Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 16

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Four Arrested over Missing Landlord’s Ward

The Rivers State Police Command is currently investigating four men over the alleged kidnap of a 15-year-old boy, John Idhodaye. The suspects, identified as Timothy Iluaka, Ebuka Ebueke, Mofoni Adams and one Victor, were arrested after Idhodaye’s belongings were discovered in Iluaka’s apartment. It was gathered that Idhodaye, a JSS1 student, who lived with his guardian at the Eliozu in Rivers State, was last seen on February 24th when he left home for school. One of his classmates told John’s guardian that John did not come to school but he called him to come to the house to collect his textbook. The classmate said John came from the back flat where Iluaka lived with his brothers. Iluaka took to his heels too after he could not explain why John’s belongings are in his room. Iluaka, Mofoni and Ebuka were arrested at the Rumuomasi junction when Iluaka came to receive some of his household goods from Ebuka on February 28, 2015.

Transporter Abducted by Gunmen in Delta State

A transport, Betrand Mbakwe, 58, was on April 6 robbed and kidnapped at the Ogwashi-lku/Ibusa axis along Ughelli-Asaba Express way in Delta State. According to his conductor, the transporter was conveying passengers to a point when armed men, numbering about 15, emerged from the surrounding bush and ordered him to stop and robbed the passengers of various amounts of money and other possessions. The bus conductor also said that the armed men took him away to yet to an unknown place.

Kidnapped Lecturer’s Wife Regains Freedom

Wife of a lecturer, who was abducted on April 3, Hamdallah Ettu, has been released. Hamdallah was kidnapped on her way home from her shop where she sold foodstuffs. The kidnappers had demanded the sum of N20m as ransom from her husband, Gbenga Ettu. According to a family source, the mother of five, was released on April 7 after she went on a hunger strike since her kidnap. The kidnappers, who had refused to yield to the pleas of the husband, who told them that he could not afford the ransom they asked for, dropped her at the Ikangba area, in the outskirts of Ijebu Ode, after she fainted twice in captivity.

Police Confirm Kidnap of Wamakko District Head by Gunmen

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 10, Bala Hassan, on April 9, disclosed that four gunmen had kidnapped Alhaji Salihu Barada, the District Head of Wamakko, Sokoto State and that the police and other security agencies had been placed on alert to rescue the traditional ruler. He said the gunmen, using a gold coloured vehicle, kidnapped Barada and one other person at his farm. He said the kidnappers, however, released the second person at Bege village, Kebbi, adding that effective operation had commenced to rescue the traditional ruler. Hassan urged people to provide useful information that would lead to the rescue of the district heard to the police.

Gunmen Kill 2 in Delta, Abduct Corps Member

Two persons were, on April 8, killed in an attack by gunmen numbering over 20 who laid siege at Eku community in Ethiope East LGA of Delta State, while an unidentified member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was reportedly abducted by the gunmen. The deceased, both males in their early 30s, died on April 9 from gunshot injuries received during the attack.

Ebonyi Police Arrest Abductors of Town Crier

The Ebonyi State Police Command on April 9, arrested a gang of suspected political thugs that kidnapped a local town crier, Ogbonnaya Okoro. Okoro was abducted in Okposi Community on April 7 by a gang of seven men, who were being detained at the police command headquarters. The police said the arrest was made possible following a tip-off from members of the community. The kidnap victim disclosed that his abductors invaded his home beat him up before dragging him into a waiting mini-bus. Okoro disclosed that the kidnappers were annoyed that he made announcements for one of the governorship candidates in the state. The town crier stated that the hoodlums brought him back to the community and directed him to start beat the gong and tell the people to vote for the candidate of a particular party. The police said weapons found in the possession of the hoodlums included machetes and axes.

