Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 39

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Police Kill Three Suspected Kidnappers in Delta

The police in Delta State shot dead three suspected kidnappers on September 11. Police Spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, disclosed that a group of hoodlums, who were intercepted by the Orerokpe Division patrol team while driving a Toyota Corolla saloon car, turned in a suspicious manner when they sighted the police, leading to a hot chase. They were pursued to Oghara Road, Agbarho where an exchange of gunfire ensued. Three of the hoodlums were fatally wounded while others escaped with bullet wounds. Preliminary inquiry revealed that the bandits had earlier kidnapped one Paaga Blessing Emabari, at Okuokoko in Okpe Local Council. Kalu disclosed that the kidnapped victim, however, escaped from the grips of the hoodlums before their encounter with the patrol team.

Kidnapped Journalist Regains Freedom

Kidnapped Newspaper columnist, Donu Kogbara, has regained freedom. Kogbara was abducted by yet to be identified gunmen in front of her house in Nkpogu, Port Harcourt in the early hours of August 30. She was released by her abductors at about 12midnight on September. Her abductors were said to have left her in the Creeks where she got a fisherman’s boat to take her back to shore. It is not clear if any ransom was paid for her release. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Muhammad, confirmed her release but was silent on details.

Kidnappers Demand N100m to Release Abducted Wife of Sun DMD

The kidnappers of Oluwatoyin Nwosu, the wife of the Deputy Managing Director of Sun Newspapers, Steve Nwosu, have demanded a ransom of N100 million for her release. Mrs Nwosu was abducted from her Okota residence in Lagos. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, has described the attack as an ‘armed robbery operation. Owoseni said the home of the senior journalist remains an active crime scene since his wife was held hostage, and care was being taken in order not to jeopardize investigation.

Gunmen Kidnap Vice Chancellor’s son

Gunmen, September 14, kidnapped Ejire Lale, the son of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Choba. Ejire was kidnapped in Agbeta Ebubu, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers state. He was said to be supervising his fish pond when a group of six armed men stormed the place after robbing a neighbour within the compound. The hoodlums, according to a source, did not come in a car, but were able to forcefully take away the son of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ndowa Lale, to an unknown destination.

DSS Decries Increasing Rate of Kidnapping in Sokoto, Parades Suspect

The Department of State Services (DSS), September 14, raised the alarm over the increasing rate of kidnapping in Sokoto State. It advised parents to be more security conscious and monitor their wards to avoid falling victim. Speaking while parading one Idris Umar, arrested over the kidnap of an eight-year-old boy, Abdul’azeez Abubakar, alongside Mu’azu Hassan who is still at large, the DSS assured of adequate security measures to safeguard lives and properties of Nigerians. The state director of the DSS, Tijanni Kaffa, disclosed that Abdul’azeez Abubakar was kidnapped by Idris Umar and Mu’azu Hassan on the 14th of August, 2015 and taken to Minanata area of Sokoto South LGA where he was held hostage. The victim was released on the 15th August, 2015 by his captors after the payment of N300, 000.00 as ransom by his father, Alhaji Abubakar. The kingpin, Idris Umar, was arrested on 11th September, 2015, while adequate security measures have been emplaced to arrest the remaining accomplices.

Police Hunt for Kidnappers of Octogenarian

The Delta State Police command said it had begun a manhunt for the kidnap gang that abducted Elizabeth You-Diowie, the 80-year-old mother of Patani LGA chairman, Mrs Elizabeth Abeki. The octogenarian was abducted on September 17 at her residence in Patani by an unidentified gang. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, stated that efforts were in motion towards securing the release of the victim as well as the arrest of the suspects.

Gunmen Kidnap 3-Year-Old in Delta

Unidentified gunmen, September 16, abducted the 3-year-old boy at Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara. It was gathered that the five gunmen stormed the residence of the boy’s parents, robbed them and their neighbours of cash and other valuables, before abducting the toddler. The victim’s father, Peter Nwabueze, is the head of the Revenue unit of the hospital. The spate of kidnapping at Oghara has been on the increase, thus making staff of DELSUTH flee the community in droves to live in adjoining communities, from where they come to work.

Police Rescue Kidnap Victim

Police operatives, September 15, rescued a kidnapped victim and tracked down the syndicate in their hideout around Umueke Idumuezeji quarters, Ibusa town, Delta State. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the incident, explained that in the course of rescuing the victim, two of the kidnappers were fatally wounded. She said the victim, who was lured to Ibusa community through the internet on the guise of offering him a job, was held captive before he was rescued. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects.

Robbery

Police Strengthen Highway Patrol to Curb Robbery in 'Ember Months'

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Leye Oyebade, September 11, began a tour of 15 highways where the state shared boundaries with Ogun, Osun, Kwara and neighbouring Benin Republic. Oyebade who said the era of corruption in the Force was gone for good assured the officers of adequate compensation for discharging their duties without let or hindrance. He warned that his administration would not take kindly to corruption, sabotage and undue interference in the discharge of modern policing in the state. Oyebade explained that the tour was geared towards reassuring the policemen on patrol duties that the government was in support of their works. He further assured the public that the roads would be safe and peaceful for travels during the yuletide.

