Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 24

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Police Arrest Suspected Kidnappers, Rescue Hostage

Suspected kidnappers of an Onitsha-based businessman, Abu Okafor, have been arrested by men of the Anambra State Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), while the victim was rescued. The businessman was kidnapped by a gang of 4 gunmen, who struck as he came out from a drinking parlour to ease himself. It was gathered that the gunmen might have trailed him to the bar, abducted him and speed off. The vehicle that was used to take him away was said to have been sighted at a compound, prompting a joint team of police and soldiers to storm the place, where they recovered the vehicle, arrested seven suspects and eventually rescued the victim. The Police Area Commander for Onitsha, Ezekiel Philip, confirmed the incident, on May 30.

Oyo Police Uncover Underground Kidnappers Cell, Shrine in Ibadan

A shrine, suspected to be a hideout for kidnappers has been discovered by Oyo State Police Command at Isase, Ojoku, in Ona Ara LGA of the state. Fake dollar notes and posh cars were discovered at the shrine by a team of policemen led by the State Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Katsina. Other items found at the shrine include idols, charms, cowries and mats. There was an underground cell where captives were believed to be kept. Also discovered in the place was a substance that looked like palm oil and salt, which were poured on some statues. Though two of the suspects escaped, policemen arrested one of them whose name was given as Ismail Adesina, 43. Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Katsina (left) and his men at a suspected ritualist den in Isese of Badaku village, Ibadan, on June 1. He denied the allegation that they were ritualists, but confessed that he and others at large were using the shrine to dupe their victims.

Police Arrest Suspected Ritualist, Cleric

The Kwara State Police Command, June 2, said it had commenced investigations into the case of alleged kidnapping for ritual purposes against a suspected ritualist and his cleric accomplice in Ilorin. The man, identified as Kelechi, was arrested on May 31 while allegedly attempting to use an old woman for ritual purpose. It was gathered that the suspect kidnapped the old woman and kept her at a building around Unity road in the metropolis. It was gathered that luck ran against him while attempting to take the kidnap victim to an herbalist, Alfa Buaya, when surveillance team of Ita-Amodu community, accosted him. The two suspects are currently detained at Surulere B Division of the state Police Command. A member of surveillance team disclosed that the suspected ritualist had allegedly confessed that he wanted to use the old woman for ritual.

Navy Arrest 2 Oil Thieves, Rescue 3 Kidnapped Persons

Nigerian Navy operatives, June 1, arrested and handed over two suspected oil thieves in Warri waterways to the police for prosecution. They also freed three kidnapped persons. The flag officer commanding (FoC) the Central Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Stanley Ogoigbe, disclosed that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, adding that ‘Navy authorities in Warri Naval base had arrested a self-propelled barge’, Mr. Chopin, believed to be loaded with crude oil, around the Forcados River. He said that the suspected oil thieves, who were originally arrested by a community vigilante group with the aid of the Navy, had given useful information regarding their activities. He added that the highly specialized tools found on them at the time of their arrest were evidence of their illegal activities.

Ondo Regent, Aides Kidnapped

The Regent of Akungba-Akoko community in Akoko South West LGA of Ondo State, Princess Oluwatoyin Omosowon and three of her aides were, June 2, kidnapped by unknown persons. The regent was returning from the 65th inaugural lecture of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) when the kidnappers ambushed her convoy on Owo-Oba Akoko Expressway. Following information received, the Police later recovered the official vehicle where it was abandoned. Two aides of the regent were reportedly found near a bush close to where the kidnappers dropped them off. However, angry residents of the town took to the streets to protest the abduction of their traditional ruler. State Police Commissioner, Isaac Eke, confirmed that two of the kidnapped persons had been released. The abductors have reportedly demanded for N20 million as ransom. Meanwhile, security operatives are investigating to get a clue to those within the community or the university who might have acted as informants to the abductors.

Police Nab 4 Suspected Kidnappers in Delta

Policemen in Delta State have arrested four members of a notorious kidnap gang in the state, while a vigilante group shot a suspected bandit at Agbarho. Police spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, disclosed that the suspects were arrested on June 2 in connection with incessant incidents of kidnapping in Oghara and environs. Investigation into the case yielded positive results as the suspects confessed their membership of a kidnap gang, adding that their armourer was one Felix and that one Kehinde usually provided vehicles for their operations. Based on their confession, operatives swung into action and arrested the said Felix and Kehinde at Sapele town. Items recovered from them include one locally-made pistol and three live cartridges.