Robbery

Police Parade 91 Suspects for Robbery, Cultism

The Ondo State Police Command, April 6, paraded 91 persons arrested for offences as armed robbery, piracy and cultism. The suspected robbers, the Commissioner of Police, Isaac Eke said were members of the gang that attacked banks in Owo recently and during which seven policemen were killed and two others. The fleeing armed robbery suspects were arrested by combined team of policemen drawn from Ondo, Edo and military personnel. Eke said while the Ondo State policemen were pursuing the suspected robbers, the men of the Edo Police Command blocked them from the other end. The police boss said 12,000 round of ammunitions, six assault rifles, 17 AK rifles, three riot gunners, one revolver pistol, one chief revolver pistol, 11 dynamites and 142 magazines were recovered from them. Other arms recovered, included two sub machine guns, six Beretta rifles, two scorpion guns, three large rifles, three dane guns, Tarakov rifle and three pump action guns. The commissioner disclosed that a sum of N9.3million cash, pair of police uniforms, 33 canisters of tear gas, police steel helmets and 13 vehicles used for the operation were recovered from the suspected armed robbers.

Police Arraign 58-Year-Old for Burglary

The police, April 7, arraigned a 58-year-old man, Adekoye Kayode, in an Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State for alleged burglary. The defendant was arraigned on three counts of stealing, conspiracy and burglary. The prosecutor, Corporal Mustapha Abdulkareem, told the court that Kayode, and others, now at large, committed the offences on March 27. He alleged that the accused and his accomplices broke into one Olaniyi Olabope’s apartment and stole electrical fittings valued at N80,000. Olabope’s neighbours, he added, alerted the police when they noticed the accused while allegedly committing the crime. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the offences.

Mob Lynches Suspected Armed Robber in Enugu

A notorious armed robber, identified as Emeka Odo, was been beaten to death by an angry mob in Enugu. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ebere Amaraizu, April 7, said the late robber had been a torn on the flesh of motorists and inhabitants within Obollo Afor in Udenu LGA of the state and its environs. Amaraizu disclosed that the robber met his waterloo after he allegedly pulled a locally made pistol on a victim, adding that people swiftly overpowered him, rescued his victim and wounded him seriously. The suspect, who was already unconsciousness before the police team arrived, died on the way to hospital. The suspect had been on the wanted list of the police operatives over his nefarious activities, ranging from several reported cases of Armed Robbery within Obollo Afor and its environs. One locally made pistol with live cartridges, the PPRO disclosed.

20-Man Armed Robbery Gang on Rampage in Lagos

Two members of the 20-man armed robbery gang that went on rampage on April 7 in Iju-Ishaga area of Ifako Ijaye, Lagos, have been arrested by anti-robbery policemen attached to Iju division. The bandits, numbering 20, stormed the area at about 2am and attacked residents of Nelson Cole, Iyabo Williams, Alafia and Hope streets. While they were operating, members of the vigilante group were said to have foiled the operation, following the alarm raised. Unfortunately for one of the guards, identified simply as Matthew, was beaten to death with a stone by the armed bandits. The robbers were said to have opened fire on sighting policemen. But they reportedly bowed to the superior fire power of the police team as two of them were arrested. Spokesman of the Lagos State Police Command, Kenneth Nwosu, disclosed that two locally-made cut-to-size guns, live cartridges, charms and ATM cards, were recovered from the suspect.

Man Docked over $700,000 Armed Robbery

A 27-year-old man, Onyema Chukwu, was on April 8 charged before an Ikeja Magistrate’s court in Lagos for allegedly robbing one Alhaji Alkali Alhammed of his $700,000. The accused was said to have committed the offence at Volkswagen area of Lagos, while armed with an AK-47 rifle loaded with sixty rounds of ammunition. Chukwu was arraigned by the police on a two-court charge of conspiracy and stealing. When the charge was read to the accused before Magistrate O. A. Akinde, he pleaded not guilty. However, the magistrate rejected the plea pending the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, and adjourned till May 11.

Maid Flees with N4m Valuables Week after Employment

A maid, Esther Aniefiok, a 23-year-old indigene of Akwa Ibom State, has allegedly stolen valuables estimated at N4m belonging to her boss, identified simply as Mrs. Abiola in the Ifako area of Lagos. It was learnt that the woman had employed Aniefiok on March 30 through an agent, Anthony Akpan. The victim said the suspect was well-behaved and never showed any evil trait, until she broke into her room on April 6. Aniefiok was alleged to have made away with gold jewellery, including a wedding band and engagement ring, wristwatches, shoes, clothing items, a phone and about N100,000 cash. Policemen from the Ifako Police Division were said to have been alerted to the incident. The agent was arrested, but the suspect remains at large.

