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Latest News: Training and recruitment is ongoing - Wednesday, 02 March 2011 22:54

week 30

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N

CATEGORY

MAJOR INCIDENTS

1

Kidnap/Hostage

5

2

Robbery

5

3

Gang

6

4

Drugs

5

Maritime Incidents

6

Terrorism

13

7

Political/Government Agencies

3

8

Murder/Assassinations

16

9

Rape Incidents

4

10

Others

3

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Police Rescue Grandmother, Daughter

The police in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, July 10 rescued a grandmother and her daughter from a kidnappers’ den. They were abducted from the community on July 8 by unidentified gun men. The Police acted on a tip-off and stormed their base, where the duo was rescued unhurt. It was gathered that the grandmother, Roseline Egbarah, was released by her abductors while the daughter was held back, but she insisted that she would not leave till help later came their way. Similarly, the Police rescued a 55-year-old man, Ifeanyi Okoye, from kidnappers in Udu LGA of the state. Police spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, the Police operatives acted quickly when they received information that the kidnap suspects were in a thick forest in the area.

Escapee Prisoner, 2 Others Arrested for Kidnapping

An escapee prisoner, Olusola Adewale (35), and two others have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping of a 75-year old woman, Mrs Aina Rose. Aina was kidnapped at Ilogbo Ekiti, Ido/Osi LGA of Ekiti State by gunmen. The Ekiti State Police Command Anti-Kidnapping Squad, in the early hours of July 14, secured the release of the abducted woman at Ita Ogbolu town, in Ondo State. While parading the suspects at the Command’s headquarters, the State Police Commissioner, Etop James, said two of the suspects were arrested at Ita Ogbolu, while the hostage’s driver, who was alleged to have given clue on how the woman could be kidnapped, was arrested in at Ilogbo Ekiti. James described the suspects as members of the syndicates that have been terrorising and perpetrating high profile kidnapping in Edo, Ondo, Ekiti and Delta States in recent time.

Septuagenarian Activist, Mechanic Arraigned for Kidnapping Judge

A 72-year-old veteran journalist and rights activist, Ahmed Adoke, and 41-year-old mechanic, John Sule, were on July 15, arraigned by the Kogi State Police Command for allegedly kidnapping a state High Court judge, Justice Samuel Obayomi. Adoke and Sule   were arraigned before the Lokoja Chief Magistrate’s Court II presided over by Mr. Alhassan Husaini. They were alleged to have on May 25, along with others now at large, conspired, armed themselves with offensive weapons and kidnapped the judge. Obayomi was abducted by three gunmen, all reportedly dressed in black on May 25. The victim was released after 34 days in the kidnappers’ den. During the kidnap, the judge’s police orderly, Mr. Usman Musa, was shot dead while the kidnappers drove away the judge in his Toyota Yaris car and later demanded N150m as ransom for the victim’s release.

Police Nab Man Trafficking Girl for N1.2m

Lagos State police command has arrested one of the three men who sold a 23-year-old lady for N1.2m, to a Kuwaiti national. It was gathered that one Paul Akpogere, 26, connived with two other suspects to deceive the victim identified as Queency. The trio allegedly lied to Queency and her parents when they informed them that there was a good job waiting for her in Kuwait if her parents could provide N450, 000.00 for her visa and passport. He said Queency’s parents fell for it when they provided the money, unknown to them that the men had planned to sell their daughter. The Kuwaiti woman in turn resold her to another Kuwait woman, who also sold her to another woman. Queency said she had the opportunity when the slave mistress went out. She reported that an Indian woman helped her escape to the Nigerian embassy.

Kidnapped Catholic Priest Rescued in Imo

The Parish Priest of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Umuola, Amaigbo, Nwangele local council area of Imo State, Rev. Fr. Francis Ugoo Egbebu, who was kidnapped on July 13, have been rescued by the police. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Enwerem, July 17, said that the priest has been rescued from his abductors. The Reverend Father was rescued and released on July 16, following the onslaught by men of the Imo State Police Command that stormed the hideout of the kidnappers. He said that the police was still on the trail of the fleeing hoodlums, adding that no suspects had been arrested. Full scale investigation into the incident is still going on.

Robbery

SARS Kill 3 Suspected Robbers in Rivers

The Rivers State Police Commissioner, Chris Ezike, said that on the same day, detectives attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) who were on stop-and-search duties at Obiri-Ikwere junction on July 12, encountered a group of hoodlums operating in a Toyota Camry car, who opened fire on them. According to him, in the ensuing gun duel, three suspects were killed by the police. He added that bullets and one AK-47 rifle, with 20 rounds of ammunition, one pump action gun, with breach no. T5870, three locally-made revolver pistols and one double-barrelled gun, with 45 rounds of live cartridges, were recovered from them.