Police Rescue Abducted Kogi Commissioner

The Police in Kogi, June 4, announced the rescue of the state Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Stephen Maiyaki, who was abducted on May 30. Police spokesman, Shola Adebayo, disclosed that Maiyaki was rescued at about 2am from the kidnapper’s hideout at Abobo village in Adavi LGA. The commissioner and six other persons were abducted at Osara village also in Adavi LGA. The statement said Maiyaki had been reunited with his family but was silent on the fate of the other six persons abducted along with him. It was also silent on the fate of Justice Samuel Obayomi of the state High Court who was abducted in the same local government area on May 25.

Man Arrested for Selling Two-Year-Old Son for N450,000

A 29-year-old man, Kanayo Awurum, has been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly selling his son for N450,000 in the Egbe, Ikotun area of the state. Kanayo allegedly sold the two-year-old boy, Samuel, to some women, on April 2, and reportedly lied to his wife that one of the women was his relative in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and the boy was going to live with her. It was learnt that the police had apprehended the three women ─Nkechi Obi, Cecilia Nwatu and Gladys Nwobodo─ for allegedly buying the child. Kanayo led SARS operatives to one of the suspected buyers, Obi, in Port Harcourt, where she was arrested. Police spokesman, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the arrest, adding that investigations were on-going.

Police Rescue Abducted Centenarian after Gun Battle

A 100-year-old woman, Hawwau Amarea, who was kidnapped by gunmen at Kudin village of Mahuta LGA of Kebbi State, has regained her freedom. The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 10, Sokoto State, Alhaji Bala Hassan, disclosed that Amarea was freed by the operatives attached to the new anti-kidnap squad on June 4. Hassan stated that the kidnappers demanded for N10 million as ransom. Part of the money was made available and was taken to a point where they were supposed to collect it. The police then swung into action and rescued the old woman after a gun battle. The AIG also said that the kidnappers abandoned the money and fled, and that none of them was arrested yet. He said the zone had set in motion the machinery to apprehend all those connected with the incident and any other criminal activities in the area.

Journalist Kidnapped In Imo State, Abductors Demand N5m

The Imo state correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Chidi Opara, was June 4, kidnapped at her residence in Owerri North LGA. She was said to have been abducted at about 8pm as she was about entering her gate by two armed men. The abductors, according to her family sources, have demanded a N5 million ransom. Governor Rochas Okorocha assured that his administration would assist the police in the quick apprehension of the abductors as well as the release of the journalist.

Ex-Lawmaker’s Driver Wanted for Masterminding Own Kidnap

The Rivers State Police Command has said it is on the trail of one Sylvanus Okon, a driver to a former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who stage-managed his own abduction and demanded for the sum of N10 million from his boss as ransom. In another incident, an aide to the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Henry Halliday, on June 3 escaped death when gunmen stormed his Abuloma residence. It was learnt that the suspected assassins, numbering two were trying to gain access into Halliday’s residence when they were arrested by men of the Nigerian Police, following distress calls from residents of the area.

Robbery

Dismissed Military Man Nabbed for Robbery, Impersonation

Police in Lagos have arrested a member of a suspected robbery gang that operating in military camouflage while robbing unsuspecting private and commercial vehicles trapped in traffic around Mile 2, Festac, Alakija and its environs. Police sources said it was discovered that the suspect was a dismissed soldier. He was said to have been dismissed from the Nigerian Army over unethical conduct. The 43-year-old suspect, identified as Adokie Tombra, revealed that he wore Army camouflage to evade paying fare each time he boarded commercial vehicles. Tombra was apprehended by policemen attached to Festac Division, in full Military regalia, while members of his gang were attempting to escape after a robbery operation. Confirming the arrest, Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, said the suspect would soon be arraigned in court.

Police Nab Suspected Carjacker

The police in Lagos have apprehended a suspected car snatcher, Donatus Okike, who allegedly steals vehicles at gunpoint. Okike, 29, however, disclosed that his role in the gang was to find buyers for the stolen vehicles. The police said the suspect, who was arrested in the Igando area, allegedly belonged to a four-man gang, which was notorious for snatching vehicles and dismantling them to sell as spare parts. It was learnt that the gang, which was nabbed by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, had an outlet in an auto spare parts market in Lagos where they sold the parts of stolen vehicles. PUNCH Metro learnt that the gang usually removed the number plates of stolen vehicles so that the buyers would think the vehicles were imported used vehicles.

Tricycle Snatcher Nabbed in Lagos

Operatives of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) are currently investigating a member of tricycle-snatching gang operating in Lagos and its environs. The suspect, identified as Emmanuel Godwin (28), said he was just a tricycle snatcher and not an armed robber, since he does not use guns. It was learned that the suspect and members of his gang pose as passengers, board a tricycle, get to a convenient place, push the driver out and zoom off. It was gathered that Godwin was first arrested by the Zonal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (ZSARS), January 1, while attempting to steal a tricycle. Luck ran against him when he stole another tricycle again in late May and the owner decided to report to SARS. The suspect was nabbed at Ijora, where he went to sell a stolen tricycle. He was arrested when he was asked to come and collect money from a potential buyer, who had cash to pay, not knowing that the purported buyer was a SARS operative.