Gang Incidents

Court Remands 3 Brothers for Criminal Conspiracy

Three brothers were, April 7, remanded in prison custody over alleged criminal conspiracy, attempted homicide and thuggery, after they were docked before a Lokoja Chief Magistrate Court. According to the Prosecuting Police Officer, C.S. Ayabatu, the accused along with 27 others now at large, committed the offence on March 23 when they invaded the compound of Alhaji Attai Shaibu of Ojeko, Anyigba. They were said to have armed themselves with offensive weapons – cutlasses, knives, sticks, stones and guns, chanting a particular political party’s acronym “with intention to attack and kill members of the other party.” Ayabatu stated that the accused invaded the compound of the complainant and used machete on his aged mother, Ramatu Shaibu.

Two Die in PDP, LP Clash

Two people were on April 7 killed during a clash that erupted between supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) in Amagu Ikwo community of Ebonyi State. The clash also left several others injured. An eyewitness gave the names of the victims as Christopher Nworie and Christopher Alobu. Nworie was a supporter of the PDP, while Alobu was a supporter of LP. Nworie was shot at close range in his house with an assault rifle by suspected thugs. In what seemed like a retaliation, some people, who believed that the deceased was killed by members of the opposition party, also invaded the residence of Alobu and brutally murdered him. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Chris Anyanwu, confirmed the killing of one person and added that policemen had been deployed to ensure that peace was restored to the community.

Political Thugs Attack Four with Machetes

Four members of the Action Alliance were on April 7 in Ibadan attacked by thugs loyal to one of the political parties in Oyo State. The victims are Kabir Ademola, Idowu Akinsola, Femi Akinsola and Ayotunde. Ayotunde received machete cut to his head, neck and the left ear, while others also had varying degrees of injuries. The party’s governorship candidate in the state, Taiwo Otegbeye, said after his men managed to escape, they were chased by the attackers to the Iwo Road area of Ibadan, where one of the victims managed to use his telephone to call for help. According to him, the party faithful were in Akobo pasting posters when they were approached by some hoodlums who told them that they should stop pasting the posters because the area belonged to another party.

Drugs

NDLEA Arrests 6 Drug Traffickers at Lagos Airport

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended six suspected drug traffickers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, with 16.51 kg of narcotics. The drugs include: 10.27kg of cannabis, 1.31kg of methamphetamine and 4.93kg of cocaine. NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Mr Hamza Umar, April 6, disclosed that the suspects include Nwodo Anthony, who was found with 3.260kg of liquid cocaine concealed in body cream from Brazil and Ikebalum Nicholas Ogochukwu, who excreted 36 wraps of cocaine weighing 570 grammes on board the aircraft. “Madu Okey was caught with 975 grammes of methamphetamine while going to Tanzania. Attempt by Nnadobe Anthony to smuggle 335 grammes of methamphetamine to South Africa failed. Okoye Kelvin was found smuggling 10.27kg of cannabis to Doha while the only female suspect, Nwaokolo Omari was caught exporting 1.670 kg of cocaine to Madrid, Spain. Hamza stated that the suspects would soon be charged to court.

Marijuana Smokers Drown in Attempt to Evade Arrest

Two youths from Okolobiri community in the Yenagoa LGA of Bayelsa State have drowned in a creek in the community as they attempted to evade arrest by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The deceased were said to have, on March 26, jumped into the Taylor Creek in Okolobiri when they sighted the NDLEA operatives that had stormed the area for the raid of red zones. A similar incident happened in the community on January 25, 2015 when two youths – Meipor Ebinimias and his unnamed friend, in an attempt to escape arrest, jumped into a river and drowned.

