger State command of Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), March 26, disclosed that it had clamped down on illegal aliens in the state, with the arrest of 201 in raids across state. Of those arrested, 107 have already been repatriated to their different countries in West Africa, while others were being screened. Comptroller of Immigration in the state, Ezekiel Kaura, who paraded the illegal aliens, said the raid was occasioned by the general elections, describing the activity as a normal routine. Kaura disclosed that the raid was carried out without resistance or resort to violence as the aliens submitted themselves willingly to all screenings demanded. The immigration boss disclosed that the only incriminating materials recovered from them were temporary and permanent voter’s cards, which had been retrieved from them.

Review/Analysis

Murder/assassination, in recent times, has remained top on the crime index with different stories of murder circulating the airwaves. Nevertheless the police have arrested some culprits and suspected criminal gangs, it is however startling at the rate of deaths around the country. The south-south, south-east, south-west have all witnessed one or more cases of murder/assassination, just a few cases within the north-central region of Nigeria.

Robbery, which had in recent weeks taken a downward toll, went up the scale as criminal gangs continue to attack residents. The Police have done a very good job with the arrest of some suspects. This was witnessed more in the southern part of the country.

Kidnap/hostage cases also took its toll on the society as the authorities made major arrests of gang members and rescued operations. This was witnessed across the country.

Despite the killing of some innocent victims, gang and drug related crimes were seen to have taken a downward slide as there were few cases of these crimes. Though arrests were made, the police remain on the lookout for suspected gang leaders. The south-south and south-west witnessed more of these incidents.

It is reassuring that the Nigerian military troops have audaciously defeated the Boko Haram sect in a bid to restore peace to the north eastern state of Nigeria. Troops have recaptured the lost towns and villages where the boko haram formerly occupied and are vigilantly protecting such territories in the north-east.

Security consciousness remains the watch word. We are urged to remain alert to threats and promptly report any perceived threat, strange behaviour or movement to the appropriate authorities for investigation.
Villeworth urges everyone to stay safe, law abiding and be security conscious.