Robbers Storm Two Banks in Lagos

A 10-man armed robbery gang, June 1, stormed a bank at Omitoro, Ikorodu area of Lagos, with sporadic gunshots. The robbers, said to have stormed the bank in two vehicles, reportedly gained entrance into the banking hall, but could not locate the bank’s vault as the staff with the vault’s keys reportedly went into hiding. Customers were reportedly ordered to lie down as the operation continued. It was, however, not clear how much they carted away, as they were said to have hurried out of the bank, following the arrival of teams of policemen. While that was ongoing, another gang attempted to break into the Ijede branch of a second generation bank. But the operation was reportedly foiled. Eyewitnesses said the robbers could be the fleeing ones from the earlier bank robbery. Spokesman of Lagos State Police Command, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the attack, saying that no life was lost, as policemen repelled the robbers. No arrest was made.

Delta Police Shoot 2 Robbery Suspects, Nab 1

Police detectives in Agbor, Delta State, on June 1, killed two robbery suspects and arrested one of their gang members. The gang had been terrorizing the community in recent times. Police spokewoman, Celestina Kalu, said a police sergeant attached to Agbor Police Division, met the armed robbers robbing residents around the old Asaba/Lagos road. He added that another set of robbers in Peugeot 406 car were also operating at another area. Kalu said that the robbery suspects were confronted by a police patrol team which engaged them in a gun battle, during which two of the robbers were shot dead and one arrested, while others fled. Kalu said that items recovered from the robbers include three cut-to-size guns and four live cartridges, adding that efforts were being made to track down the fleeing suspects.

3 Remanded in Prison for Robbing Policeman at Gunpoint

An Ikeja Chief Magistrates' Court has ordered the remand of three men in prison for allegedly robbing a policeman at a gunpoint. The Magistrate, Abimbola Komolafe, said the trio should remain in prison custody pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The accused -Okanlawon Ahisebutu, 35; Mathew George, 27; and Moshood Okemati, 33- are facing a two-count charge bordering on assault and armed robbery. The prosecutor, Eranus Nnamonu, said the accused, who were all residing at Isiu Village in Ikorodu, committed the offences on May 7. He told the court that the accused committed the offences with others still at large. The three accused and their accomplices attacked Corporal Ehimeme Akhana at his duty post and dispossessed him of his service rifle. They were armed with guns, knives and harmful objects, attacked Akhana and viciously assaulted him. Nnamonu said the accused were apprehended at their hideout following a tip-off. The case was adjourned to July 9 for mention.

Man Arraigned for Robbing People with Baboon, Snake

A 27-year-old man, who allegedly terrorised and robbed people with baboon and snake, was on June 4 charged before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates' Court in Lagos State. The accused, Mohammed Nafiu, 27, is facing a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, breach of public peace and robbery. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecutor, Eranus Nnamonu, insisted that the accused committed the offences on March 7 and 17 when he terrorised the residents of Ogba and Ijaiye in Lagos. He said Nafiu, armed with a full-grown baboon and a venomous snake, also terrified a crowd waiting to board a bus at Ogba Bus Stop. Nnamonu said the accused isolated an eyewitness, Joshua Odogwu, and thereafter obtained N57,000 from him. The Magistrate, Abimbola Komolafe, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to June 18 for trial.

Gang Incidents

Police Parade Suspected Cultists in Rivers State

A suspected cultist, Augustin Nwokocha, has revealed that he beheaded a member of a rival cult group, who had killed several people in Etche LGA of Rivers State. Nwokocha made the confessed on June 2 when the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Rivers State Police Command paraded him and 287 others suspected criminals. Police spokesman, Ahmad Muhammad, said a total of 162 suspected cultists, 29 suspected armed robbers and seven suspected kidnappers were arrested in May 2015. According to him, 31 of the suspected cultists were arrested on May 31, 2015 after a gun battle between men of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and suspected cultists at Rumuekini community in Obio/Akpor LGA of the state. The police image maker further said another five suspected cultists were on that same day arrested when men from the unit stormed a suspected hideout of cultists in Chokocho community in Etche local government area of the state.

4 Dead In Imo Cult Clash

Four persons were killed on May 31 when rival cult groups clashed in Ohaji/Egbema area of Imo State. Three of the victims were said to have been killed at Obiakpu Egbema while another, simply identified as Ike, was killed along Douglas road, Owerri. Residents of Obiaokpu community in Egbema have deserted their ancestral homes for fear of being arrested by the police. The transition committee chairman of Ohaji/Egbema, Hon Gedion Mefor, confirmed the incident, adding that most of the natives of the area now seek asylum at the neighbouring Rivers state.