Police Arrest Man, Wife for Armed Robbery

The police in Lagos have arrested a trader, Akeem Ariyo, for allegedly robbing a shop in the Balogun Market. It was learnt that the 35-year-old suspect was arrested along with his wife, Mosunmola, on July 14. The police alleged that Ariyo and others at large burgled the shop owned by one Kudirat Akinyede, carting away gold jewellery and cash valued at N11.6m. It was gathered that the security guards attached to the market were also apprehended in connection with the crime, but were later released after they were interrogated. The police said the suspect confessed to the crime after he was transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Ikeja. The police arraigned Ariyo before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court on two counts bordering on armed robbery. The defendant’s plea was not taken as the magistrate ordered that the case file be sent to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice. The case was adjourned till September 29. Ariyo was remanded in prison pending the outcome of the DPP’s advice.

Robbery Victim, Attacks, Bites-Off Robber’s Ear

Nemesis has caught up with a suspected robber, Chijioke Ikechi, as a victim bit off his ear lobe during a robbery attack on a residence in Aba, Abia State on July 15. Ikechi and three other members of his gang had invaded the residence, dispossessed their victims of cash and inflicted a machete cut on a resident, Ndubuisi Mba. The residents of the area sent a distress call to a police patrol team as one of the victims held on to Ikechi after biting off his ear lobe, while other members of the gang fled on sighting the police. Police spokesman, Ezekiel Udeviotu Onyeke, who confirmed the incident, said the police recovered a machete and an iron pipe fitted with wood, resembling a gun from the gang.

Police Arrest 8 Suspects for Robbery, Cultism, Murder in Ebonyi

Ebonyi State police command, July 16, said it had arrested eight suspects in connection with cult activities, armed robbery and murder in the state. Police Public Relations Officer, Chris Anyanwu, stated that a gang of four young men alleged to be members of Supreme Vikings Fraternity, led by one Ogbule Justice, was smashed by Command. According to him, through a well co-coordinated and intelligence-led operation, the arrow head of the group alongside other members were nabbed at Nkaliki in Abakaliki LGA of the state. He noted that the suspected cultists were rounded up while they were conducting initiation for some newly conscripted members in the area. Items recovered from them include: one double-barreled locally made pistol, two live cartridges, one expended cartridge, among others.

21 Docked for Robbery, Other Crimes

Four men were, July 13, arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court for allegedly forming an unlawful society, known as Aiye Confraternity, a secret cult. This came as 17 men were arraigned before same court for allegedly molesting and causing havoc to innocent passers-by and robbery. The defendants were alleged to have committed the offence on June 22, at Isawo Road in Ikorodu, Lagos State. However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of felony and unlawful society slammed on them before the court. Magistrate Y. O. Aje-Afunwa, granted them bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties, who must have verifiable addresses. She subsequently adjourned the matter till November 9 for mention.

Gang Incidents

Police Lament Increased Cult Groups in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command, July 12, raised the alarm over the increasing wave of cult activities in the state. Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, noted that the police observed with dismay, the disturbing activities of cult groups and other associated criminal gangs in the state. He further explained that the beefing up of security within the metropolis was ahead of the end of the Ramadan fasting period. He urged members of the public to be more security conscious and to also report the movement of strange faces within their locality. He urged all residents to use the give police numbers: 08063299264, 08127155071, 08079279349, 08065154338, 08127155150, 07035068242, 08060357795 or Toll free lines 767 and 112.

Suspected Cultists Kill 5 in Rivers

About three gun-wielding men, suspected to be cultists, July 11, invaded the Agbonchia Market in Eleme LGA of Rivers State, shooting at least 5 people dead, according to witnesses. According to reports the gun men entered the market on a motor bike, and stopped where bikes were being washed before opening fire on the people who were washing their motorcycles. After the shooting, they jumped on their bikes and sped off. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmad Muhammad, confirmed the shooting. Muhammad stated that one person had been arrested in connection with the attack, adding that preliminary investigation by the police revealed that the incident was an attack by a cult group.

Police Arrest 117 Suspected Cultists

Police detectives in Delta State, July 10, raided flash points of suspected cultists in Asaba, Ozoro, Ughelli and Ogwashi-Uku and arrested no fewer than 117 suspects. It was gathered that the arrest of the suspects was by a combined team of vigilante groups in the areas, in collaboration with the police detectives. Investigations revealed that many of the suspects had allegedly been involved in robbery activities and had also killed innocent persons during their operations. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the arrest, said the Police recovered a Toyota Hiace bus, dried weeds suspected to be Indian hemp, white candles and 23 axes. She added that the Police were on the trail of the fleeing suspects.