Maritime

Terrorism

Boko Haram Kills 20 in Borno

Suspected Boko Haram militants, April 9, killed at least 20 people in an attack on a remote village near Askira Uba, Borno State. Survivors said the insurgents stormed Dile village in the early hours of the day, burning houses and killing anybody in sight. Ibrahim Usman, a resident who fled to Mubi, said 20 persons were feared killed in the village and many others sustained injuries during the attack. He called on military authorities to deploy troops to the area to check the activities of the militants.

Insurgents Attack Borno Village, Kill Four Traders

At least four people were killed on April 4 when suspected Boko Haram fighters raided a local market in a village near Maiduguri, Borno State. Scores of Boko Haram gunmen stormed Kayamla village and opened fire on a weekly market, killing four traders, a security official disclosed. The attack on the village was the sixth in as many months, according to vigilantes in the area. Troops and vigilantes mobilised from the nearby town of Konduga to the village but the attackers left before the troops arrived, said Abubakar Sani, who was among the vigilantes that accompanied troops to the village. Offensives against the Islamists by a regional coalition involving troops from Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroun have substantially weakened Boko Haram’s capabilities.

Female Bomber Kill 7 in Gombe

A suspected female bomber, April 2, killed 7 people at the usually busy Bauchi Motor Park in Gombe State. An eyewitness said the improvised explosive device went off at the entrance of the Motor Park, which had already closed business for the day. The suspected bomber disguised herself as passenger, joined the crowd and dropped a travelling bag containing the explosives by one of the shops at the entrance of the park. The bomber kept the bag of explosive near one of the recharge cards sales stands to buy a recharge card. She reportedly loaded the card into her mobile phone and kept pacing while making the call, but on-lookers lost sight of her and moments later, the explosives went off from the bag, killing seven people and injuring 15 others.

Fleeing Boko Haram Members Kill Accident Injured Soldiers

Fleeing Boko Haram insurgents encountered six soldiers involved in an accident and killed them at Pindiga village on April 2. According to sources, the insurgents who were said to be escaping pursuit by the military operatives in Bauchi State came into Gombe State through Alkaleri – Futuk – Kashere road. It was learnt they stopped at Digana village and hired the service of a motor mechanic to fix one of their vehicles, which they got after promising not to harm anybody. He said they thereafter proceeded to Kashere and then Pindiga where they shot randomly in the air before coming across the helpless soldiers.

Seven Killed in Boko Haram Attack in Chad

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents invaded a village in Chad, killing 7 civilians. The Islamist militants ambushed people on their way to a market in Tchoukou Telia near Lake Chad on April 3, according to reports. Some of the victims had their throats cut while others were shot, he said. Improvised mines were later discovered along the road between Tchoukou Telia and Ngouboua close to the Nigerian border, which Boko Haram also raided in recent weeks. The Chadian army is taking part in a regional offensive against the insurgents along with troops from Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon.

Boko Haram Kills 25 in Borno Village

Suspected members of the Boko Haram sect, April 5, invaded Kwajaffa community of Hawul LGA of Borno state killing 25 persons. The insurgents numbering over 20, who were fully armed with AK47 rifles, petrol bombs and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), also set many buildings ablaze. A resident, Ahmad Ali, disclosed that the insurgents burnt half of the village before they left. Ali said the death toll likely exceeded two dozen.

Nigerian Military Recaptures Alagarno in Borno

The Nigerian soldiers, April 7, successfully completed a raid on all terrorists’ camps in Alagarno in Borno State, which is one of the few remaining towns to be liberated from the Boko Haram sect. This was confirmed by the Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, who stated that Alagarno is the major haven of the terrorists ahead of Sambisa forest. Olukolade said a number of weapons and equipment were captured during the operation. He listed the items captured from the terrorists included armoured vehicles, several arms and ammunition of various sizes and calibres, power generating sets, grenades and Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs), bows and arrows, megaphones and rolls of copper cable which the terrorists  used as one of the materials to make IEDs. In a related development, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has continued its aerial surveillance and bombardment of Sambisa forest in their continuous bid to knock off the terrorist camps.

