Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 19

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SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Gunmen Abduct Ex-Lawmaker in Delta

Former leader of Aniocha Legislative Arm in Delta state, Pius Eziashi, was on April 30, abducted by unknown gunmen in Ogwashi-Uku near Asaba. The victim was abducted by the gunmen, who had laid ambush as he was about to enter his private residence. He was taken away in the kidnapper’s waiting vehicle. A police source disclosed that they are working round the clock to free the victim.

Rivers Police in Effort to Rescue Kidnapped Medical Doctor

Rivers State Police Command has said it has intensified efforts to rescue Dr. Samuel Amaechi of Nobsams Clinic, Port Harcourt, who was abducted by gunmen on April 23 at gunpoint at Mile 4 area of Port Harcourt while returning from work. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmad Muhammad, April 26, said that “the manhunt of rescuing him safely is still on-going. A family source said that Amaechi, who is also the traditional ruler of a community in Etche LGA of the state, was just about two houses close to his own house when the gunmen stopped the car in which he was being chauffeur-driven. The driver was said to have obeyed and the gunmen opened the car and dragged him out while shooting into the air to scare away people. The gunmen were also said to have shot and killed the police orderly attached to the doctor.

Kidnappers Free Abducted Schoolgirl after 1 Year

Precious Nwaigwe, the 15-year-old girl kidnapped in the Ajah area of Lagos State, while on her way to school in Ogun State, has been returned to Lagos about a year after her abduction. It was learnt that detectives at the State Criminal Investigation Department, together with men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, rescued the girl. She was said to have been dropped off in the Obalende area of Lagos State on April 27. Precious’ father, Okoro, confirmed that his daughter had been found.

Kidnapped 5-Year-Old Boy Found in Ogun

A five-year-old boy, Abraham Adeyemi, who was reportedly kidnapped, has been found in front of Foursquare Gospel Church, Imedu-Nla in Mowe, Obafemi-Owode LGA of Ogun State. Adeyemi was reportedly lured to one of the eateries in Ogun State. The child, who was brought to the secretariat of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ogun State, by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi, could only recognise his parents as Daddy Sarah and Mummy Sarah. When asked about how he lost contact with his parents, Abraham said he followed his parents and his sister, Sarah, to a church and was lured by an unidentified person to an eatery.

Abducted Bayelsa Council Chairman Regains Freedom

The kidnapped Chairman of Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State, Enaye Abah, has been released after five days in captivity. Abah was abducted on April 22 along the Otuasega-Okarki express road by armed men on his way to a political meeting at the council headquarters at Ogbia main town. The abducted chairman, who was released on April 26, disclosed that he kidnappers took him to their den in the deep mangrove swamp of Abua Odua axis of Rivers State. He was reportedly abandoned at Ogonoko waterside in Abua Odua Local Government Area of Rivers State by his captors. Contacted, Bayelsa State Police Command spokesman, Asinim Butswat, said Abah was abandoned by his kidnappers, following attempts by the special task force of the state anti-kidnapping squad to invade their hide out in the area.

Police Parade Suspected Kidnapper of 15-Year-Old Girl

The principal suspect in the kidnap of a teenager, who was taken to Libya for prostitution last year, Kelvin Okorie, and a trader, Ogbonna Njoku, were, on April 28, paraded by the police in Lagos state. The victim, 15-year-old Precious Okoro, was reportedly attacked and kidnapped, while on her way to school in May 2014. Thereafter, she was taken to Libya, where she said she was forced into prostitution before her rescue by the Police. Kelvin Okorie, who is also her cousin, was said to have been at the forefront of the search of the girl after her disappearance. State Police commissioner, Kayode Aderanti, disclosed that the kidnappers had contacted her parents, using different telephone numbers and demanded for money, ranging from $30,000, N200,000 to N30,000 as ransom. He further disclosed that moves were on by the command to rescue other Nigerian teenagers, who were kidnapped and forced into prostitution in Libya, with the collaboration of Interpol.