Police Parade 35 Cultists in Warri

The Delta State Police Command, July 15, paraded 35 suspected cult members that were arrested in Warri. State Commissioner of Police, Alkali Baba Usman, said the suspects were arrested by policemen attached to Ovwian Aladja Division, Operatives of the Quick Response Squad.  He disclosed that the suspects had confessed to the crime. He further disclosed that one bus, some weeds suspected to be Indian hemp, white candle sticks, black beret, vest, a bangle and cap with cowries, four Aye Confraternity black berets and one Aye Confraternity singlet were recovered from them. The suspects were arrested in Warri after operatives of the Quick Response Squad (QRS), Warri, arrested the two suspected cultists July 7.

Police Arrest 15 Secondary School Cultists in Ebonyi

Ebonyi State Police command, July 14, arrested 15 secondary school cultists at the point of initiation in Izzi LGA of the state. The policemen foiled the initiation of 46 graduating students of a popular mission school in the council area out of which 15 students were arrested while others fled into the bush. The students, who just concluded their National Examination Council (NECO), were said to be members of a cult group identified as Junior Vikings. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Chris Anyanwu, who confirmed the arrest, said the students had gathered to be initiated into a senior group known as Senior Vikings when police swooped on them following a tip-off. He said as the initiation progressed, the police stormed the venue leading to the arrest of over 15 of the students while the initiators and others ran away. Anyanwu said the initiators had dangerous items, which they had arranged for the initiation. The PPRO also revealed that the command had arrested a kingpin of a popular cult group in Ikwo LGA of the state.

Hoodlums Unleash Mayhem in Lagos

Some hoodlums have invaded the Ifako Gbagada area of Lagos State, looting shops in the community. Many people were cut with machetes as the rampaging gang members vandalised over 20 vehicles. It was learnt that the suspected cult members operated unhindered despite the presence of a police station near the scene of the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident.

Drugs

Maritime

Terrorism

50 Die in Bomb Explosions in Damaturu

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of 50 persons in two separate bomb explosions in Damaturu, Yobe State, on July 17. The Acting-Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, said that the explosions occurred at screening areas of the Eid prayer ground. According him, many other persons are injured in the explosions suspected to have been masterminded by insurgents. Two female suicide bombers — one elderly woman and a ten year-old girl –carried out the attacks. He disclosed that 43 persons died in the first explosion while seven people died in the second explosion. The spokesman however assured the public that the relevant authorities had brought the situation under control. He reiterated that no amount of terrorist act would deter the Nigerian Army’s resolve to stamp out terrorism and insurgency.

Three Teenage Girls Behind Damaturu Bombings

Three girls carried out suicide bombings in the northeastern Nigerian city of Damaturu on July 17, killing 13 people celebrating the end of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, police said. Markus Danladi, Yobe state police commissioner, disclosed that the attacks were carried out by three underage girls. Fifteen people were also injured in the attacks. Residents said twin explosions near a prayer ground in Damaturu killed two people, with a third blast moments later near a mosque leaving another 11 people dead.

Scores of Boko Haram Members Killed in Battle with Troops

Scores of suspected terrorists were feared dead when they encountered military troops along Damaturu-Maiduguri road in Borno State on July 11. The incident took place between Ngamdu- Mainok- Jakana villages, about 50km to Maiduguri. The terrorists in a convoy of three Hilux Vehicles had earlier barricaded the road where they blocked two motorists including a truck which they suspected were conveying foodstuff to Maiduguri, but luck run out on them as troops with support from the Jakana village immediately swung into action and killed some of the terrorists, dislodged most of them and set their vehicles ablaze. A member of the youth vigilante group revealed that ten persons were killed by the insurgents at Ngamdu village. He said the soldiers successfully repelled the insurgents and cleared the road for motorists.

Suicide Bomber Dressed as Woman Kills 10 in Chad

A suicide bomber dressed as a woman killed around 10 people at a market in the capital of Chad on July 11, police said, in the latest attack to hit the country on the frontline in the fight against Boko Haram Islamists. The bomber, wearing a full-face Islamic veil, blew himself up at the entrance to a market in N’Djamena. Police Director-General, Taher Erda, confirmed that the attacker was a man dressed as a woman. The head of the presumed bomber was found near the explosion site. A police source said that the bomber had arrived disguised in a burqa which a police officer asked him to remove. But he rather detonated his explosives belt, a source added. Chad banned full-face Islamic veils after twin suicide bombings in mid-June killed 33 people and wounded more than 100 in the capital.

11 Killed in Boko Haram Raid on Borno

Eleven people were killed in a Boko Haram raid on a remote village in Borno State on July 10, residents and a civilian vigilante disclosed. A resident, Kyari Sanda from Ngamdu, near Maiduguri, disclosed that the insurgents struck immediately after the evening prayers and opened fire instantly, setting almost half the village set ablaze. The insurgents reportedly took all of their supplies. Nearly 600 persons have been killed in series of Boko Haram attacks since May 29.