Gang Leaders Nabbed over Death of Three Persons

The police in Lagos have apprehended two gang leaders, who allegedly instigated violence in Orisumbare and Ojora communities in the Ijora area of Lagos during which three persons were killed. A protracted crisis between cult gangs in the two areas, deepened on May 31, during a midnight party. A resident of Orisumbare, Saheed Jimoh, who attended the party in Ojora, was attacked and hacked to death by hoodlums. In a reprisal, a gang from Orisumbare, who learnt of Jimoh’s death, reportedly went to Ojora the same day and hacked another resident, Hammed Atobatele, to death. Soldiers attached to the OP MESA were reportedly invited to Ojora to disperse the hoodlums. The police on June 2 arrested two gang leaders in the area.

Drugs

NDLEA Nabs Women with Cocaine at Lagos Airport

Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended two women for drug trafficking. The two women were found to possess 2.635 kilogrammes of cocaine at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, while attempting to board a Qatar Airways flight to China. NDLEA commander at the Lagos Airport, Hamza Umar, described the suspects as desperate traffickers. One of the women, Alaka Deborah Uzoma (47), was found with 1.180 kilogrammes of cocaine. She inserted 260 grammes of cocaine in her private part and ingested 60 wraps weighing 920 grammes. The second suspect, Chukwujekwu Chinyere Priscilla (45), was caught with 1.455 kilogrammes of cocaine. She packed 59 wraps on her body, inserted one parcel in her vagina weighing 1.285 kilogrammes and ingested 10 wraps weighing 170 grammes.

Customs Seize 449 Sacks of Cannabis in Ogun State

The men of the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun State Area Command, have made a seizure of 449 sacks of cannabis sativa, popularly known as hemp, in the Imeko, Imeko Afon LGA of the state. The Area Comptroller of the command, Haruna Mamudu, said the NCS operatives, acting on a tip-off, went to the location where the sacks of the illicit drug were kept, and seized them. He said before his men got to the location, their suspected owners had fled, leaving behind the exhibit. He explained that on close inspection, there were 359 parcels of fermented and dried variety of the illicit drug, called Skunk, neatly concealed in brown papers, while ordinary variety were in 90 sacks. Mamudu later handed over the seized drug to a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Abdullahi Sardauna.

Maritime

Navy Parades Oil Thieves in Delta

The Nigerian Navy, Central Naval Command, in collaboration with local vigilance group in Delta State, have nabbed and paraded some suspected oil thieves. The command also paraded two Portuguese-speaking nationals from Sao Tome and Principe, Jose Antonio Guiana and Mulato Idalacio Batista, who were rescued after they were found stranded near Amani Oil Fields. Two of the suspected oil thieves, Braye Ogoba and Ikiere Benjamin, were arrested while on board a self-propelled barge, MV Chopin, at Forcados. They were apprehended by a team comprising Nigerian Navy Patrol, the Nigerian Army and the State Security Service (SSS). Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Stanley Ogoigbe, disclosed these while parading the suspects at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS DELTA) in Warri, Delta State, on May 30.

Terrorism

Boko Haram Invades Two Yobe Towns

Two Yobe towns, Fika and Ngalda, were on May 30, attacked and looted by the Boko Haram insurgents. The chairman of Fika LGA, Alhaji Baba Abare, disclosed that the insurgents shot sporadically on arriving at the two towns. He, however, stated that no life was lost during the assault. It was gathered that the terrorists first launched an attack on Ngalda, which is the Yobe/Gombe border town. The terrorists reportedly burnt down the Local Government Secretariat, the magistrate court of the area.

26 Worshippers Killed in Maiduguri Mosque Attack

A suicide bomber, May 30, sneaked into a mosque along Ali Kotoko Road, near Monday Market in Maiduguri, Borno State and detonated his explosive leaving 26 dead and 28 critically injured. The incident took place when Muslim faithful gathered to perform their afternoon prayer. The incident came barely 12 hours after Boko Haram gunmen were repelled by the military in Maiduguri, which also claimed many lives. Borno State Police Command confirmed the mosque blast. In another incident on the same day, 15 residents were reportedly dead when suspected members of Boko Haram, in a convoy of vehicles and motorcycles laden with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), rocket grenades and anti-aircraft guns attacked Malari village in Borno State. 19 others in Bulunkutu Saleke, Gomari and Ajilari areas of the state were said to have been wounded.