Political/Government Agencies

Police Beefs Up Security in Ekiti over Impeachment Plot

Following the impeachment threat by 19 All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers against Governor Ayodele Fayose, the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, has beefed up security in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. The  cases of gross misconduct levelled against  Fayose by the lawmakers include: invasion of the House of Assembly with thugs and miscreants, instigating unconstitutional takeover of the assembly by seven legislators to sit in contravention of section 96(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, prevention of the 19 APC legislative members from performing legislative duties with the use of security agents and armed thugs and sponsoring unlawful impeachment process in the house. The CP had on April 1, ordered the closure of the assembly following the sudden reappearance of the lawmakers, who had been banished by the seven pro-Fayose lawmakers, led by Hon. Dele Olugbemi from the assembly since last year November 17. Lakanu said 24-hour security surveillance had been put in place, particularly around the state assembly and other hot spots.

IG Deploys More Officers to Rivers, Other Volatile States

The Inspector General of Police (IG), Suleiman Abba, is deploying more police personnel to Rivers State and other volatile states. The police boss, who announced this on April 7, also disclosed that three suspects had been arrested in Enugu in connection with the blast that took place during the presidential elections. Abba said 124 suspects were arrested on various electoral offences, adding that some had been charged to court, while investigations continue. Meanwhile, the IG has warned all security detail attached to political office holders to desist from accompanying their principals to polling booths and collation centres during the election.

FG Closes Land, Sea Borders Ahead of Elections

The Federal Government on April 8 directed that all land and sea borders with neighbouring countries be closed from midnight of April 8 to the midnight of April 11 to allow for hitch-free governorship and Houses of Assembly elections across the country. The Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, announced this, said the move was designed “to allow for peaceful conduct” of the polls. There will be also restriction of vehicular movement in the affected states, with the exception of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja from 8am-5pm on April 11, 2015.

Murder/Assassinations

Gunmen Kill Ex-LG boss, 10 Others in Rivers State

Gunmen, April 3, struck in two different areas in Rivers State, killing a former LGA chairman, six members of his family and four others. It was gathered that the former chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, Christopher Adube, and six members of his family were murdered by unknown gunmen during an invasion of Obrikom/Obor communities. While a dusk to dawn curfew had been declared by the local caretaker administration of the council, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmad Muhammad, confirmed the killing. The PPRO stated that the police command had commenced a man-hunt for the bandits and appealed to members of the public to assist in making available credible information to the police to apprehend the fleeing culprits.

Community Leader Clubbed to Death

A suspected lunatic, April 2, attacked and killed the community Chairman of Agbarha-Otor, vigilante outfit in Ughelli North LGA of Delta State, Mr Kingsley Ejirefe in cold blood. According to an eye witness, Kofi Apety, the victim had gone to visit his wife when the suspect suddenly pounced on him and stabbed him with knife without any provocation. When the stabbing did not injure the victim, who tried to leave the scene, the suspect grabbed a wood and hit him on the head. The victim was rushed to the hospital at Ughelli, were he was confirmed died on April 3. The suspect was promptly arrested by the police, while youths from the community had gathered to storm the police station to demand that the suspect be released to them.

Mother Slumps to Death as Man Kills Brother in Anambra

A 38-year-old man, Christian Nwokike, was allegedly been killed by his younger brother during a fight over the ownership of a family building inNnokwa community in Idemili LGA of Anambra State. Their mother allegedly slumped and died upon hearing the news. There were conflicting reports on what happened. A source said the eldest brother came home but his brothers prevented him from sleeping in the house. He was said to have been killed by one of his siblings after he insisted on sleeping in the house. Their mother, on hearing the news, allegedly slumped and died at Nnobi Police Station the same night when she was taken there to give account of what transpired in the family.

Man Kills Student over Girlfriend

The Police in Lagos State, April 6, announced the arrest of a 38-year-old Car wash attendant, Monday Ekwekuba, for causing the death of a 26-year-old man, Wisdom Okafor, after a scuffle in the Ojokoro area of Lagos State. Ekwekuba allegedly attacked the victim with a stick before chasing him into the path of a speeding vehicle, which crushed him to death. The scuffle occurred after the suspect saw him (Wisdom) in his girlfriend’s house. The suspect was said to have fled the area. However, the police reportedly arrested his boss, who then produced him after some time. The Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, Kenneth Nwosu, when contacted, did not pick his call.

