Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 23

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	12
2	Robbery	7
3	Gang	1
4	Drugs	1
5	Maritime Incidents
6	Terrorism	11
7	Political/Government Agencies	3
8	Murder/Assassinations	10
9	Rape Incidents	3
10	Others	6
	Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Police, Local Hunters Rescue 11 Kidnap Victims in Ekiti

Eleven kidnap victims, who were abducted at various locations within Ekiti State in recent weeks, were, May 23, rescued by security agencies. The victims were rescued by combined forces of the Police and local vigilant group at Esure Ekiti in Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA of the State. The traditional ruler of Esure, Oba Adebanji Ajibola, who recounted how they were freed at his palace in Esure Ekiti, said the local hunters had located the kidnappers’ den through a tip-off from a woman, who complained that she saw a suspected armed man in the bush. The rescued victims include: Mrs. Yemi Abiola; Mrs. W.A. Abiola; Dr. Folasade Alade from Ekiti State University; Dr. Kikelomo Adegun from EKSU; and Mrs. Foluke Ayeni, amongst others. Governor Ayodele Fayose commended the Police Commissioner, Etop John James and the Director of the State Security Service, Duke Fubara, for the breakthrough. The Governor told the security agencies to step up intelligence gathering with intention to get the perpetrators arrested.

Two Kidnappers Arrested in Osun

Detectives from Osun State Police Command have arrested two kidnappers suspected to be terrorising the people of Osogbo, Osun State Capital. The suspects; Ayo Sunday (26) and Dare Ojo (20) were arrested at their hideout at Ilesa, after the police successfully rescued their victim; Semowo Abayomi (35). Police Commissioner, Abubakar Marafa confirmed the incident on May 23. A Mazda 323 saloon car, a pump action gun and a cutlass were recovered from the kidnappers. The Police Commissioner disclosed that the victim was kidnapped on May 17 and his wife quickly reported the incident to the police. The CP maintained that immediately the policemen were alerted, the detectives swung into action while the kidnappers had demanded for N1.5million as ransom. The Commissioner said that no ransom was paid to the kidnappers when the victims were rescued.

Police Nab Suspected Kidnappers In Aba, Recover Car, Firearms

Policemen from Aba Area Command, Abia State, have arrested suspected members of a kidnapping gang terrorizing residents of Imo State. The suspects, Obinna Mbah, and Uche Frank, were alleged to have been involved in the kidnap of one Rev. Fr. Philip Ejimadu in Imo State. Vanguard gathered that the two suspects had driven a Nissan SUV, property of a Catholic priest, to Aba and were about selling it to a buyer, identified as Haruna (now at large), when luck ran out on them. A police source said men of Abayi Division, acting on a tip-off, arrested Mbah and Frank and recovered the vehicle, adding that both the vehicle and the suspects had been handed over to the anti-kidnapping team of Imo State Police Command. In a related development, men of the D7 Unit, State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, have also arrested one Theodore Osuji for allegedly being in possession of a G3 rifle and live ammunition, and planning to sell them.

Woman, Daughter kidnapped in Ibadan

A gang of suspected kidnappers has abducted one Mrs Opeyemi Adeniran and her daughter, Oyinkansola, in their residence in Ibadan, Oyo State capital on May 22. Neighbours of the victims said the abductors came in the night and took the victims away in a Volkswagen Golf car. Relatives of the victims have begged the police and the public to help in ensuring their quick release.

Residents Nab Suspected Kidnappers Posing As Policemen

Two suspected kidnappers would have been lynched in the Odoyanta, Ijebu Ode area of Ogun State on May 24 for allegedly kidnapping a fish farmer. It was learnt that the fish farmer, Kowope, was attacked in his farm by the suspects, who wielded cutlasses and charms. They had told their victim that they were policemen. However, Kowope was said to have demanded the ‘officers’ ID cards, which reportedly led to a fight. The suspected kidnappers, said to be three, reportedly overpowered Kowope and tied his legs with a chain. A resident, who heard the noisy exchange in the bush, was said to have alerted policemen from the Igbeba division, while another boy reportedly ran to alert other fish farmers in the area. The people mobilised and rounded up two of the suspects, while the third escaped but was later apprehended. The suspects were believed to be working for a woman in the community, known as Iyalode. The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the arrest.

Kidnappers of Bayelsa Women Demand N50m as Ransom

The kidnappers of Patience Egbeni and Kate Eni, cousins to President Goodluck Jonathan, have reportedly demanded N50 million as ransom for their release. The victims were kidnapped on May 20 at Akipelai in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State. The kidnappers were said to have contacted their families five days after their abduction demanding a ransom of N50 million to set them free. Police Public Relations Officer, Butswat Asinim, who denied knowledge of the ransom demand, stated that security agencies were making efforts to free them.