Police Arrest Woman, Doctor for Child Trafficking, Rescue Baby in Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recovered a baby boy, David Johnny, who was sold by a doctor with the connivance of his mother, Esther Johnny, to a woman in Abuja. It was learnt that the mother initially denied knowledge of the crime as the police intensified efforts to unravel the whereabouts of the baby. The Assistant Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department, Akwa Ibom State, Mike Okoli, on April 28, disclosed that when the police apprehended the doctor, he tried to frustrate police investigation into the matter. According to him it was the phone call the woman, who had bought the child, made to the doctor who was in the police custody in Uyo that enabled them to trace the baby to the hospital. Esther, 18, said David was her third baby and she could not take care of all of her children. She said she was given N150,000 from the proceeds from the sale of her baby.

Robbery

Oyo Police Gun Down 3 Robbery Suspects

Three suspected members of an armed robbery gang that had been terrorising traders, commuters and other road users at Idi-Ayunre axis along Ibadan/Ijebu-Ode road fell to the superior fire power of an ambush squad from Oyo State Police Command late on April 23. The highway is notorious for the activities of armed robbers who usually maim innocent commuters who make use of the road, dispossessing them of their hard-earned money and other valuables. The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Muhammad Musa Katsina, disclosed that the command’s ambush squad succeeded in overpowering the hoodlums, killing 3 of them, while others escaped with bullet wounds. Exhibits recovered from them included two dummy guns made with wood and wrapped with black tape, a cutlass, gold jewellery, GSM phones, and some cash. The Commissioner of Police enjoined hospitals and traditional healing homes to report anyone with bullet wounds immediately to the police.

Police Smash 4-Man Robbery Gang In Anambra

The Police in Okpoko community near Onitsha, Anambra State, have smashed a four-man armed robbery gang that has been terrorising residents of the area. Emeka Ugwu, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Okpoko, said the gang was led by one Abuchi. Ugwu said the hoodlums met their waterloo following a tip-off by a public-spirited individual. He said that the police trailed members of the gang for over one week before they arrested them. He said one AK 47 rifle; wraps of cannabis and objects suspected to be charms, among others, were found in their possession. The DPO said that the suspects have been transferred to the custody of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Awkuzu.

Mob Lynch Armed Robbery Suspect in Enugu

An armed robbery suspect, Hillary Ugwuanyi, was on April 29 lynched by an angry mob over a failed robbery attack in Enugu. The incident occurred at the robbery victim’s residence in Igbo-Eze North LGA where the suspect and his gang members who are still at large, went for operation. Police spokesperson, Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the incident, adding that other fleeing members of the gang were being trailed by the operatives. Meanwhile, operatives of the Ogui Division of Enugu state command, through the assistance of members of the public, have nabbed two armed robbery suspects that stormed No. 3 Nwosu Terrace on April 30, as the suspects failed in their bid to dispossess residents and passers-by of money and valuables. An eyewitness revealed that the police arrived promptly and arrested one Jackson Jinfah and Chidiebere David. The suspects had sustained severe injuries from the irate mob. The police a taxi colour Golf car, an English-made Barreta pistol without magazine and one locally made double barrel pistol with one live cartridge from the suspect.

Suspected Robbers Crushed on 3rd Mainland Bridge, Others Escape

The rider and a passenger aboard a power bike died on April 29 along the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos, following a collision with a vehicle. An account alleged that the deceased were suspected members of a robbery gang operating on the bridge. Four power bikes, with two passengers on each, had ridden against traffic and were said to have barricaded the Adekunle end of the bridge, while some of the bandits dispossessed motorists of their valuables and cash. Report said an oncoming vehicle, driven by a security agent, refused to stop. In a bid to manoeuvre his way in between the bikes, the vehicle reportedly hit one of the bike that attempted to block him. The impact was said to have flung the two occupants off the bike and were crushed by the vehicle. Other members of the gang reportedly made a quick U-turn, heading towards Alapere.