15 Killed as Boko Haram Attacks Maiduguri

Suspected members of Boko Haram in a convoy of Toyota Hilux vehicles and motorcycles laden with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), rocket grenades and anti-aircraft guns attacked Malari village of Maiduguri metropolis of Borno state; and killed 15 residents, wounding of 19 others in Bulunkutu Saleke, Gomari and Ajilari areas on May 30. The killings, according to Ibrahim Yakubu of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), were caused by insurgents’ sporadic gunshots, explosions and shelling on three main areas of the metropolis. Yakubu said the insurgents burst into Malari through the northeast flank of Sambisa forest on dirt road, before crossing River Ngadabul to launch their attacks on the affected communities.

Death Toll in Maiduguri Market Blast Rises to 31

The toll in the blast in a livestock market in Maiduguri, Borno State, rose to 31 on June 3. Many traders were affected in the June 2 bomb blast at Gamboru, a big market in the city. The state emergency management agency confirmed its rescuers evacuated 31 bodies at the market, after the incident. While some witnesses said the bomb was buried under a large table used by one of the local traders at the livestock market, others said it was detonated by a suicide bomber who came as a customer. The bomb exploded while business was thick and immediately killed at least 12 people, a witness named Abba Mohammed said.

Suicide Bombers Kill 27 in Yola, Maiduguri

There were two explosions through suicide bombers, on June 4, in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital and Yola, the Adamawa State capital. A female suicide bomber killed eight soldiers and injured three others at a checkpoint in Maiduguri, military sources said. In Yola, 19 people reportedly died from explosions in the town after evening prayers. A resident of Yola, Salihu Aliyu, disclosed that the blast happened in front of the Jimeta main market. One witness said at least 10 people were killed and about 30 injured.

Political/Government Agencies

Police Order Return of Illegal Guns in Lagos

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kayode Aderanti, has given a four-week ultimatum to hoodlums in the state to submit illegal guns with them. Aderanti said on Wednesday that the decision was arrived at during the weekly Security Council meeting presided over by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. He said the governor ordered all security agencies in the state to mop-up all illegal arms and weapons. The commissioner described the illegal guns as “weapons of mass destruction that are being used against innocent people”.

Murder/Assassinations

NURTW Members Protest over Police Killing of Branch Chairman

A police officer road block patrol team, May 30, shot and killed a branch chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ajase-Ipo in Irepodun LG council of Kwara state. The development caused the members of the union to take to the Ajase-Ipo Highway to protest the dastardly act. The transporter identified as Akeem Laduba who was the Chairman of NURTW for Kabba/Omu Aran/Igbaja axis in the state, was allegedly shot after a disagreement broke out between the patrol team and a commercial motorcyclist popularly called ‘Okada rider’, and the NURTW man stopped to intervene. It was learnt that the police officers were enraged by what they called “effrontery” of the deceased transport worker; the situation which further fuelled the disagreement. It would be recalled that, the Inspector General of Police, Sunday Arase had directed all men of the Nigeria Police Force to stop mounting road blocks in the country.

Party Youth Leader Killed in Benue

Gunmen, June 1, assassinated a Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) youth leader in Lessel, Ushongo LGA of Benue State. It was gathered that about four gunmen stormed the residence of the youth leader, Ternenge Gbuuga, and shot him several times to ensure that he died before they left the place. The gunmen forcibly gained entrance into the victim’s apartment in the early hours of the day, where they shot him dead. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Austin Ezeani, confirmed the incident. He, however, stated that no arrest had been made yet, assuring that the command would ensure that the perpetrators of the dastardly act were caught soon. He further added that investigation into the murder had already commenced.

Robbers Kill Catholic Priest, Brother

Two brothers, including a catholic priest, were shot dead on May 30 by armed robbers who laid siege at the Owo-Oba Akoko-Ikare road in Ondo State. The brothers, Reverend Father Onyeka and his younger brother, Obi Onyeka, met their death while coming from Lagos to visit their family in Ugbe Akoko. According to reports, the armed bandits had stopped the driver of the car, who attempted to escape but the car was shot at with a bullet hitting the tank of the car which caught fire in the process. The source said further that the two brothers, who were also hit by bullets, could not move out of the car when the car caught fire. Police spokesman, Wole Ogodo, confirmed the development and said the driver of the car was caught unawares.

Suspected Pipeline Vandals Kill 3 Policemen, Driver

Three police men and a tanker driver were reportedly killed on May 30 by suspected oil thieves at Oguda area of Okene in Kogi State. Oguda is a boundary area between Kogi and Edo states and is reportedly a haven for pipeline vandals, who normally siphon petroleum products from the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipelines. A source disclosed that sporadic gunshots were heard from Oguda direction where bunkering activities normally take place and the corpses were found hours after the gun shots stopped. The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State command, Samuel Ogunjemilusi, confirmed the casualties. The commissioner, however, solicited for useful information that would enable the police to apprehend the culprits.