Gunmen Kidnap Kogi High Court Judge, Kills Orderly

Gunmen, May 25, kidnapped a Kogi High Court Judge, Justice Samuel Obayomi, and killed his police orderly, Usman Musa. Obayomi was kidnapped while on his way to work. His driver, Ajayi Kolawole, disclosed described the kidnappers as heavily armed, unmasked and wearing dark glasses. Kolawole said that the kidnappers opened fire on the orderly killing him on the spot. The Police Area Commander at Okene, Kehinde Kolawole, said the driver had been detained to help in police investigations. The kidnappers have reportedly demanded N150 million as ransom for his release.

Two Expatriates, One Nigerian Kidnapped at NDDC Construction Site

Two expatriates and one Nigerian staff of Okmas Nigeria Limited have been kidnapped by unidentified gunmen at a construction site belonging to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Patani, Delta State. In a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, the Public Relations Manager of Okmas Nigeria Limited, Owhondah Ebere, listed the abducted staff as Sari Naser Karin, a Syrian and Tarek Maroun, a Lebanese while the Nigerian was identified simply as Sahara. He disclosed that the workers were kidnapped on May 20 at the construction site. He expressed concern that the whereabouts of the kidnapped workers were still unknown about five days after their abduction. Ebere stated that the gunmen, numbering about seven, all armed with AK-47 rifles and dressed in military attires, stormed the project site and whisked away the three staff to an unknown destination. He said the company was yet to be contacted by the abductors.

Police Arrest Two Suspected Kidnappers in Ekiti

The Ekiti State Police Command, May 26, arrested two suspected kidnappers, who have been terrorising the state. State governor, Ayo Fayose disclosed that the suspects were arrested alongside a woman believed to be the wife of one of the kidnappers, by the police between Ikere and Iju. He further said a manhunt has been launched for the remaining five to six kidnappers. Fayose, noted that the three people who accommodated them were also arrested. He reiterated the readiness of government to reward anyone one who could provide useful information leading to arrest of kidnappers and armed robbers. Fayose further advised people of the state particularly residents of Atikankan and Bata areas of the state capital, considered as the hideouts of criminals, to report any suspected person to the police. He also warned security personnel who have been serving as informants to the criminals to desist from such acts, saying whoever is caught will face severe consequences.

Nasarawa Police Confirm Abduction of Girl, 4

The Nasarawa State Police Command, May 27, confirmed the abduction of a four-year-old girl at her school in Masaka, Nasarawa State. Police Public Relations Officer, Ismaila Umar-Noman, said the abductors on May 15 kidnapped the little girl from her school, Pilot Science School, Masaka in the Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. The statement said the kidnappers took away the child, while she was playing with other pupils during break at the school premises. It explained that at the time the girl was taken away, she was wearing a yellow T-shirt bearing the name of her school. The police appealed to anyone with information on the girl to contact the nearest police station or call the command on: 081-269-26-80. It also appealed to members of the public to always give useful information to policemen to assist them in combating criminal activities in the state.

Police Arrest Kidnappers in Ogun State

The Police in Ogun state, May 27, announced the arrest of a 5-man gang of kidnappers. Police spokesman said the men of the command arrested the gang of kidnappers for allegedly abducting a man, who had just returned to the country. Adejobi said the members of the gang were arrested on May 26 at Ita-Marun, Ijebu Ode, by SARS operatives. He identified the suspects as Ganiyu Olaiya, Segun Makanjuola, Bisi Akinleye and Bayo Adekunle. He said the fifth member of the gang lost his life during an exchange of fire with the police. He said three members of the gang claimed to be Christian clerics. He added that the fourth member of the syndicate pretended to be a herbalist, adding that they deceived their victim with an offer of spiritual assistance. He said the police recovered one locally-made pistol and one jeep from the suspects.

Abducted Woman Escapes from Kidnappers Den
…Police Arrest 7 Suspects

A woman, Caroline Botosa, abducted in Warri, Delta State, on April 15, has escaped from her kidnappers, while police have arrested seven suspected members of the kidnap gang. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, disclosed that the victim had escaped. Operatives of the anti-robbery section swung into action and arrested one of the suspects on Adjaro Street, Ughelli, in connection with the crime, and also recovered the hoodlums’ operational vehicle, a Vento car. She said police also recovered Botosa’s car, while investigation into the case further led to the arrest of six other suspected members of the gang. Kalu added that police gunned down a robbery suspect at a shop at Old Lagos Road, Owa-Oyibu, near Agbor, on May 19 after the hoodlums opened fire on the police.