Police Kill 4 Suspected Cross-Border Armed Robbers

Men of the anti-robbery squad of the Police Command in Ogun State, April 26, killed four suspected cross-border armed robbers in Abeokuta. The suspected robbers were said to have met their waterloo, when they had perfected plans to attack a Bureau De Change, at popular Itoku market. Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the robbers were based in Ghana. Adejobi said the gangs were from different countries like Togo, Benin, Ghana and other African countries. He added that the anti-robbery squad in the state had been working on intelligence, on the activities of the notorious cross-border criminals. The PPRO further said that an officer of the SARS was seriously injured during the cross-fire between the robbers and the police and commended the people of the state for sharing intelligence information with the command.

Gang Incidents

One Killed as Hoodlums Raze Buildings in Ilorin

One person was killed when suspected hoodlums went on rampage and disrupted the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Ilorin, Kwara state on April 25. The miscreants were said to have invaded two mobile courts sitting at different locations in the state capital and disrupted proceedings of those arrested for allegedly flouting the order of staying-at-home to clean their environment during the exercise. It was gathered that the hoodlums were protesting the enforcement of movement restriction by law enforcement agents. In the ensuing melee, one person was reportedly shot while shops, houses and properties worth several millions of naira were set ablaze by the hoodlums. Hoodlums armed with dangerous objects invaded the court sessions at Oja-Oba area and Ipata. Trouble started when a policeman impounded a motorcycle for flouting the order on restriction of movement during the exercise around Oja-Oba area. The motorcycle, it was gathered belongs to one of the leader of the gang popularly known as Ariyo.

Renewed Rival Cult War Claims Five Lives in Edo

Five persons were reportedly killed on April 25 after a violent clash between rival cult groups in Edo State. It was gathered that the recent killing was a reprisal over the killing of a cult member after a disagreement at a polling centre in Benin City, during the March 11, House of Assembly election in the State. A member of the Mafite cult group was said to have been beaten to death during the elections by some Eiye confraternity members. The incident thereafter spread to town as members of Mafite vowed to avenge the assault on their member.

Renewed Cult Clashes Claim 12 Lives in Edo

At least 12 persons have been killed in the wake of renewed cult clashes at different locations in Benin City, Edo state. It was gathered that the clash between members of Eiye confraternity, Black Axe, and Maphite group intensified, recording higher casualties. It was gathered that trouble started after a disagreement over the beating to death of a member at a polling centre in Benin during the April 11 state assembly elections, resulting in a reprisal attack which later spread to other part of the metropolis. The recent killing on April 27 claimed the life of a 27-year-old barber. A 70-year-old wood seller, who witnessed the barber’s death, said the gunmen shot their victim in the head and chest and ensured that he was dead before they left.

Drugs

Police Arrest 60 Ilorin Rampaging youths

The Kwara State Police Command has said that 60 suspects have been arrested in connection with the April 25 civil disturbance at Oja Oba, Agbarere and Ipata areas of Ilorin, Kwara State. This is just as the state police command said it had launched a manhunt for the mastermind of the crisis. Three people were feared killed and properties worth millions of naira destroyed when touts went on rampage in some areas of the state capital. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Okasanmi Ajayi, said the mastermind of the crisis led his gang on a reprisal attack at the family compound of two operatives of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), who were part of the team that raided marijuana smokers’ den at Idi-Ape-Baruba area on April 24. Enraged by the attack on their hideout, the mastermind allegedly led his men to the family residence of the officers, setting many houses and motorcycles ablaze while a number of vehicles were also damaged.

Kenyan, 2 Nigerians Arrested with Drugs at MMIA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), April 28, disclosed that it had arrested a 42-year-old Kenyan female dancer with cocaine weighing 5.345 kilogramme at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. Spokesman of the agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said that the dancer, identified as Samira Johnson, allegedly concealed the narcotics in some school bags, which she claimed was given to her in Bujumbura by a friend to deliver in Nigeria. Two Nigerian auto parts dealers based in Uganda were also caught importing 6.250kg of cocaine and 1.490kg of heroin respectively into the country. He added that all the cases were being investigated. He further urged members of the public to report suspected drug traffickers to the nearest NDLEA office.