Boko Haram Raid Villages in Borno, Killing 12

Boko Haram insurgents, June 15, raided a border town and attacked another in Borno State, killing at least 12 people. The town of Damasak, close to the Niger border, had been recaptured from Boko Haram by Chadian and Nigerien troops in March but the insurgents have attacked it severally. The insurgents burned houses and killed people, according to reports. The Nigerian vigilante leader said few residents remained as they fled the moment the troops left, fearing an attack. Boko Haram also attacked the hamlet of Warsala on July 14, on the outskirts of Ngamdu, a town at the border of Yobe and Borno States.

Scores Killed as Terrorists Invade Borno Villages

Members of the Boko Haram sect, July 15, invaded Hambagtha and Limankara in Gwoza LGA of Borno State killing scores of people and destroying houses. The terrorists also wounded many people after looting their foodstuff, including livestock, and fled without confrontation from the hapless villagers. Gwoza was declared as an Islamic Caliphate by the group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, in 2014 when his fighters seized the town. After the deadly attacks and taking over of Gwoza by the terrorists, including Limankara village, about 40 policemen undergoing training at the Limankara Mobile Training Camp were declared missing.

Suicide Bomber Kills 4 in Borno

Four persons were killed and three others injured on July 11 in an explosion in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, witnesses said. According to one of the witnesses, Abraham Mshelia, the explosion occurred when a tricycle rider attempted to ram into a vehicle that just came out of Borno Motor Garage. Mshelia, who claimed he was near the scene of the incident, said the tricycle operator had waited for the vehicle to emerge from the motor park, but could not catch up with it. About a kilometer away it exploded and killed three persons on the highway. The park is near the SSS office and a tricycle was targeting a bus that just left the motor park but triggered off the explosion before the tricycle could get to bus. Four people including the bomber were killed."

Explosives Found in Jos Church

Two explosive devices were, July 12, recovered and defused in a church at Angwan Yanshi, Tudun Wada near the Federal Secretariat, Jos, Plateau State. A witness and member of the church said one of the explosives at the church was planted in the men’s toilet, while the other was recovered from a corner at the entrance to the church’s compound and defused by the police anti-bomb squad. The police spokesman, Mr. Abuh Emmanuel, corroborated the witness’ claim that the police anti-bomb experts were immediately deployed in the church where they defused the bomb at the entrance of the church, but did not confirm that one had earlier exploded.

Boko Haram Attack Kano-Maiduguri Highway

Many travellers were, June 13, stranded on the highway linking Maiduguri and Damaturu, the capitals of Borno and Yobe states as Boko Haram terrorists operated for over five hours. The town of Mainok was reportedly destroyed as the attacking terrorists went wild shooting and setting ablaze virtually everything in the town. Eyewitnesses said a gang of heavily armed Boko Haram terrorists invaded the town at about 2pm and continued to unleash terror on the residents and motorists who ran into them.

Boko Haram Kills 25 in Borno

Twenty-five persons were killed in a Boko Haram attack on Mainok, a town at the outskirts of Maiduguri on July 13, a member of youth vigilance group, disclosed. He said over a hundred Boko Haram militants stormed Mainok village in Konduga LGA, opening fire on civilians, killing at least 25 helpless persons in the attack that lasted about four hours. He said the vehicles that were trapped in Mainok along Maiduguri-Damaturu highway were set ablaze by the raging terrorists, who sent fears across the capital town, Maiduguri.  He further disclosed said some people have not been seen after the attack on the town, which has made many to be apprehensive that perhaps they may have gone away with them with the mission to forcefully conscript them.

3 Boko Haram Suspects Arrested in Jos

Three persons suspected to be members of Boko Haram sect were, July 14, arrested around Terminus area in Jos, the Plateau State capital. The three suspects were spotted by traders who claimed they were moving suspiciously around the market area. The traders alerted the police officers and the men were arrested. A trader disclosed that they noticed the suspicious movement of the trio after they parked a tinted car and went in different directions. The traders got suspicious and confronted them and two of them were found with different quantities of sim cards. According to reports, the suspects all wrote contradictory statements at the police station before they were moved to the C. Division. He said with the spate of attacks by terrorists, the traders assigned youths to monitor people around the market.

Explosions Kill 50 in Gombe Market

About 50 persons, July 16, lost their lives while scores of others were injured during a twin explosion at Gombe central market. The Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Command, Kudu Nma, disclosed that, there was a bomb blast either on a suicide mission or EIDs were kept somewhere, with the view to causing panic and apprehension to people. The bomb exploded at the central market Sabon Layi, where the traders sell slippers and clothes. The casualties are yet to be ascertained.

Political/Government Agencies

Bauchi Police Urge Residents to be Vigilant

The Bauchi State Police Command, July 11, advised people of the state to be vigilant following the recent twin blasts Jos, Plateau state. Police spokesperson, Haruna Mohammed, urged members of the general public to be security conscious of their physical and social environment. They should pay special attention to persons and objects, particularly at motor parks, shopping malls, markets, schools and places of worships. etc. He charged residents to also report suspicious persons or objects within their neighborhood, especially on motorcycles and tricycles, to the nearest Police station, or through the emergency numbers 08151849417, for prompt response.