Robbery

Robber Arrested on Wedding Day in Ibadan

A suspected member of a notorious robbery gang, Olumide Asiyanbi, has been arrested by the Oyo State police command while exchanging marital vows at a marriage registry in Ibadan. Asiyanbi, who confessed to being an armed robber, said he joined the gang a year ago and that he had taken part in 10 robbery operations during which he fired gun shots at their victims but did not kill anyone. He was suspected be a member of a six-man-robbery gang who operated in Challenge area of Ibadan on April 23, 2015. The state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Katsina, said the robbers, which included a 62-year-old Ghanaian, had terrorised many residents of the area with guns and other weapons. The Ghanaian, Joseph Mate, said he was a security man in Ajibade area of Ibadan and that he had been living in Nigeria for many years. The commissioner said all the suspects would be charged to court.

Students Protest Seven Robbery Attacks in LUTH

Students of the College of Medicine of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, May 24, trooped out to protest against incessant robbery attacks on the campus. The protest started after the robbers unleashed another attack on some students in the early hours of May 24 at a mosque, where they usually study overnight. It was learnt that the incident made it the seventh time that students of the institution would be raided by armed robbers in three months. It was learnt that the robbers, who were armed with knives, machetes, among other weapons, dispossessed students of valuables, including money, laptops, phones, IPods and IPads. It was also gathered that some students sustained injuries during the incident. A 300–level student, who identified himself simply as Olamide, said a victim had run to the school security officials to alert them to the incident, but was detained. He added that they were angered by the nonchalant attitude of the security officials and policemen attached to a police post on the school premises.

Robbers Attack Owerri Catholic Church

Armed robbers, May 24, attack the Parish Priest of St. Mulumba’s Catholic Parish, Owerri, Rev. Fr. George Ahamefula. The armed robbers stormed the Parish Rectory and stole valuables and cash. Fr. Ahamefula disclosed that the hoodlums stormed the Rectory at about 3am and operated unhindered after they gained entry into the Rectory through one of the windows at the rear of the house. According to the Priest, he was startled from his sleep, when he heard the huge bang on his door. The priest said the robbers collected his wrist watches, phones and all other valuables they fancied. The cleric said he reported the incident to the police, who had also visited the scene.

Robbers Kill Imam, Raid Houses In Ogun

Armed robbers have attacked the Onihale area in the Ifo LGA of Ogun State during which they raided houses and killed an Imam. It was gathered that the Imam, Alhaji Isiaka Koleosho, was the Imam at the Onihale Central Mosque on Harmony Avenue in the area. He was reportedly shot in the head by the robbers on April 21. It was learnt that the gunmen, who were said to have stormed the area on motorcycles, attacked three community development areas. It was learnt that the robbers also raided the area on May 4. Another victim of the robbery, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he had taken his family away from the area until security was strengthened. The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Muyiwa Adejobi, said the police were investigating to know if it was a case of armed robbery or assassination.

Police Nab Robbery suspects in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has announced the arrest of five suspected members of a robbery gang that laid siege on Ijanikin area on May 24. One of the robbery suspects, 25-year-old Ajayi Solomon, said that he went into armed robbery because his parents were late and he needed to take care of his siblings. Apart from Solomon, the other suspects arrested are Momodu Williams, 19, Kazeem Ganiyu, 19, Seun Ariyo, 20, and Elijah Dada, 19. The gang, which is said to have about 40 members, allegedly robbed residents and commuters in Ketu, Iyana Era, Alasia, Morogbo areas and environs. The Anti-Robbery Squad from the Ijanikin Police Division, which received a distress call, was said to have attacked the gang and apprehended five of them.

Police Arrest Robbers, Recover Arms, Stolen Property

The anti–crime patrol team in Agbarho, Ughelli North LGA of Delta State, May 26, arrested suspected armed robbers and recovered some stolen property. Police public relations officer in the state, Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the arrest of the suspects, said the anti-crime patrol team, while on routine duties along the road, received a distress call from a woman, and when the officers reached her, she told the team that she was robbed at a gunpoint by two boys. The patrol team gave the suspects a chase and arrested them in the bush. It was gathered that woman was able to identify her ATM and money. The suspects, Gabriel Jonathan, 25, and Igbevwiare Ogheneroro, 26, confessed to the crime. Kalu further disclosed that a cut-to-size single barrel gun, two live cartridges, ATM cards and the sum of N5, 650 were recovered from the suspects. According to Kalu, the suspects would be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

Police Nab 70-Year-Old, Son for Robbery

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 70-year-old woman, her son and two others for alleged armed robbery in Abeokuta. The septuagenarian and the gang were said to have been terrorising Abeokuta before their arrest by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The suspects are Moninola Lateef, 70; her son, Modiu Lateef, Wale Okukenu, and Fatai Osho. Police spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the suspects had been on the wanted list of the police and were eventually arrested on May 26. The septuagenarian was arrested along with the gang members for allegedly assisting her 35-year-old son, Modiu, who sustained gunshot injuries during an operation, to get treatment from a herbalist. Adejobi said a locally- made pistol was recovered from the members of the robbery gang.