NDLEA Arraigns Two for Importing Cocaine

Two men, Gabriel Obi and Ugwu Geofrey, have been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly importing 110 kilogrammes of cocaine. The accused were arraigned by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on two counts bordering on drug trafficking. According to the prosecutor, Ahaji Obiageri, the suspects conspired with one Chimezie Akunna, who is still at large, to commit the offence. The accused were said to have been apprehended by the NDLEA men in January 2011 at the Tin-Can Port, Lagos. They were said to have packaged the illegal substance inside a container and brought it into Nigeria from Bolivia. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court adjourned the trial till June 24, 2015.

NAFDAC Raids Aba Market, Arrests Two, Seals Shops Over Fake Product

Officials of National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, (NAFDAC), April 28, raided the Eziukwu Market in Aba, Abia State. Two traders, who were alleged to be involved in the sale of fake instant cold water starch product, were arrested. The NAFDAC officials from Lagos, in addition to arresting the suspects, also sealed their shops while hundreds of cartons of the fake product worth several millions of Naira were confiscated. Speaking after the operation, the Chief Regulatory Officer, Investigation and Enforcement Directorate of NAFDAC, Uche Uzoma, said his office got information about the faking of the product, which was being manufactured by Cormart at Ilupeju, Lagos, adding that it was based on the strength of the information, that they moved in and raided the Eziukwu Market. He said the agency had spread its dragnet to ensure that the fake products in other markets were confiscated.

NDLEA Arrests Cocaine Dealer, 5 Others in Gombe

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Gombe State has re-arrested a 29-year-old woman, Yabi Ibrahim, with 5.3grammes of cocaine and heroin, and five other drug traffickers. State commandant of the NDLEA, Aliyu Adole, April 30, disclosed that the command re-arrested Ibrahim of Karofin Bolari quarters, Gombe, after she was released on bail by the Federal High Court, Gombe. According to him, the woman was released on bail and she came out started selling cocaine again, while her mother was still in prison awaiting trial. The commandant said that the other five suspects were arrested within a week with 8.9 kilogrammes of cannabis and psychotropic substances.

Maritime

Terrorism

Niger's Military Fights Back After Boko Haram Seizes Lake Chad Island

Boko Haram militants have seized a strategic island in Lake Chad from Niger's army, killing "many" soldiers in the first attack in Niger for weeks, army sources said on April 26. Hundreds of armed fighters from the Islamic militant group, aboard motorised canoes, attacked the island of Karamga at dawn on April, army and government sources said. An army source confirmed that Niger soldiers had been killed in the fighting, adding that a counter-attack to clear the island of militants was still ongoing. Lake Chad's islands, which lie in dense swampland, are an ideal base for mounting surprise attacks on the countries bordering the lake: Chad, Cameroon, Niger and Nigeria.

Boko Haram Attacks Borno Town

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have forced hundreds of soldiers to flee Marte, a border town along the shores of Lake Chad, a local official and witnesses said. Over 2,000 terrorist reportedly stormed the area on April 23 and engaged the soldiers in Kirenowa town and adjoining communities in Marte, a local community leader disclosed. Local fighter Shehu Dan Baiwa said the more than 2,000 fighters had been armed with bombs and tanks. This is the third time Boko Haram has seized control of Marte in restive Borno state, a key battleground of their six-year insurgency, which has killed more than 13,000 and left 1.5 million homeless. The city is among several retaken in recent weeks by Nigeria's military, which has launched an offensive against the Islamists as part of a regional operation supported by Chad, Cameroon and Niger.

Gunmen Kill 4 in Raid on Plateau Village

Gunmen, suspected to be Boko Haram members, April 25, attacked Shonong village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing four people, including two members of the state-owned security outfit, Operation Rainbow. The gunmen, armed with sophisticated weapons, took the villagers by surprise as they were said to have stormed the village at about noon and a response to the distress call sent to Operation Rainbow led to the death of its personnel as the gunmen overpowered and killed two of them. The gunmen made away with rifles seized from men of the security outfit as residents fled the village to Riyom town. Combined security forces, comprising Operation Rainbow and Special Task Force, STF, with about 40 armed men and two armored personnel carriers, have reportedly fled the village.