Police to Pay N100m Damages for Suspect’s Death

A Federal High Court in Lagos, July 13, entered judgment in favour of one of the suspects of an alleged N1bn pension scam in the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Mrs. Patricia Onyeabo, who died in police custody on May 16, 2014. Justice Mohammed Idris, who gave judgment on a fundamental rights enforcement case filed by the daughter of the deceased, Amaka, awarded N100m damages against the Nigeria Police Force for Onyeabo’s death. The judge found the police culpable for denying the deceased access to hospital, saying the woman would not have died if the police had allowed her to visit a hospital. Onyeabo, a former legal adviser and secretary to the NRC, had died in the police custody in May 2014 about four weeks after the police detained her over an alleged N1bn pension fraud, in which the deceased was implicated alongside two others.

Buhari Appoints New Military Chiefs, NSA

President Muhammadu Buhari, June 13, appointed new service chiefs and a new National Security Adviser. Major-General Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin is now the new Chief of Defence Staff from Ekiti State. The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General T.Y. Buratai from Borno State. The new Chief of Naval Staff is Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas from Cross River State. Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar from Bauchi state is the new Chief of Air Staff‎. The President also appointed a new Chief of Defence Intelligence, Air Vice Marshal Monday Riku Morgan and a new National Security Adviser, ‎Major-General Babagana Monguno (rtd.) The new Service Chiefs will hold their appointments in an acting capacity until confirmed by the Senate. The president thanked the outgoing Service Chiefs and National Security Adviser for their services to the nation and wished them well.

Murder/Assassinations

Enugu Monarch, 3 Others Killed by Gunmen

The monarch of Nkerefi in Nkanu East LGA of Enugu state, Igwe Peter Onuoha, was on July 10, murdered by unknown gunmen. The killers, suspected to be hired assailants, also killed a native identified as Daniel Ogbu alias Chocho and two others.  The other two victims are a couple identified as Ejike Udeme Uzor and his wife, Evelyn Udeme Uzor. Apart from bullet wounds, the deceased persons had several machete cuts on their bodies. Residents of the community were thrown into confusion when the noise of the sporadic shooting by the gunmen rented the air. Those residing near the palace of the royal father were said to have fled their homes. The reason for the attack could not be immediately ascertained. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, vowed that the police would bring perpetrators to book. He said the command was working relentlessly to ensure that those behind the alleged murder are unmasked and brought to book.

Woman Slits Neighbour’s Throat in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a woman, Helen Okeke, who allegedly killed her neighbour, identified only as Rose, in the Ikota, Ajah area of the state on July 8. It was gathered that Okeke slit Rose’s throat after the duo had an argument over when someone poured urine on the latter’s clothes. The landlady was said to have pacified Rose, offering to give her the money to buy some detergent to wash the clothes. But after some minutes, other neighbours, however, heard Rose’s sudden cry for help in the corridor. The suspect was said to have been found holding the deceased by the neck, with a bloodstained kitchen knife in her hand. Rose died before she could be rushed to a nearby hospital. Okeke, who is described by neighbours as very troublesome, was later arrested by the Police. Police spokesman, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident.

Man Beheads Neighbour in Benue

A middle-aged man has been arrested by Benue State Police Command for allegedly beheading his neighbour over a land dispute. It was gathered from a source that the suspect allegedly killed his victim at Utonkon in Ado LGA on July 13. According the source, the deceased had been at loggerheads with the suspected killer over a disputed piece of land. Both men reportedly met in the farm that morning and a fight ensued between them in the bush and the suspect reportedly killed the deceased with a machete after which he cut off his head and buried his body in a shallow grave inside the farm. He was running away with the head in a polythene bag when he was caught by members of the local security outfit and handed over to the police. Police spokesman, Austin Ezeani, confirmed the incident.

APC Chieftain Assassinated in Lagos

Suspected assassins, July 16, shot dead a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Shalewa Daramola, at Festac Town in Amuwo Odofin LGA of Lagos State. The deceased, said to be in his 40s, was killed in front of the party’s secretariat, where members of his party were sharing Sallah gift. Daramola, who was the party’s Assistant Treasurer in Amuwo Odofin, was said to have stepped out to check his car, when one of the gunmen accosted him, demanding for money. Apparently thinking the stranger was a beggar, Daramola was said to have told him he had no money. The gunman was said to have shot Daramola four times at close range in the chest and, thereafter, jumped onto a waiting motorbike. Nothing was reportedly taken from him. Daramola was said to have been rushed to the Primary Health Centre, from where he was referred to another hospital at Festac Town, but he died on the way to the hospital. The incident was said to have brought the Sallah gift sharing to an abrupt halt as his colleagues ran for safety.