Gang Incidents

One dead, Several Injured as OPC, Cultists Clash in Ibadan

Members of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) Vigilance Group and some cult members, May 24, engaged in a bloody clash at Apete in Ido LGA of Oyo State, leaving at least one person dead and others seriously injured. It was gathered that the violence was the aftermath of a perennial crisis that had existed between rival groups of OPC. It was further gathered that some OPC men came from Bere area of Ibadan to demand that those at Apete stop operating under the umbrella of the real OPC, leading to a heated argument that degenerated into a bloody clash. The Oyo State Chairman of OPC, Alhaji Adeagbo, said that the crisis had been on for a while. Police spokesman, Adekunle Ajisebutu, assured that the police had provided adequate security in the area to forestall any further outbreak of law and order.

Drugs

Lagos Trader, 21, Bags 5 Years For Illicit Drug

A Federal High Court in Lagos, May 26, sentenced a 21-year-old petty trader, Okechukwu Anekwe, to five years imprisonment for dealing in hemp. Anekwe had pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of illicit drug. Justice Okon Abang, who handed down the verdict, said the court had no option than to sentence Anekwe since he had pleaded guilty to the charge. Abang also ordered that the bulk of the drug be returned to the prosecution for destruction. The judge had convicted Anekwe after the review of the facts of the case as provided by the prosecutor, Mr Orji Kalu, an officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Kalu told the court that Anekwe committed the offence. According to him, the accused was caught by a team of NDLEA officers selling hemp. The items were admitted in evidence as exhibits.

Maritime

Terrorism

Boko Haram in Deadly Maiduguri Raid

Boko Haram fighters killed several people and destroyed dozens of homes in a raid on a town in northeast Nigeria’s Borno state, residents disclosed on May 24. Scores of insurgents stormed the town of Gubio on May 23 and killed many people, leaving half of the town burnt. Another resident, Adam Kakami, said the attackers, who were dressed in military uniform, withdrew after six hours, during which residents took refuge in the bushes around. Civilian vigilante Babagana Gunda predicted a high death toll as the Boko Haram insurgents operated unchallenged.

Military Kills Boko Haram Commander Carrying Foreign Currency – DHQ

Troops of the Nigerian Army have found a large amount of Euro on a terrorist commander, who was killed during an encounter with the insurgents at Mafa, near Nigeria’s border with Cameroon. The Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, said that the Boko Haram Commander was killed when the Special Forces repelled an attack by the insurgents on Mafa on May 23. Olukolade said the terrorist, who was a member of the highest Amir cadre of the Boko Haram, was among 30 terrorists, who were killed in the Mafa battle. The Defence spokesman said several other militants fled the scene of battle with bullet wounds. He added that the soldiers also captured a number of arms and ammunition, tubes of Rocket Propelled Grenades, a buffalo vehicle and other equipment from the insurgents. He stated further that the troops had commenced a mopping up operation while the battle against the insurgents was continuing in several fronts in the operation.

43 Persons Killed in Boko Haram Attack on Borno

At least 43 persons were, May 23, killed in an attack on Gubio, a community in Borno State by Boko Haram insurgents, sources reveal. A group of Boko Haram militants, in about six Hilux vehicles, attacked Gubio and set houses ablaze. The source also disclosed that the Islamists militants parked food items belonging to the locales as “some of their fighters were busy shooting residents.” A leader of the vigilante group in the town, Bukar Mandama said five Boko Haram members were killed even as he appealed to the authorities to help with surveillance vehicles to safeguard the people.

Niger Extends Emergency Powers in Boko Haram Endemic Areas

The government of Niger Republic, May 27, announced that it had extended for three months the state of emergency in its southeastern Diffa region where the army has been battling Boko Haram militants since February 2015. Daouda Malam Marthe, first vice president of parliament, who announced this, described the prolongation of the state of emergency as a necessity. The emergency declaration, which parliament voted in favour of on May 26, also gives security forces additional powers including the ability to order searches of homes day or night. Niger, Chad and Cameroon have since February helped Nigerian troops push Boko Haram out of towns and territories the militants had captured in an effort to create a hardline Islamic state in northeast Nigeria. Niger’s Interior Minister Hassoumi Massaoudou told the National Assembly that Boko Haram militants are still present in Diffa, which borders Nigeria.