Teenager Kills Cousin in Enugu

A teenage boy was on April 5, shot dead in Enugu State by his cousin. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the incident, said the suspect had been arrested. He gave the name of the deceased as Izuchukwu Ihejika, while the suspect’s name was given as Ifeanyi Ihejika. It was gathered that Izuchukwu was shot dead with a locally-made pistol at Amankpunato Oji River in Oji River LGA over undisclosed issue. It was further gathered that the suspect, after shooting the victim, took to his heels until security operatives apprehended him and recovered the pistol.

Arsonists Set Church Ablaze, Kill Pastor’s Daughter in Kano

The Baptist Church at Gidan Maso village in Rogo LGA of Kano State was, on April 1, set ablaze and the residence of the pastor, Reverend Habila Garba, burnt by irate youths. During the incident, one of the pastor’s daughters died of suffocation and most parts of the house destroyed as a result of the fire. The president of “Tarayyar Masihiyawan Nijeria” (Hausa, Fulani and Kanuri Christians), General Ishaku Ahmed Dikko, disclosed that the church and all the properties were burnt down in the presence of the Christian community, despite pleadings for them to stop the destruction. Dikko added that the cause of the barbaric act was to kill one youth, Joshua, who converted to Islam, but later on reverted to Christianity. The youth had escaped on learning of the plan to kill him.

Nomads Strangle Community Guard to Death

A member of a vigilance group in Eruku, in the Ekiti LGA of Kwara State, Raphael Dada, was, on April 1, killed by a four-man gang of cattle rearers of the Bororo-Fulani tribe. It was learnt that the 48-year-old vigilante was strangled to death at the Omi-Arin farm in the community. The deceased’s wife, Elizabeth, had been to Omi-Arin on the fateful day to pluck cashew, but was denied access to the farm by the nomads. She reportedly rushed back home to inform her husband, who armed himself with gun and cutlass and headed for the farm to caution the gang. Dada’s family became restless when it was 3pm and he had not returned home. They were said to have traced him to the farm where his remains were found on a tree. Not done, the assailants reportedly opened fire on a farmer, Babalola Joseph, who was also at the farm to harvest his crop. He sustained gunshot injuries in the leg and back. He was said to have been rushed to the Omu-Aran General Hospital, while Dada’s remains were deposited at the Cottage Hospital Mortuary in the neighbourhood.

Police Arrest 49 over DPO’s Death

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested 49 suspects allegedly involved in the killing of a Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ikeokwu Nworgu, at Adekile area of Ibadan. The Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Katsina, who disclosed this while parading the suspects on April 8, also confirmed that at least 30,000 policemen would be deployed for the April 11 election to prevent possible breakdown of law and order during the polls. He disclosed that the police had made remarkable progress in the event that led to the demise of the DPO. Nwogu was murdered on April 1, 2015 at the Adekile area of Ibadan during a reign of anarchy that reared its head in the aftermath of alleged discovery of a kidnappers’ den in the area. The police said their investigation had established that the claim was false.

Gunmen Kill Two, Injure Others in Kogi

Unidentified gunmen, April 8, shot dead the General Manager of Kogi State Investment and Properties Limited, Mrs. Joe Alhassan, and a Director at the Anglican Church, Mr. Gbenga Kekere. The gunmen attacked the victims on their way from a missionary work in the Bassa LGA of Kogi State. The Kogi State Government described the attack as tragic and senseless. The Kogi State Deputy Governor, Yomi Awoniyi, described the circumstances of Alhassan’s death as painful, adding that the state had lost one of its finest and best materials. Awoniyi expressed the sincere condolences of the Kogi State Government to the Church and the families of those who lost their loved ones in the attack.

Keke NAPEP Operators Protest Killing of Colleague in Owerri

Operators of Commercial tricycle, popularly called Keke NAPEP, who ply Owerri Main Market-MCC Road-Uratta axis in Owerri, have protested alleged ritual killing of one of their colleagues. The deceased was last seen alive on April 6, when he was hired by passengers to move them to a village located along Owerri-Aba federal highway. The tricycle operators became alarmed when their colleague did not return, and they quickly reported his disappearance to the police. A search party was organized, and the lifeless body was later discovered, but some of his vital parts were missing. Their peaceful demonstration resulted in commuters trekking to and from their destinations.