6 Killed as Fulani Herdsmen, Farmers Clash in Kwara

Six persons have been reported killed in Patigi LGA of Kwara State following a clash between Fulani herdsmen and indigenes. It was gathered that the skirmish, which happened at Motokun village on May 30, claimed three lives on both sides. The police spokesman, Okasanmi Ajayi, said that the crisis was over the usual grazing land. Chairman of Patigi LGA, Alhaji Uthman Mohammed Ndako, who confirmed the clash, said normalcy had returned to the community with the intervention of security agencies. He said the council as well as the Patigi Emirate council led by Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Chatta Umar, had called meetings of leaders of the Fulani herdsmen and elders of the community in a bid to stop the recurring Fulani/farmers’ confrontation.

3 Killed as Gunmen Invade Orient Petroleum Facility

Three persons were feared dead and property worth millions of naira, including 10 caterpillars and houses, were destroyed when gunmen suspected to be from Ibaji LGA of Kogi State invaded the facilities of the controversial Orient Petroleum Resources at Aguleri Otu in Anambra East LGA of Anambra State on June 2. The deceased were staff of the oil company. Orient Petroleum had been in dispute between the neighbouring communities in Kogi and Anambra states, with both sides laying claims to ownership of the oil rich land. The armed men said to number about 200, according to an eye witness, were said to have assaulted every person in sight, while the entire offices, operational and personal vehicles, buildings, generating sets and other official and private properties in the premises of the petroleum company were destroyed.

French Tourist Robbed, Killed in Ebonyi

A French man, Nagnan Denis (52) and his wife, Nagnan Mee Lavaud Liana (53), were on June 1, attacked by gunmen in their home at Abomege area in Onicha LGA of Ebonyi State. The attack led to the death of Denis, who was allegedly shot in the leg and given machete cuts in different parts of his body. The state Commissioner of Police, Maigari Dikko, said 32 suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident. Dikko said the victims were tourists, who travelled through several countries to get to Nigeria, adding that about 1,150 Euros and N13,000 were stolen from the victims by the hoodlums. The wife of the victim, who was molested during the attack, reported the incident to the police. Dikko stated that the police headquarters and the French Embassy had already been communicated over the attack.

6 Killed as Suspected Cultist Set Car Ablaze

Six people have reportedly been killed by a notorious cult group, known as Tale, in the Ilaje community of Ondo State. The vehicle in which they were travelling to rescue a kidnapped boy was ambushed and set ablaze by the suspected cultists. It was gathered that the deceased were in a Jeep on a rescue mission of some people kidnapped and taken to the forest when they were ambushed and their vehicle set ablaze. The group had constituted itself into a terror gang in the community and traditional rulers in the council area had risen in unity against its activities. It was gathered that the Tale group reportedly kidnapped one Banji Orofin, who was taken to a forest after which a search party, including the police, went on a rescue mission for him. Police image maker, Wole Ogodo, June 3, said the Police were still investigating the report.

Thugs Slaughter Five after Party in Lagos

Some hoodlums, suspected to be working for a political party in Lagos State, have killed five people in the Ajah area of the state. Our correspondents learnt that the victims were coming from a naming ceremony when the men waylaid, and opened fire on their bus. The killer gang was also said to have entered the vehicle and used cutlasses and knives to slit the throats of some of the occupants. The deceased were identified as Ganiyu Lawal, aka Ebe; Idris Kolapo; Samsudeen Osoja, aka Songa; Rafiu, aka Ralph; and Ladi. A source said Songa’s head was cut off during the attack on June 3. Five others escaped death. It was revealed that the deceased and survivors were working with the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Oyebanji branch, Lagos Island, Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle (aka Seego). It was gathered that the survivors returned to their base and reported to their colleagues what befell them, naming the attackers. Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident.

Broadcaster Shot Dead in Aba

A famous Rhythm 93.7 FM, Port Harcourt on-air personality, Iphie Aggrey-Fynn, was on June 1, shot dead by suspected kidnappers in Aba, Abia State. Aggrey-Fynn was killed evening while on a visit to Aba to see her parents and siblings along with a friend. Sensing that the gunmen had a sinister motive, her companion was said to have made efforts to avoid the gunmen, who were then got infuriated and shot sporadically at the car. Overwhelmed by the persistent booming gunfire, the driver of the car was forced to park and the gunmen who had scared residents of the street indoors, walked up to the man and took him away to an unknown destination. Some residents of the streets, who were courageous enough to come out of their homes, went to the car and found her lying in her pool of blood.  She was quickly rushed to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Rape

Man Docked over Rape of 15-Year-Old Mentally Challenged

The police, June 4, arraigned a 22-year-old man, Olatunji Olajuni, before an Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court, Ondo State, for allegedly raping a 15-year-old mentally challenged girl. The police prosecutor, Jimoh Ibrahim, told the court that the accused committed the offence on May 26. Ibrahim alleged that the accused forcefully had carnal knowledge of the minors after he lured her into his room. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of rape and assault. The Magistrate, Musa al-Yunus, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum. Al-Yunus ruled that such sureties who must own properties within the jurisdiction of the court and must also show proof of one year tax clearance. The magistrate adjourned the case till July 7 for hearing.