Boko Haram Kills 10 in Adamawa

The Chairman of Madagali LGA of Adamawa State, Maina Ularamu, May 24, confirmed the killing of 10 persons by the Boko Haram insurgents, who stormed Kwamda-Kobla village. According to him, the attackers slaughtered their victims, adding that the rate at which the insurgents were attacking the people has given cause for concern. He said members of vigilantes had gone after the attackers before they escaped to their hideouts in the surrounding villages. “The village is five kilometers from Gulak town but there is no security presence there as soldiers are deployed in Madagali and Gulak only. When vigilantes went after the militants, they escaped to their hideout in the area,” he said. He called on the people to remain calm as the military and members of the vigilante group are making effort to change their approach to the fight against the insurgents in the areas. Ularamu said all hopes are not lost as he believed in the competence of the military to cordon the area and protect lives and property.

Military Kill Scores of Terrorists in Sambisa

Nigerian military forged ahead in the ongoing offensive operations in the North-east, killing scores of the terrorists in an assault on their bases at the weekend. As a result, about 20 women and children were rescued on the process from the fleeing terrorists. The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, May 23, said several of the terrorists’ weapons and equipment perished after the encounter. Olukolade confirmed that over 10 soldiers were wounded, while one died following explosions of land mines along the routes of advance. He disclosed that some equipment were also damaged or affected by the detonation of land mines in several points in the forest. The wounded soldiers have also been moved out for necessary treatment. The Defence Spokesman also disclosed that the two major ammunition dumps maintained by the terrorists in the forest were also destroyed, along with the four additional terrorists’ camps that were smashed in the operation of May 22.

Zamfara Police Command Nabs 27 Terror Suspects

The Zamfara State police command has arrested 27 suspected members of a terror group, including two notorious killers, who allegedly organized the recent murder of many people in Gusau metropolis The state police commissioner, Olufemi David, May 25, confirmed that 15 of the suspects were identified as active members of the terror group, Ya’n Sara Suka syndicate. He disclosed that two of the arrested suspects, Kwande and one Tilli mai Manjagara, had been on the wanted list as notorious leaders of the terror group. The police commissioner also disclosed that a suspected Indian hemp dealer in the state, Sani Hamza, was also arrested in possession of some of the substance. He said the suspects were arrested on May 22 during a specially organised operation to rid the state of frequent attacks and killing of innocent citizens by the terror group.

100 Massacred by Suspected Fulani Herders in Benue

Suspected Fulani herdsmen, May 24, attacked Ukura, Gafa, Per and Tse-Gusa in Ukemgbiraghia Twarev Ward, Logo LGA of Benue State killing over 100 persons. According to a resident of one of the communities, the suspected Fulani herdsmen, dressed in military uniforms, attacked the communities with sophisticated weapons, shooting anyone on sight including women and children. Some of the communities attacked were host to internally displaced persons (IDPs) from previous attacks by the herdsmen. The incident drew condemnation from the paramount ruler of the area, Tor Sankera, Chief Terkura Suswam, who described the attacks as unfortunate. He said he was collaborating with other traditional rulers in the area and the Fulani herdsmen with a view to finding lasting solutions to the problem. The Benue State Police Commissioner, Hyacinth Dagala, said only four persons were confirmed killed and that some people were speculating that over 20 to 25 persons were killed.

3 Bomb Makers Nabbed In Gombe

The military has disclosed that the cordon and search operation conducted by troops in Gombe has led to the arrest of three bomb-making experts. The arrested persons are suspected to be members of the terrorist Boko Haram group in search of soft targets for attack after being dislodged from their strongholds in Sambisa Forest and other enclaves. Military spokesman, Major-General Chris Olukolade, May 28, listed items recovered from them to include a tricycle and materials for making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation. He advised members of the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious movement around them.  He further assured that the military was poised to ensure that the ongoing operations were duly aligned with security arrangement nationwide.

Bomber Kills 6 at Borno Wedding

The Borno Police Command, May 29, disclosed that six persons were killed by a suicide bomb attack at the venue of a wedding ceremony in Tashan Alade in the Hawul LGA of Borno State. According to the state Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Opadokun, 30 other people were injured during the attack. The police commissioner added that the police had commenced investigations into the issue. Opadokun said, however, that the inauguration of Governor Kashim Shettima for a second term in office in Maiduguri was peaceful.

Chadian Army Kills 33 Islamists in Clash

A clash between Chad’s army and Boko Haram on a Lake Chad island has killed four soldiers and 33 Islamists, a military spokesman said on May 29. Boko Haram had on May 27, attacked Chadian forces in Choua, military spokesman, Colonel Azem Bermandoa Agouna, disclosed. According to him, the Chadian army violently repelled the attack and killed 33 Boko Haram members and recovered several light arms and anti-tank grenades.