Armed Men Kill Couple, Relation in Benue

A couple, Ternongo and Rebecca Ajai, alongside his relative, Iyormanger Nwana, were on July 15, killed in their homes by some unidentified persons in Katsina/Ala LGA of Benue State. The gunmen reportedly stormed the home of the deceased couple in a motorbike and shot them dead. A source revealed that the gunmen then rode on the bike to the home of Nwana, who lived close to Ajai and also shot him before fleeing. Son of the victim, Philip Ajai, confirmed the killings. He said the matter had been reported to the police, and that the bodies of his parents and the third victim were already deposited at NKST Comprehensive Clinic mortuary, Haaga. Benue State Commissioner of Police, Hyacinth Dagala, confirmed the killing of the trio.

4 Killed in Fresh Attack by Fulani Herdsmen

Four people were, July 11, killed by armed Fulani herdsmen at Dan-Anacha in Gassol LGA of Taraba state. Over 20 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in the violent attack that was launched on the community in the night while many residents of the town were already indoors. The latest attack is coming just five days after Governor Darius Ishaku read a riot act to traditional rulers in the state during a security meeting to ensure overall peace in every part of the state saying whoever is found wanting would face the full wrath of the law. It was gathered that the Fulani herdsmen launched the attack to avenge the death of a Fulani who was killed in the area after being robbed of his motorcycle. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Joseph Kwaji who confirmed the incident, disclosed that armed Fulani men attacked a Tiv man on his farm around Dan-Anacha and killed him and were mobilising to attack the town when police got information and drafted mobile police men to the area.

Gunmen Kill 8 In Rivers

Unidentified gunmen, July 16, killed at least 8 persons in Aga community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, and Wakama community in Ogu/Bolo LGA of the state. It was gathered that while six persons were killed at Aga community, two others were killed in Wakama community. The Assistant Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the two separate incidents, said the Commissioner of Police, Chris Azike, has deployed more policemen to the affected communities to maintain peace. Meanwhile, the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) has condemned the invasion of Kporghor and Gio villages in Tai LGA of the state, leading to the killing of several innocent persons as well as destruction of houses in the villages.

Police Arrest 5 Suspects for Conspiracy on Alleged Assassination

Five suspects have been arrested by operatives of the Zone 5 Police Headquarters, Benin City, for allegedly conspiring to assassinate one Etionsa Ighodalo in Ovia North-east LGA of Edo State. Spokesman for Zone 5, Emeka Iheanacho, July 11, explained that the principal suspect, Osahon Iserhienrhien, jointly with other suspects hired one Osahon Johnson to assassinate Ighodalo. According to Iheanacho, the assassins were to carry out the assignment on July 4, when the Zonal Operatives got wind of it and arrested Monday Idele and Uhunoma Idele, whose statements helped in the arrest of the principal suspect and others at a shrine. He attributed the cause of the plan to power tussle between Etionsa Ighodalo and the principal suspect.

Policewoman Arrested over Death of Ex-Husband

Delta State Police Command has apprehended a female police sergeant over alleged connection in the murder of her male colleague, simply identified as Kelechi. The suspect, who was married to Kelechi, got separated from him due to a disagreement. Kelechi was killed when he visited the home of the suspect to see his daughter. It was reported that the suspected, who was infuriated by his visit, raised alarm that Kelechi was a thief and had come to kidnap her daughter. Youths in the neighbourhood gathered and attacked Kelechi and killed him in the process. Confirming the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, said the suspect was being held in custody along with her accomplices in the killing of a policeman on July 9 at Ogwashi-Uku.

Motorcyclist Stabs Security Man to Death at Checkpoint

A   motorcycle rider, Shehu Sanni, has been arrested after allegedly stabbing a security man, Ibukun Oguntona (38), to death in the Okobaba, Oyingbo area of Lagos. It was learnt that Sanni allegedly killed the security man after he was stopped at a checkpoint, and queried over his movement on July 8. The victim was on a night duty on Abeokuta and Lagos streets, Oyingbo, and had an instruction not to allow motorcycle riders into the area at that time. He demanded to know Sanni’s mission on the street, but the suspect allegedly refused to answer, causing the security man to hold on to his motorcycle. The suspect was said to have drawn a knife and stabbed Oguntona in the stomach. The deceased reportedly raised the alarm, which alerted his colleague on Tapa Street. Neighbours, however, fished Sanni out and reported the matter at the Denton Police Division. The Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the incident.