Rape

39-Year-Old in Court over Unlawful Carnal Knowledge of Minor

A 39-year-old trader, Anayo Ibe, who allegedly had an unlawful carnal knowledge of an 11-year-old girl, was on April 9 arraigned before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. The accused is standing trial on a charge of child rape. The prosecutor, Godwin Anyanwu, told the court that the accused committed the offence on November 17. 2014 at the accused’s residence. He said that the accused, who was living in the same building with the parents of the victim, lured his victim into his room under the pretext of sending her on an errand. The prosecutor said that when the victim entered the accused’s apartment, the accused forcefully had a carnal knowledge of her. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The chief magistrate, Mrs A.O. Soladoye, ordered that the case file be duplicated and be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPPs) for legal advice. Soladoye granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

Others

Residents Rescue Under-aged Siblings from Parents’ Torture

Two malnourished siblings -aged six and eight- were rescued by residents in Owutu in Ikorodu, Lagos. They were found lying in the sun, with blood dripping from injuries on the back of the eight-year-old, while the six-year-old looked pale. It was learned that community leaders raised alarm to rescue the siblings, who were allegedly being constantly tortured and abused by their father, Seun Odebunmi, and step-mother, Adepeju Odebunmi. The siblings, identified as Damilare Odebunmi, eight; and Michael Odebunmi, six; have consistently suffered different forms of abuse in the hands of their father and step-mother, who had made it a habit of starving the children, an act that had led the children to beg other tenants for crumbs when hungry. Residents called in the police, who arrested the couple, while the children were hospitalized. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident, saying the children had been rescued and taken to Ikorodu General Hospital.

Suspected Militants Blow up Gas Pipeline in Delta State

Suspected militants have blown up a major high pressure gas pipeline at Ighwrenene Community in Delta State, warning the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, that he may have his hands full in containing the economic sabotage. The incident allegedly occurred on April 3, barely one week after some former leaders of the Niger Delta militants threatened to return to the creeks and resume their war against the Nigerian state in response to General Buhari’s election victory over incumbent President, Goodluck Jonathan. A group of Urhobo youths under the aegis of Urhobo Gbagbako, day claimed responsibility for the March 22, bombings of the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, oil pipe lines in Ekiugbo, Ughelli Local Government Area “on a massive scale.” It said that the aim was to give vent to their demand for pipe line surveillance contracts. Nigeria is almost a one- product economy with oil contributing to about 90 percent of her wealth. In a statement yesterday, leader of Urhobo Gbagbako, Priest Omodjuvwu, said the group carried out the latest round of bombing along the Afiesere and Ekiugbo axis of the council area, during which it shut down all the oil fields in Urhobo and Isoko nations.

One Killed as Protests Rock Ekiti Towns

One person, Modupe Olaiya, was, on April 7, killed in Efon Alaaye, Efon LGA of Ekiti State as members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held violent protests against attempts by 19 All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers to impeach Governor Ayodele Fayose. Eyewitnesses confirmed that the APC lawmakers were coming from Osun State and had rammed into the barricade mounted by the protesters at Ita Ore, a border town between Ekiti and Osun States. The victim was said to have sustained gunshot injury as the police fired several shots to scare the protesters, who had already taken over the road. The protests were also held in major towns like: Efon Alaaye, Iworoko, Aisegba, Ikere, Ise, Ogotun Igbemo, and Ado-Ekiti.

Oil Blowout Kills Mother, Children in Delta

Fire outbreak from an oil blowout on the Riapele-Forcados Trunkline belonging to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), a subsidiary of NNPC, has reportedly killed a mother and her three children in Odidi, Warri South West LGA of Delta State. A community leader, Friday Deinghan, described the magnitude of the spill and the associated fire as “unprecedented”. The mother and the children were out fishing more than three kilometers away from the spill point, very unmindful that the crude oil has spread across the river. It was nightfall. According to an eyewitness, the woman attempted to light a hurricane lamp, which they usually use to illuminate their way as they mend their nets and fishing traps. But as she lit and dropped it into the water, the lamp caught fire and engulfed the four of them.