Choirmaster Arraigned for Raping Chorister

A bricklayer and choirmaster, Adewale Babalola, who allegedly had unlawful carnal knowledge of a 16-year-old chorister in his church, was on June 4, brought before a Yaba Chief Magistrates' Court in Lagos State. The accused committed the offence on December 2, 2014 at his apartment. The girl told her father, who is also an evangelist in the church, that the accused lured her into his room and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her. The father reported the matter to the General Overseer of the church, but no action was taken which compelled the victim's father to report the matter at the police station. The magistrate granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to June 29.

Suspected Rapists of 6-Year-Old Girl Arrested

Police in Benin, May 30, announced that they have arrested two of the three persons alleged to have raped a 6-year-old girl at a primary school in the city. The Police disclosed that they were on the trail of one of the suspects, while the two arrested suspects were currently in detention. Mother of the victim, who identified herself as Magdalene, disclosed that her daughter had complained of severe pains in her private part, adding that it was on interrogation that it was discovered that some persons had raped her. Edo State Coordinator of Child Protection Network, Jennifer Ero, called on the police and concerned authorities to ensure the victim got justice.

Man Arrested over Rape of Under-Aged Daughters, Nieces

The police in Oyo State, June 1, arrested and paraded a 60-year-old herbalist, Tajudeen Awoniyi, believed to have raped his two daughters and two other minors who are his nieces. Awoniyi's daughters confirmed their father’s ceaseless incestuous relationship with them. One of the suspect’s daughters, Barakat, 15, alleged that her father, actually slept with the two other girls (his nieces). She also maintained that her father who had developed the habit of sleeping with her and her sister after getting drunk had threatened to punish them severely if they ever disclosed his escapades with them as their mother left the home when they were very young. Awoniyi, however, denied raping the minors.

Robbers Rape Nurse in Lagos Hospital

Some robbers have raided a hospital in the Egan, Igando area of Lagos State. It was learnt that after carting away valuables of patients, they also raped an 18-year-old auxiliary nurse in the hospital. The incident happened around 4am on May 28. They reportedly overpowered a 19-year old security guard in the hospital and tied him with ropes before locking him up in a room. A source said the workers on night duty were attacked and injured and when the robbers failed to make appreciable looting, they resorted to raping the auxiliary nurse in turns. The hospital’s medical director, Dr. Ademola Dominic, confirmed the incident but denied that anyone was raped.

Gang of Six Rapes Two Sisters

Two sisters (18 and 20 years old), have been raped by a gang of six men who accosted them in the Bariga area of Lagos State. The victims were returning from a hospital in the Oworonsoki area on May 28 when they were attacked by the suspects. The matter was reported at the Bariga Police Station and two of the suspects had been arrested after the girls recognized them, according to reports. However, the two suspects ─ Mayowa Adeniji (21), and Riliwan Oladapo (25) ─ said they knew nothing about the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Lagos State Command, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident.

Two Abduct, Rape 15-Year-Old Girl

Two men have been arraigned in the Apapa Magistrate’s Court for alleged abduction and rape of a 15-Year old girl. The suspects, Jamiu Yusuf (19) and Rilwan Oduntan (20), had reportedly approached the girl on May 12 around 8pm in front of her residence for direction to a street in the neighbourhood. As she was leading them to the location, they reportedly turned violent, overpowered and whisked her away to their residence where they took turns to rape her. Yusuf and Oduntan were arraigned before a chief magistrate, P.A. Adekomaya, on two counts of abduction and rape. Police prosecutor, ASP Olusoji Ojaokomo, told the court that the case had been investigated by the police and the suspects were found culpable of the crime. However, the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the offences. Adekomaya ordered that the case file be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice and admitted them to bail in the sum of N30,000 with one surety each in like sum.

Others

Residents Displaced as Gunmen Raze Plateau Community

Over one thousand villagers were reportedly displaced by armed men from Shonong village in Riyom LGA of Plateau State on May 30. According to reports, no one was killed in the attack, but the entire community was set ablaze by the intruders. Council chairman of Riyom LGA, Josephine Piyo, said attacks on her community were too many in the past two months with over 10 villages attacked, while security operatives did nothing to defend the people or arrest the suspects. However, the media officer of the Special Task Force on Jos crisis, Ikedichi Iweha, insisted that the Taskforce was in full control of the situation.