Fulani Herdsmen Kill 20 in Benue Reprisal Attack

No fewer than 20 persons were feared dead and several others injured in three villages of Mbadwem district of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, after Fulani herdsmen carried out reprisal on April 25. An eyewitness disclosed that the marauders sacked the villages and in the process killed over 10 people, while several others were wounded. The attack, which was said to have been occasioned by the alleged killing of two Fulani herdsmen by some youths in the area left Tse Uosu, Gbudu and branch Umenger completely deserted. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Austin Ezeani, confirmed the crisis by could not confirm the number of deaths. The police spokesman tasked the community to fish out all the bad boys in the area and hand them over to the police for necessary action.

Boko Haram Gunmen Kill 21 in Yobe

Suspected Boko Haram gunmen shot 21 people dead in Yobe State, a local official disclosed on April 27. The men, 21 of them, were stopped at Bultaram village by gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members, who shot them dead, according to an official with the Gujba LGA. The area has been hit by waves of attacks through the six-year Islamist uprising, including a massacre at an agricultural college in 2013 that targeted students sleeping in their dormitories. The military has claimed a series of successes against Boko Haram in an operation launched in February with neighbouring Chad, Cameroun and Niger. Scores of towns previously under rebel control have reportedly been liberated. But community leaders in the embattled region have warned that civilians are still at risk of Islamist attacks, especially those returning to remote areas like Gujba where the military’s deployment has typically been thin.

Over 400 Hundred Corpses Found, Buried in Damasak in Borno

Hundreds of dead bodies were on April 23, found in the north-east town of Damasak, in Borno state. The corpses are feared to be victims of Boko Haram insurgents. Dead bodies were reportedly found in houses, streets and many more in the Damasak River which has dried up. The victims were buried in 20 mass graves on April 25. Mohammed Sadiq, a resident, who helped in the burials, put the death toll at more than 400 but the Borno state government did not state a precise figure, giving a toll of “hundreds”. Troops from Chad and Niger retook Damasak from Boko Haram on March 9 as part of a regional offensive to combat the militants, who captured the town in November last year. A Chadian security source said at the time that some 200 rebel fighters were killed in the offensive as well as 10 soldiers.

Soldiers Foil Boko Haram’s Attacks on Borno Towns

The men of the Nigerian Army have repelled two attacks by the Boko Haram insurgents on Marte and Mafa, two LGAs headquarters in Borno State. Investigations revealed that the soldiers killed many of the terrorists and captured others. The attacks on Marte and Mafa took place on April 24 and 25 respectively and were repelled by the Special Forces on duty. It was further stated that the soldiers seized several weapons, arms and ammunition from the fleeing terrorists. The two council headquarters, which were under the control of the insurgents, were recovered by the Special Forces who also recaptured Bama and Gwoza in March 2015.

Gunmen Attack, Bomb Radio Station in Kogi

Unidentified assailants, April 27, attacked and bombed a local radio station in Kogi State, Tao 101.9 FM, killing five people, including the security personnel guarding the station. The gunmen gained entry into the station through the hilly rear, gunned down the two security men before throwing an explosive into the building housing the station. The report had it that the station was still on fire up till 10p.m. There was no information as to the motive of the gunmen and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The chairman of the Board of Directors of the station, Dr. Tom Adaba and the state Commissioner of Information in the state, Hajiya Zainab O. Suleiman, have confirmed the bombing.

Nigerian Military Rescues 200 Girls, 93 Women from Sambisa Forest

The Nigerian military has rescued about 500 hostages of Boko Haram from the Sambisa forest, the last known enclave of the terrorists. The military, on April 28, rescued 293 women and girls from the forest, and 160 on April 29. The military added that at least three major terrorist camps were destroyed in the well-coordinated attacks that included the destruction of the notorious Tokumbere camp in the Sambisa forest. The Director, Defence Information (DDI), Major-General Chris Olukolade, who confirmed the operation, however stated that he could not confirm the identity of the freed victims until after thorough screening and investigations. Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, disclosed that the troops destroyed and cleared Sassa, Tokumbere and two other camps in the general area of Alafa, all within the Sambisa Forest. Female former hostages have described being subjected to forced-labour, sexual and psychological abuse as well as having to fight on the frontline alongside the rebels. A military source indicated the women were used as human shields and in some cases fired back at soldiers until they were subdued.