Political/Government Agencies

Buhari is Sworn-in as President of Nigeria

General Muhammadu Buhari, winner of the March 28 Presidential election, was on May 29, sworn in as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The outgoing president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, handed over the constitution and national flags to the Buhari, who was sworn in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmoud Mohammed at about 10.51am. In his inaugural address, President Buhari, pledged to be a president for all, stating emphatically “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody”. He vowed to tackle the militant Islamist group “head on”.

Policemen Arrested Over Illegal Checkpoint In Lagos

The Inspector General of Police Special Task Force Policemen, May 24, arrested two policemen, who were part of a squad that had mounted illegal checkpoint at Okota area of Lagos State. While the duo was arrested, others took to their heels, shooting into the air to clear the way for their escape in a bid to evade arrest by men of the Special Task Force. The visiting policemen, as gathered, were members of the 16 teams deployed nationwide by the IGP, Solomon Arase, to enforce the ban on road block and illegal checkpoints nationwide.

Jang, Uduaghan, Shettima Pardon Prisoners

Governors of Plateau, Delta and Borno States, Jonah Jang, Emmanuel Uduaghan and Kashim Shettima, on May 28, ordered the release of some prisoners in their respective states to mark the May 29th Democracy Day. This action is in exercise of the power conferred on state governors by Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and was carried out after due consultation with the state’s Advisory Council on prerogative of mercy.

Murder/Assassinations

Gunmen Sack Market, Kill 6 in Benue
…As Police Arrest Assassins, Cultists

Gunmen, May 22, raided Joota market at the border town between Katsina Ala LGA of Benne and Taraba State killing six persons. This is coming as the police arrested 32 suspected cultists, assassins and some armed robbers, prompting the Commissioner of Police in the state, Hyacinth Dagala to warn criminal elements to keep off the state or be made to face the full weight of the law. According to an eye witnesses, the heavily armed men on arriving at the location, opened fire on the marketers killing six persons while several others sustained various degree of injuries. Dagala also disclosed that two suspected cultists were, on May 26, hacked to death by rival cult members at the Welfare Quarters area of Makurdi town. The duo were waylaid in their homes and killed in the presence of their family members. He said the police had intensified its activities to rid the state of cultist who had posed serious danger to lives and properties in the state. Meanwhile the state Police command have arrested Terrungwa Gbermke and his gang suspected to have killed the Assistant Superintendent of Police , ASP, Baba Ibrahim.

Student Stabbed to Death in Cell Phone Squabble

A 21-year-old student, Mohammed Abubakar Nagenu, was on May 22 stabbed to death by some hoodlums in Sango area of Minna, Niger State. The hoodlums about five in number, and all teenagers, wielded knives and requested him to hand them his cell phone. It was gathered that he gave them his phone as requested but begged for his Sims cards, a demand which irked the hoodlums and they stabbed him till he died. An eyewitness disclosed that the youths are notorious for forcefully collecting phones from passersby and have remained unpunished. The case, he said, had been reported to the Chanchaga police division and three of the boys known to his family were arrested.

Man Kills Girlfriend over Custody of Baby

An ex-vigilante boss, simply identified as Uche, has been arrested for allegedly killed his girlfriend over a new born baby. The suspect had demanded custody of his baby without paying her mother’s bride price and her parents refused to release the baby. When the parents of the girl asked him to pay the bride price to formalize the marriage, he allegedly brought out a gun and shot the girl in the chest and fled. The DPO of Central Police Station, Onitsha, Isa Abubakar, May 24, said the suspect had been arrested and investigation was ongoing before the suspect is charged to court.

23 Benue Villagers Killed In Fresh Attack

About 23 people were reportedly killed when suspected Fulani herdsmen allegedly invaded villages in Logo LGA of Benue State. The nomadic Fulani have been blamed for waves of attacks on largely agrarian groups, with tensions high over access to land and other basic rights. The state police spokesman, Austin Ezeani, who confirmed the incident on May 26, said the motive for the latest attack had not yet been established, adding that officers had been deployed to the targeted villages.

Man Stabs Friend to Death in Ondo

The police in Ondo state have declared one Friday Eniba wanted following his alleged killing of his friend, Seun Ajalami in Iwaro Oka-Akoko area of the state. Police Public Relations Officer, Wole Ogodo, May 26, stated that the suspect fled immediately after the offence was committed. According to the police image maker, the deceased and the suspect had a misunderstanding on the previous day. He added that the suspect later invited the deceased to a private place on the fateful day where another argument occurred between them. He said the suspect stabbed his friend with the knife and also cut his throat before he ran away. It was learnt that the deceased was rushed to a hospital in the town where he died.