Herbalist, 5 Other Suspects Arrested for Bike Snatching

One herbalist, Rasaki Oyeyemi, a suspected ring leader of motorcycle snatchers, Tunde Adeyemi, and five others have been arrested by police detectives in Ondo state. The suspects, according to police detectives, have been on their wanted list before they were arrested at their hideout. Police source said Rasaki had confessed that one of the suspects contacted him to be part of the gang and be supporting them “spiritually.” Police spokesman, Wole Ogodo, May 30, disclosed that the alleged kingpin of the gang, Tunde Adeyemi, had made confessional statements on activities of his gang. He added that investigation was on to recover the stolen motorcycles.

Police, MASSOB Clash in Owerri

A detachment of armed security personnel from Imo State police command, May 31, clashed with loyalists of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), leaving many injured. The MASSOB loyalists came to Owerri in more than 500 commercial vehicles to celebrate Biafran Day and remember their fallen heroes. It was further gathered that as the MASSOB loyalists marched into the Owerri-Port Harcourt federal highway, the police personnel allegedly ordered them to disperse but the order was disobeyed, prompting the police to fire some teargas canisters. The teargas canisters generated instant stampede, which occasioned injuries.

Scores Burnt to Death in Onitsha Petrol Tanker Fire

Over 85 persons were burnt to death when a trailer loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) lost control and rammed into the Asaba Motor Park in Onitsha and exploded on May 31. The tanker driver lost control of the vehicle as it was descending from Army barracks side of Onitsha Enugu express way, Upper Iweka. Governor Willie Obiano and the Anambra State Commissioner wept on seeing the number casualties when they visited the scene of the accident as the governor promised that the state would ensure that the survivors were well taken care of.

Tanker Explosion Razes 44 Shops, 21 Vehicles in Lagos

A fuel tanker conveying 33,000 litres of petrol, June 2, exploded at Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos. The explosion injured no fewer than 14 persons, gutting about 21 vehicles and razing 44 shops. The incident also completely burnt down five buildings. The Director of the state fire service, Rasak Fadipe, explained that the tanker driver lost control at Iyana-Ipaja due to what he ascribed to fatigue. Consequently, the director said the tanker swerved roadside and fell just a few metres away from the middle of the bridge, thus leading to the spill of its content and outbreak of fire that gutted buildings and vehicles within the vicinity.  Fadipe added that the incident did not claim any life because the state fire team responded almost immediately it received the distress calls.

Scores Hospitalised in Jos over Fresh Cholera Outbreak

Scores of people have been admitted into hospitals in Jos, Plateau State, following an outbreak of cholera in parts of Jos North LGA. At least 50 people were reportedly admitted in the past week. The state branch of Nigerian Red Cross Society said there had been cases of diarrhoea and vomiting. Secretary of the Red Cross, Manasseh Panpe, disclosed that the Red Cross had embarked on free distribution of water guard to communities in Jos North and Jos South due to the contamination of water in many parts of the Jos metropolis, which was feared to be responsible for the spread of the disease.

15 Die after Consuming Local Gin, Dog Meat

At least 15 persons were feared dead after consuming local gin and dog meat delicacy at a restaurant in Woji community of Rivers State on May 31. It was gathered that the victims, who were regulars at the restaurant, operated by one Friday Dickson, had embarked on their usual routine last Sunday and consumed the local gin. Dickson has been in the business of cooking dog meat delicacies and selling local alcoholic drinks for many years in the Mini-Woji area of the community. The next day, most of the people started feeling ill but before they could get medical attention, they died. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Ahmad Muhammad (DSP), explained that the owner of the inn, reported himself to the police and that is why police will use forensics to get to the root of the matter.

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/hostage cases maintained its pace at the top of the crime index as activities of kidnappers cut across various strata of the society. The police, however, made remarkable arrests of culprits while rescuing some victims.

Murder/assassination also ranked high as gang members engaged in street and politically instigated killings. Security agents were able to apprehend some culprits after gun battles. These incidents were mostly recorded in the south-west and north-central.

Robbery also went down the index with few incidents on record. The police, in an attempt to fish out these criminal gangs out of their hiding, have done their bit with the arrest of some suspects. This was witnessed more in the south-west, with traces trace in the south-south.

Activities of rapists were took an upward swing with under-aged girls mostly falling victims. The suspects were mostly close relatives. All suspects were caught and have been charged to court.

Terrorism which had been on the rise in recent weeks, took a nosedive with just few incidents on record. The north-east region continues to bear the brunt of these cruel acts.

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.