Niger Urges Evacuation of Lake Chad as Boko Haram Attacks Leave 74 Dead

Niger authorities have urged people living on islands in Lake Chad to evacuate the areas after an assault by the Boko Haram Islamists, left at least 74 dead, April 25. The governor of Diffa invited people living on the islands in Lake Chad to rejoin the mainland for security reasons. The governor promised that “measures will be taken to ensure their safety and resettlement”.  Diffa is the provincial capital of south-eastern Niger, which borders north-eastern Nigeria, considered the jihadists’ stronghold. Niger has several islands in Lake Chad, a vast body of water between it, Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad, the regular site of deadly Boko Haram raids.  Niger lost at least 46 soldiers and 28 civilians in the Boko Haram attack on the island of Karamga on April 25. Interior Minister Hassoumi Massaoudou added that 156 terrorists were also killed in the assault on an army base on the island, while 32 troops were missing. He said Niger had since retaken control of Karamga.

Political/Government Agencies

Customs Arrest 36 Suspects, Seize N228m Goods

The Nigerian Customs Service, April 28, announced that it had arrested no fewer than 36 suspects in connection with 482 seizures of contraband valued at N228, 906, 100. PUNCH Metro learnt that the suspects were apprehended by the NCS, Federal Operations Unit, Ikeja, Lagos State, between January and April 2015. It was gathered that among the seizures were 8,584 bags of 50 kilogrammes parboiled rice valued at N55m, 86 units of fairly used vehicles valued at N108m and 11,647 cartons of smuggled frozen poultry products valued at N62m. Others were 189 boxes of general goods such as textile materials, foot wears, vegetable oils, insecticides, wines, assorted soaps and noodles. They were valued at N67m. The FOU Public Relations Officer, DSC Ejesieme Uche, who confirmed the arrests and seizures, enjoined the public to always avail customs officers of information useful in tracking down suspected smugglers.

Murder/Assassinations

Man Killed in Fight over Girlfriend

The police in Nasarawa State, April 25, confirmed the killing of one Yusuf Salihu (28) by another man in a fight over a girlfriend in Akwanga LGA of the state. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ismaila Umar-Noman, confirmed the incident, stating that Salihu was allegedly stabbed to death by one Alias Sadam on misunderstanding over a girlfriend. According to him, the police had commenced investigation into the matter as the suspect is on the run. Umar-Noman said that the police had since released the body of the deceased to the family for burial. He also said that normalcy had returned to the area and urged the public to always give vital information to the police in the interest of peace. He warned youths against taking laws in to their hand and advised the public to report their grievances to the appropriate authorities.

Gunmen Kill Newly Elected Community Leader in Delta State

A newly elected member of the executive committee of the Ekpan Community Trust of Ekpan community in Uvwie LGA of Delta State, Abraham Edesiri Olomu, was on April 27, killed by suspected assassins. Olomu was reportedly attacked and killed on his way to the Ekpan Community Town hall, venue of the inauguration of the new executive committee. He was stabbed and then shot by his yet-to-be-identified assailants. The death of the newly elected financial secretary of the community development association, popularly called Comrade Olomu, brought to an abrupt stop the planned inauguration and threw the entire community into confusion and mourning. It was further learnt that a member of the community, identified as Mr Sunday Leleji, reportedly died on receiving news of Olomu's death, apparently out of shock. Delta State Police Command spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, confirmed the incident, saying the police were on the trail of the suspects.

Man Hacks Father to Death in Enugu

Enugu State Police Command is currently investigating the case of a man, who was said to have hacked his father to death at Umuania Umuogboagu in Igboeze North LGA of the state. The command is also investigating the case of another man, who allegedly beat his mother to death. State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ebere Amaraizu, who disclosed these on April 29, stated that the suspect, identified as Chijioke Onyeke, had on April 26 allegedly cut his father in the head with a machete over a yet to be ascertained issue. The suspect had been arrested. The PPRO also announced the arrest of another suspect, identified as Chidi Agbo of Ette Centre in the same LGA for allegedly beating his mother to death over an unidentified reason.