Mother of Three Commits Suicide in Ekiti

A 46-year-old mother of three, simply identified as Mrs. Ajibola, was on July 14, found hanging in her Ado Ekiti. She was suspected to have taken her own life after many unsuccessful attempts to kill herself in the past. It was gathered that prior to Ajibola’s death, she had reportedly informed landlords in the area of her intention to address a world press conference that evening, but did not show up at the given time. A neighbour said the victim was mentally ill and had undergone treatment several times, revealing on several occasions in the past, she had threatened to take her own life. Confirming the incident, Police spokesman, Alberto Adeyemi, said the command had launched investigation into the suspected suicide to unravel the circumstances surrounding it.

Court Sentences House Help to Death for Killing Judge

An Ogun State High Court, July 15, sentenced to death, David Idah (21), who murdered a retired Deputy Chief Registrar of the court, Olufunlayo Timeyin. Justice Abiodun Akinyemi sentenced the convict to death by hanging. Idah, who worked as house help to the Timeyin household for only two months, scaled the fence of the house to attack the former chief magistrate with a machete. The alarm, raised by one of the sons of the late senior magistrate, Olamide, who had earlier knocked on the gates and heard the desperate cries of his mum, attracted some residents who immediately alerted the men of the Ogun State Vigilance Service (VSO). Idah was said to have stolen household items, including jewellery, electronics and GSM handsets. The retired chief magistrate was slaughtered on March 28, 2014 by her house help in her residence.

Lecturer Assassinated in Ife

A lecturer with the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Deji Adejobi, was on July 14 killed by suspected assassins at his residence. Adejobi’s gateman, who recounted how the incident took place, said the assailants trailed the deceased to his house at about 10pm and killed him after shooting into the air to scare off residents of the community. The Police Public Relations Officer for Osun State Police Command, Mrs Folashade Odoro, while confirming the incident, said the command had commenced investigation into the matter.

Cultists Kill Islamic Cleric

Suspected cult members, July 9, killed a 25-year-old Islamic cleric, Alfa Rahmon Alabi, in the Ayobo area of Lagos State. It was learnt that the Iseyin, Oyo State indigene, was on his way to a late night prayer when the gang members accosted him. They were said to have asked him to buy them some hemp, but he refused and allegedly abused the men, saying it was against his faith as a Muslim. It was learnt that the hoodlums became angry and attacked him. He was said to have been dispossessed of his phone before he was stabbed to death. A friend of the victim said Rahmon was attacked when he got to a junction where the cultists had their hideout.

Gunmen Shoot, Hack Man to Death in Ogun State

A young man, Femi Adebanjo, was on July 13, hacked to death by 3 men on a motorcycle in Ogun State. It was gathered that the assailants stormed Ondo Road in Ijebu Ode and hacked him to death. The deceased was abandoned by the roadside in a pool of blood after the incident. It was gathered that Adebanjo, aka Efrebor, who was also on a motorcycle, to Fatina Junction, was trailed and attacked by the killers, who first rained bullets on him before they attacked him with machetes. The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident. He added that investigations were on-going to apprehend the killers.

Cattle Rustlers Kill 11 in Minna

Eleven persons have been confirmed dead in Niger State, following an invasion by cattle rustlers of some villages in Shiroro LGA on July 15. The villages mostly affected are Kwati, Basa and Kaore villages in Lakpan area of Shiroro LGA where several cows were carted away. It was gathered that some local vigilantes put up a resistance by chasing away the rustlers during which eight of the rustlers were killed, while three of the vigilantes also lost their lives. The Senator representing Niger East in the National Assembly, Senator David Umaru, in a condolence visit to the people of the area, decried the increasing activities of cattle rustlers in parts of the state, calling on government to step up security in the affected places. Umaru described the activities of the rustlers as a major concern. The village head of Kwati, Alhaji Barko Barua, appealed to government to give his subjects adequate security to enable them carry out normal farming activities. He also thanked the senator for identifying with them in this trying period.

Rape

Police Nab Suspected Rapist, Robber

Lagos State Police Command, July 11, arrested a suspected member of a two-man robbery gang, who specialise in drugging victims before dispossessing them of cash and valuables. The suspect, Ifeanyi Chizoba, confessed to have used the means on over 100 victims, including commercial sex workers and traders. He had reportedly gone to a shop in Festac town in the company of his gang member, one Aloysius. He was said to have blown a powdery substance wrapped in a handkerchief into the air, which put the shop owner to sleep. Thereafter, they reportedly made for where the safe was and looted it. But as they made to carry one of the machines in the shop, the shop owner woke up and raised alarm, which attracted residents. Aloysius managed to escape, leaving Chizoba at the mercy of a mob that almost lynched him before the arrival of the police.

Landlords Report Suspected Homosexual Rapist

About 25 landlords from the Temidire, Alagbado area of Lagos State, July 15, raised the alarm over the activities of a suspected gay man in the area, whom they alleged had raped several young men. The complainants, who were led by the Baale, Alhaji Najimu Abioye, submitted a petition to the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, saying that the residents’ lives were in danger as the suspect continually harassed them with thugs. They alleged that the suspect, identified as Alhaji Tunji, had raped many young men in the area, and usually moved with thugs to collect money from traders and the people building houses in the community.