Suspected Cultists Kill Polytechnic Student

Suspected cultists have clubbed a student of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Omokoleola Agoro, to death. It was learnt that the cultists ambushed Agoro after a function in his father’s house in the Ita Alapo area of the town on May 26, and attacked him with clubs till he became unconscious. Agoro was lured out of his father’s compound with the phone call before the assailants killed him. It was gathered that the matter was reported at the Obalende Police Division in Ijebu Ode. Agoro was rushed to the Hospital, where he later died. The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident. He added that investigations were ongoing on the matter.

Footballer Kills Mechanic in Lagos

Disagreement over age difference has led to the death of a mechanic, Moruf Sanni, in the Yaba area of Lagos State. Moruf and a resident, identified as Somebody, had first fought on May 24 over age difference as Somebody claimed to be older than Moruf, while the 23-year-old victim said he was older and deserved to be respected by the former. But on May 25, Somebody allegedly invited one Jacob to beat up the victim and teach him a lesson. Jacob, a 20-year-old footballer, was said to have accosted the victim and stabbed him several times in the neck and head until he died. The Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident. He added that the matter had been transferred to the State Department of Criminal Investigations.

Woman Stabs 3-Year-Old Son to Death

A woman at Otta in Ado-Odo LGA of Ogun State has been arrested for stabbing her 3-year-old son to death. The woman, identified as Funmilayo Adeyanju, allegedly stabbed her child, Emmanuel, several times on the head and other parts of the body with a knife. The child, it was gathered, was a product of an alleged incestuous relationship between the woman and her father. Police spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident as he disclosed that the woman, who was immediately arrested, had been acting strangely like a person of unsound mind. The police would carry out proper investigation. According to him, the police would have to seek the help of an expert to know her mental state.

Tricycle Driver Kills Friend, 18

An 18-year-old youth, Emmanuel Jacob, was on May 18, killed by his friend, Benjamin Igheneorvo, at Alapere, Lagos State. A fight had ensued between the deceased and Ogheneorvo, over initiation into Eiye cult group. Benedict, a tricycle driver, was said to have stabbed Emmanuel, which ultimately led to his death. The 22-year-old suspect disclosed that he and Emmanuel had gone to a bar for a drink when Emmanuel, who had invited him to join the cult, brought up the subject again. He stated that his refusal caused Emmanuel anger, and a fight ensued. The 40-year-old mother of the deceased, who gave her name as Mary Jacob, debunked Benedict’s claim. She alleged that her son had always told her about Benedict’s efforts to lure him into the Eiye cult group. She maintained her son was never a cultist.

Gunmen Kill 5 Bus Passengers in Rivers in Sporadic Shooting

Five persons were, May 28, killed around Kpopie junction in Gokhana LGA of Rivers State as gunmen opened fire on a passenger vehicle. A source said the border crisis between two communities, Deeyor and Deeken, could have been responsible for the incident. Deeken and Deeyor villages had been at war over a border land around Kpopie junction. The Police confirmed the killing. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Muhammed, said those who fired the shots were on a motorbike. Residents of Port Harcourt have urged the government of Nyesom Wike to give special attention to security of lives and property in Rivers State. They flayed incidents of cult-related killings in the state, saying urgent steps should be taken to address the issue.

Rape

Police, Community in Manhunt for Man Who Raped Three Minors

The Police and the residents of Omojoda Community in the Ikorodu area of Lagos have launched a manhunt to apprehend a middle-aged man, identified as Segun, who allegedly raped three under aged girls on April 17. It was gathered that the suspect, after allegedly raping his victims, cleaned the mess with a white handkerchief before bringing the girls back home. The community head, Alhaji Adebola Kazeem, on May 26, alleged that Segun also belonged to a cult, and had brought his gang members to rob the residents on several occasions.

Mad Man Assaults DELSU Student at ATM Centre

A suspected insane man identified as Theophilus allegedly raped 22-year-old female student of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka when she went to get some money at a popular ATM unit. The suspect reportedly emerged from the bush and allegedly pounced on the victim and dragged her into the bush. Her attempt to raise the alarm failed. It was gathered that bank customers had thought it was a child’s play until the man beat off the girl’s struggle and pulled down her skirt. The victim was said to have been rescued by passers-by who heard her calling for help. It was learnt that this particular assault was not his first time as security agents had chased him out of an uncompleted building where he used to stay and carry out his evil deeds.

Girl Gang-Raped by Boyfriend, 3 Others

Detectives from Ondo State Police Command have arrested four students of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, for allegedly gang-raping a female student of the institution. It was gathered that the victim is a girlfriend of one of the suspects. A source disclosed that the victim was raped at a residence in Oka area of the town until she became unconscious. It was gathered that the suspects, who have made confessional statements, were picked up after the report was lodged at the police station in Ondo town.