Protesting Pipeline Vandals Kill Pregnant Woman in Ogun

Protesting pipeline vandals went on rampage on April 29 in Arepo area of Ogun State, shooting a pregnant woman dead. The vandals were reportedly protesting the arrest of one of members by security men from Donyx Global Concepts Limited, a company contracted to secure pipelines in the South-West region. Officials of Donyx, acting on a tip-off, stormed the creeks on April 26, while vandals were siphoning petroleum products from a pipeline. One of them was said to have been arrested, while transporting some of the siphoned product out of the vicinity. The vandals, shooting sporadically, returned to the area on April 29 to continue with the illicit act and at the same time called for the release of their colleague. In the process, a stray bullet was said to have hit the pregnant woman, killing her on the spot.

Police Kill Vigilante Head Chasing Robbers

The head of a vigilante group in Benin City, Okhiria Lucia, was mistakenly shot dead by the as he chased armed robbers. The killing of Okhiria sparked up protests along the Ugbowo/Technical road, causing heavy traffic gridlock for several hours. However, resident allege foul play in the killing of the vigilante head. A resident disclosed that the late Okhiria was shot dead by the Police after he had given the robbers a chase and recovered some handsets. Another eyewitness alleged that the deceased was shot repeatedly by police officers after interrogating him. A relative of the deceased described the killing as a deliberate act and called on the state government to ensure that the perpetrators were brought to book. Police spokesman, Stephen Onwuchie, who confirmed the incident on April 30, explained that his men responded to a distress call of a robbery incident and erroneously shot at a man they suspected to be an armed robber because he gave the impression that he was a member of the robbery gang.

Rape

Teenager Abducts, Rapes Two-Year-Old Girl

A two-year-old girl was, April 16, raped by one Azeez Ganiyu (16), after she was abducted from her residence at Ijora Badia in Lagos State. The girl was abducted after mother left her in a room with a neighbour to buy food. It was gathered that 16-year-old Ganiyu abducted the girl when she walked outside to play with other children. He reportedly took her to an uncompleted building where he raped her. It was learnt that the toddler’s mother and neighbours were thrown into confusion when they did not see the girl in the surroundings. The girl was found after her mother heard her cry and traced the voice to the uncompleted building, where she allegedly met Ganiyu committing the crime. Precious was said to have been taken to a hospital where it was medically confirmed that she had been raped. The police subsequently arraigned Ganiyu before an Apapa Magistrate’s Court on one count of rape. The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty before the presiding magistrate, Mr. P.A. Adekomaya. The case was adjourned till May 5, 2015.

Policeman Arrested for Raping Minor

The Police in Kano have arrested a serving policeman, Corporal Sani Salisu, for allegedly raping a minor. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Magaji Majiya, May 1, stated that Salisu was arrested for luring and taking advantage of a seven-year-old girl inside a kiosk. It added that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Idris, had directed that the case be transferred immediately to State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation. A statement by the PPRO urged members of the public to remain calm and report any suspicious person or activity to the appropriate authority for prompt action.

Others

Police Recover Guns, Ammunition Inside Secondary School

Kogi State Police Command said it has recovered some arms and ammunition from a secondary school, in Adavi LGA of the State. The State Commissioner of Police, Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, who disclosed this to on April 24, said the guns and other weapons were hidden inside the ceiling of one of the classrooms of the secondary school. He said the police were able to recover the weapons after a tip-off from an informant who revealed that some hoodlums have been visiting the school for a while. Ogunjemilusi revealed that the police were stunned to find out that two AK47 rifles, 4000 rou0nds of live ammunition, cutlasses, charms and other dangerous weapon were hidden inside classroom ceiling. The command also paraded 30 suspects who were arrested for different offences of kidnapping, armed-robbery, culpable homicide amidst other crimes. He stated that the command also recovered three stolen vehicles, three AK 47 rifles, six locally made pistols, cartridges, IED explosives and detonators, cutlasses, ammunition, charms from the suspects as well as the rescue of seven kidnapped victims.