Court Jails Bricklayer 12 Years over Rape of Teenager

Justice Sedoten Ogunsanya of the Lagos State High Court, July 15, sentenced a 33-year-old bricklayer, Taoreed Oseni, to 12 years imprisonment for raping an 18-year-old hawker at a public toilet. Justice Ogunsanya handed down the verdict after she found Oseni guilty of one-count charge of rape brought against him by the state government. The sentence, which is without an option of fine, would take effect from August 2, 2012 when the convict was arrested and detained by the police. The prosecutor, Adebayo Haroun, had informed the court during the trial that the convict committed the offence sometime in July 2012 at a public toilet in Oshodi, Lagos. Haroun also told the court that the convict lured the victim to the back of the public toilet by telling her that her friend wanted to see her. The convict then broke a bottle on her head before raping her.

Ex-Soldier gets Life Sentence for Raping 10-Year-Old

An Ogun State High Court, July 16, sentenced a retired soldier, Alabi Ibrahim, to life imprisonment for raping his 10-year-old step-daughter and infecting her with Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV. In his judgment, Justice Abiodun Akinyemi said the court was convinced that the allegation against the accused had been proved beyond reasonable doubt. Akinyemi said further that the victim’s testimony, during cross examination, showed that she was telling the truth and not tutored and that there was concrete evidence that the victim was sexually assaulted, having also lost count on number of times the convict assaulted her. Akinyemi also made reference to a medical report, which stated that the accused infected the girl with HIV, stressing that the convict’s action had brought a permanent stigma on the innocent girl. The convict committed the crime in 2012 in his home, where he lived with the victim and her mother.

Others

Suspected Oil Theft Kingpin Arrested in Akwa Ibom

The Nigeria Navy has arrested one of the suspected kingpins involved in oil theft along the creeks of Akwa Ibom State. The Commander of NNS Jubilee in Ikot Abasi, Commodore David Adeniran, disclosed that the oil theft would be subjected to further probe. He added that they were also able to seize some products. According to him, the suspect would be handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and prosecution. Besides checking the activities of the oil theft, Commodore Adeniran revealed that recently the Nigerian Navy also had a fierce gun battle with some sea pirates in Mbo water ways of the state. He said the Navy with sophisticated gun boats was able to contain the sea pirates who later escaped saying no life was lost in the encounter.

Fake NDLEA Official Nabbed

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kwara State Command, has apprehended a 37-year-old man, Samuel Yawo, who allegedly had been impersonating the agency. The Kwara State Commander of NDLEA, Reuben Apea, July 10, said the suspect had been parading himself as an officer of the NDLEA for the past three years. He stated that investigation revealed that Yawo had also been extorting money from the public, using a fake identity card, which he allegedly fraudulently procured. He added that the suspect was arrested in the Jebba Area Command of the NDLEA and transferred to the state headquarters. Yawo pleaded for forgiveness.

Mob Burn Benue Village over Beheading of Kinsman

Igese village in Ado LGA of Benue State was on July 13, razed down by angry Igede people of Obi LGAA over the beheading of their kinsman, Ejah Iji. Iji was beheaded on July 11 by one Raphael Agashe from Igese after a misunderstanding between them. The caretaker chairman of Ado Local Government Council, Paul Udenyi told Nigerian Pilot on phone that the incident led to loss of property worth millions of naira while some of the residents who are presently displaced are taking refuge in a primary school while others are squatting with their relations. Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Otukpo Area Police Command, Samuel Drakoji confirmed the incident, saying he had drafted his men to the scene of the incident to forestall further breakdown of law and order.

Review/Analysis

Murder/assassination maintained a high position on the index, despite the resolve of the authorities to put an end to these acts. While major arrests were made, others remain at large. These incidents were recorded across various regions of the country.

Terrorism also rose up the crime index with various bomb attacks and raids on village. The military continues to its battle to flush out terrorists and restore peace in the areas affected. The north-east region remains the region mostly affected.

Gang incidents also took a leap up the crime index. The authorities have assured of their determination to curb these incidents, while also calling on parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and wards. Despite their activities, the police dislodged major gangs and arrested suspected cultists, especially in Delta State, and some parts of the south-eastern region of the country.

Robbery, kidnap and hostage incidents were low on the index, as the authorities continue to rescue hostages and make mass arrest of suspects during raids of their hideouts. These incidents were recorded across various regions of the country.

The government charges every Nigerian and persons that are resident in Nigeria to be security conscious. It is also seen as the responsibility of everyone to be a neighbourhood watch. Take cognizance of your environment to keep you and your neighbour safe.

Villeworth also urges you to remain law abiding and report any perceived threat to the appropriate authorities for investigation.