Others

Policeman Shoots 34-Year-Old man over N2,000

A mobile policeman in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, May 19, shot a 34-year-old man, Adamu Mohammed, following an argument over N2,000 unpaid fees for a menial job. According to the family of Mohammed, the victim was shot and dumped at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC. While Mohammed’s family claimed he was shot by the mobile policeman after argument with the woman who engaged him for the clearing of a portion of land close to her home at Erepa Road, residents who claimed to have witnessed the incident, said after the argument with the woman over the right sum to pay for the job, the policeman shot him in the thigh to demobilise him. Mohammed, who refused to file a formal complaint at the Police Station over fear of further harm by other policemen, accused the woman who awarded him the menial job of cheating.

NSCDC Arrests Teenager, Others for Owning Illegal Refinery

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kogi State chapter, has arrested a teenager, Simon Chokodi (16), and three others for allegedly owning an illegal refinery in Ebiya in the Ajaokuta LGA of the state. The Kogi State Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Tijani Ibrahim, while parading the suspects on May 25, said other suspects arrested during the operation were Sumaila Sadu (23), Yusufu Braimoh (21), and Raji Jamiu (24). He stated that the buyer was at large. The PRO said the command was on the trail of the suspects for three months before they were arrested. He said the command also recovered a van and some drums of crude oil from the scene of the crime. He warned against indulgence in economic sabotage and illegal oil refining, saying the command was ready to apprehend suspects and prosecute them according to the law.

Thunderstorm Kills Four Children in Kwara

Four children, three of whom were sibling, were killed by thunderstorm in Gure, Baruten LGA of Kwara State, on May 27. Apart from the four dead female pupils, some others were said to be unconscious and had been rushed to the hospital for treatment. A source said the three children of same parents and the fourth, who came to pass the night with the family, were sleeping when the thunderstorm broke into the wall of the house in which they were sleeping during a heavy downpour. The downpour was said to have also rendered several other people in the community homeless. The Chairman of the LGA, Mallam Mohammed Omar-Bio, confirmed the tragedy, describing it as devastating and pathetic.

Maid in Court for Stealing N15m Jewellery

The police, May, arraigned a housekeeper, Hope Hazhi (28), before a Tinubu Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for stealing her employer’s jewellery worth N15 million. The defendant is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing levelled against her by the police. The prosecutor, Chidi Okoye, told the court that the defendant’s accomplices were still at large. He said the incident took place on April 30 at 10, Susan Oji Street, Ikota Royal Estate, Ajah, along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos. Magistrate Abimbola Awogboro admitted the defendants bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to June 29 for mention.

Police Rescue Thief from Mob

A phone thief at the Ogbeogonogo market in Asaba, Delta State, was, on May 26, rescued by the police from a mob that nearly killed him after he allegedly snatched a phone from a woman. It was gathered that the suspect had attempted to run away with the handset when he was caught by onlookers who raised the alarm that attracted an angry mob that nearly lynched him. There have been reported cases of stolen handset, an act the police disclosed had been perpetrated by the suspect, who claimed he stole handsets and sold them to female students of various tertiary institutions. Activities at the market were temporarily paralyzed during the incident as many onlookers fled when the police arrived at the scene.

Enugu Police Question Man Over Wife’s Alleged Suicide

The Enugu State Police Command, May 26, said it was investigating one Obinna Okonkwo over the death of his wife under questionable circumstance. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, said the deceased, identified as Uchenna (32), died mysteriously in their house on May 12. He stated that the deceased’s lifeless body was found in their visitors’ room with a rope tied to her neck to portray suicide. The deceased was said to have had unresolved issues with her husband while alive.

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage cases took the lead as activities of kidnappers cut across various strata of the society, including school children. The police, with the assistance of locals and residents, successfully rescued some victims and made major arrests of culprits. These incidents were mostly recorded in the south-west and the south-south region of the country, with a trace in the north.
Activities of Boko Haram Terrorists remained high as the group, whose activities appeared to have been hindered by the military onslaught, mounted severe offensives on villagers. The military, in its resolve to completely wipe out the Boko Haram sect, captured some of the group’s members, unearthing some ammunition and killing a few. The north-east continues to bear the brunt of these nefarious activities.

Murder/assassination is also high on the index with various incidents of lone killings by friends or close associates. Also on record were few cases of mass killings in the north. The police on the other hand are working round the clock to apprehend fleeing suspects. These killings cut across the various regions of the country.
Robbery also took a nosedive with few incidents on record. The police caught and arrested some suspects after exchange of fire during some of robbery attacks.
While the police and other security agencies remain hopeful of arresting fleeing suspects, to reduce crime in the country, the newly sworn-in President, Muhammadu Buhari, has assured Nigerians of his commitment to make the country better and safer for all.

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.