4 Remanded in Prison over Attack on Ex-Kogi Speaker

A Lokoja Chief Magistrate’s Court, April 7, ordered the remand of four persons — two men and two students — in the custody of Medium Security Federal Prisons, Okene, for attacking Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, a former Speaker of Kogi House of Assembly. The suspects were reported to have committed the offence on March 25 in Okene. They were charged with alleged criminal intimidation, assault, theft and political thuggery by the Divisional Police Headquarters, Okene. The Prosecuting Police Officer, Mr C.S. Ayabatu, told the court that the suspects attacked Alhaji Bello and his entourage, while on a campaign tour. He said the accused, armed with dangerous weapons, invaded Oneta’s premises and inflicted machete cuts on him and his entourage and damaged three cars.

Fire Guts NLC Building in Rivers

The state secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Rivers state, located at Igboukwu Street, D/Line in the Garden City has been razed by fire. The fire which engulfed the building on April 7 destroyed the building and documents belonging to the union. Some people around in the area have allegedly attributed the inferno to have ignited from an electrical spark.

Police Arrest 2 Men over Illegal Possession of Fire Arms

Two men, Abdulkarim Usman and Aliyu Shuaib, were on April 9 arraigned before a Gusau Magistrates Court in Zamfara over alleged illegal possession of fire arms and belonging to a criminal gang. The prosecutor, Yakubu Abuga, told the court that the two were arrested by a police patrol team on March 3 along Kaura Namoda road in Gusau. Abuga told the court that the two accused persons were members of a criminal gang terrorising the state. He said a rifle with live ammunitions, plier and hammer for house breaking, rubber solution and Indian hemp were found in the accused persons’ room. The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Magistrate, Alhaji Umar Abdulnasir, ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case till April 22, for mention.

Police Arrest 70 for Electoral Offences in Delta

Delta State commissioner of police, Baba Usman, has said no fewer than 70 persons were arrested for various electoral malpractices during the March 28 presidential and national assembly elections in the state. Usman said some of the people arrested had been charged to court while others were still under investigation, the result of which would determine the next line of action. The police chief listed Ndokwa East and West, Patani and Ughelli local government areas as council areas where there were security breaches during the elections.

Police Arrest Man with 813 PVCs in Ebonyi

The Special Election Team of Zone 6 Command, Calabar of the Nigeria Police has arrested a man with 813 permanent voters’ card. The suspect, Madueke Sunday (31), was arrested at Izzi in Ebonyi State. He reportedly concealed the PVCs in a ‘Ghana must go’ bag. Head of the Special Election Team, Obere Friday, said the arrest took place on April 6. On sighting the Police, the suspects took to their heels but were apprehended when they attempted to jump over a fence. Consequently, one of them, Madueke Sunday, 31, who hails from Izzi, Ebonyi State, was arrested in possession of a ‘Ghana-must-go’ bag containing the PVCs.

Review/Analysis

Murder/assassination, which took a downward toll, last week, took an upward plunge this week as stories of murder fill the dailies. Though notwithstanding, the police are seriously on the lookout for suspected bandits. More of this was witnessed within the south-south, south-east and a few records in the south-west region of the country.

With the military all out to rid the country of all traces of terrorism, the activities of Boko Haram insurgents have drastically reduced, with just trickles of attacks in some places in the north-east. It is also reassuring as the military, in yet another attempt to purge the country of terrorist activities, have recaptured more towns from the insurgent groups. The north-east witnessed more of these activities.

Robbery, also maintaining its pace at the top of the crimes index with few stories of robbery. The police, in an attempt to flush these criminal gangs out of their hiding, have successfully apprehended major suspects.

Kidnap incidents remain laudably low, while security agents made major arrests of suspected criminal gangs.

Villeworth maintains its call for you to stay safe, law abiding and be security conscious.

Remain alert to your environment and promptly report any perceived threat, strange behaviour or movement to the appropriate authorities for investigation. You could save a life.