Ondo Bans Local Gin as Casualties Rise to 23

The Ondo state government, April 25, said the total number of deaths recorded at Ayadi and Ode-Irele towns in Irele LGA of the State was 23. The Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Dayo Adeyanju, who disclosed this, announced the ban of the local gin popularly called ‘ogogoro’ which had been identified as the cause of the death, earlier linked to strange disease. Adeyanju also announced that two of those that were hospitalised had regained their sight and had returned home. The outcome of the preliminary investigations had revealed that victims developed the ailment after consuming local gin with methanol poison. The commissioner said one of those that had regained his sight said he did not take much of the drink but only a sip. The commissioner said the government and other stakeholders would embark on sensitisation programme on this policy and any person or group of persons that contravened the policy would be prosecuted.

Police Arrest Impostors in FCT

As part of the determination to combat crimes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja and its environs, the police command has arrested notorious fraudsters and impersonators who operate in the city. Parading the suspects, the FCT Police Commissioner, Wilson Inalegwu, said some of the suspects were assisting the police in their investigations and they would be arraigned in court as soon as investigations were concluded. In a statement by the spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, ASP Anjuguri J. Manzah, some of the suspects paraded included Tanko Gimba, who specialised in issuing fake letters of appointments to unsuspecting members of the public. He had so far defrauded job applicants to the tune of five million naira with the promise of offering them employment in Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

5 INEC Officials Arrested for Thumb-Printing Ballot Papers

Five ad hoc officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Imo State were on April 25 arrested for thumb-printing ballot papers in the governorship re-run election in the state. The officials were arrested at Omuma Primary School in Oru East LGA. The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr Gabriel Ada, who confirmed the arrest, said that the officials were already in police custody. Ada said the ad hoc workers connived with agents of a political party to thumb-print ballot papers leading to their arrest. In the same vein, the election has been cancelled in Ozuh Primary School, Omuma following the arrest of 25 persons claiming to be INEC officials by military men.

Urhobo Group Claims Responsibility for Damaged Gas Trunk Lines

An Urhobo militant group, Urhobo Gbagbako, April 29, claimed responsibility for two explosions that rocked two major gas trunk lines belonging to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), in Ughelli North and Ughelli South LGAs of Delta State. Spokesman of the Urhobo Gbagbako, Priest Omodjuvwu, said that the explosions were in protest against those he called “traitors” the NPDC had continued to send to Urhoboland in a bid to manipulate their unsuspecting and once peaceful communities. President General of Afiesere community, Emmanuel Shikaleke, confirmed the damage on the trunk lines by the actions of the militants.

Review/Analysis

Terrorism which took a downward plunge last week, has taken an upward plunge as the activities of the notorious terrorist sect, Boko Haram, took yet another twist with the killing and looting of the innocents, as several communities were besieged. The sect struggles to withstand the well coordinator plan, executed with precision by the Nigerian troops. Families in the north-east, have heaved sigh of relief as they get reunited with their loved ones, as the military has rescued over 700 women and children held captive by the sect. However, some families could not celebrate as the rescued captives tell of how some women were stoned to death by fleeing sect members in the wake of the military invasion of the dreaded Sambisa forest
Kidnap/hostage cases remain high, though some victims are still held hostage but the police, once again were exceptional with the arrest of gang leaders and other suspects, while in pursuit of other suspects.  The south-south and south-west recorded more of these incidents.
Few cases of robbery here and there but the police was once again successful with major arrests and some killings on suspects that opened fire on them. However, some of the armed robbers escaped with bullets wounds.
Murder/assassination which had been on the rise in recent weeks, took a downward plunge with few incidents on record. The south-west region was the centre of these cruel acts.
Government security agencies have continually urged residents to remain alert to their environment and identify threats, strange behaviour or movement, which should be promptly reported to the appropriate authorities for investigation.
Villeworth maintains her call for all to see safety and security as priority. Everyone is involved.