Bike Man Escapes Arrest, Abandons Nine Guns

Anti-robbery policemen attached to the Area E Command headquarters have recovered nine pump-action guns and 42 live cartridges from two suspected robbers in the 7th Avenue area of FESTAC, Lagos. The suspects, who escaped arrest, were initially stopped by the policemen on routine patrol for riding an unregistered motorcycle around 11.15pm. Police Public Relations Officer, Joe Offor, said the recovery of the guns was a direct result of the CP’s meeting with all Area Commanders and Division Police Officers, where he charged them to fine tune their crime prevention strategies.

Residents Lynch One, Apprehend 3 Robbery Suspects in Yenagoa

Angry residents of  Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, September 12, confronted a four-man armed robbery gang, lynching one and arrested 3 others, along the upscale Oxbow Lake area for allegedly shooting a commercial tricycle operator and dispossessing his passengers of N3 million.  The hoodlums, operating in a Volkswagen car, reportedly blocked the tricycle that was carrying the couple, Mr and Mrs Eric Oyinodokoye. They were said to have shot the tricycle operator on the head, collected the sum of N3m from the occupants and zoomed off. But luck ran out on the hoodlums as their victims raised alarm which attracted a mob that gave them a hot chase and eventually caught three of them, while one escaped. The mob reportedly beat them to pulp before the police arrived. One of the suspects later died. The fourth suspect was later arrested while in possession of a locally made pistol and part of the stolen money. Police spokesman, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the incident.

Man Remanded in Prison Custody for Robbery

A 31-year-old man, Dayo Titus, has been remanded at Olokuta Prison custody by an Akure Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly robbing a Toyota Siena space bus and other household items worth N1.9 million at gunpoint. The accused person, who was brought before Chief Magistrate Sunday Adedapo, is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, armed robbery and having possession two locally made pistols. The police prosecutor, Pelumi Adejuwon, told the court that the accused person committed the offence on March 11, 2015. Adejuwon said Titus, three others and some others still at large, robbed one Deacon Komolafe at gun point. The plea of the accused person was not taken when the charge sheet was read to him. The presiding magistrate, Sunday Adedapo ordered the remand of the accused person in Olokuta prison and adjourned the case till October 8, 2015.

Fake Revenue Collectors Nabbed with Gun

Police operatives attached to the Onipanu division of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested two suspects, Rasheed Sholanke and Lukman Adebesin, for forcefully and illegally demanding waybills from tanker drivers and extorting money from them. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, said the suspects were arrested after one of the victims called attention of the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Onipanu to the illegal activities of the duo. Police detectives were dispatched to the scene where the suspects were arrested with a single -barrelled gun and one fake police warrant card.

Robbers Kill Four Policemen in Delta

Rampaging armed robbers in Delta State, September 16, attacked a patrol van and killed four policemen in Ugbolu community near Asaba after robbing residents of the area. It was learnt that the robbers, on sighting the police patrol van along the Asaba-Ugbolu Expressway, opened fire on them, killing four of the policemen, while others were injured. It was gathered that the police team also responded with firepower and injured four of the six-man gang. According to reports, the armed robbers had just robbed residents of the community, and were on their escape bid when the police patrol team ran into them. They opened fire on the policemen, who equally returned the firepower. The Police Commissioner in the state, Alkali Usman, confirmed the death of one policeman, adding that others, who sustained serious injuries, were rushed to Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, where they were receiving treatment. While the police boss assured Delta State residents of safety, he said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing robbers.

Gang Incidents

IGP Vows to Wipe out Cultism in Edo

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, September 12, reiterated his resolved to wipe out cultism in Edo State, warning that those who engaged in the act should relocate or be dealt with. He further warned that all those who have interest in the state must ensure that they do not disturb the state in terms of engaging in cultism or things that would disrupt investment in the state.

Army Invades Delta Community, Arrest Pregnant Woman, Cripple with Arms

Soldiers from the 19th Battalion, Koko, Delta State, raided Yukugbene community in Warri North LGA and arrested a pregnant woman and a cripple for allegedly being in possession of firearms and ammunition. The soldiers stormed the community in search of suspected pirates and kidnappers, and recovered arms and ammunition from the woman and the cripple. However, the Ijaw People Development Initiative, IPDI, faulted the claim that the pregnant woman, Loveth Odibo and cripple, Friday Gbangbara, were criminals and that soldiers found arms and ammunition with them. Public Relations Officer of the 4th Brigade, Benin City, Captain Jonah Unuakhalu, October 11, confirmed the August 28 arrest of the suspects and the recovery of arms and ammunition from them.

Two Suspected Cultists Arraigned for Theft

Two suspected cult members, Mesu Abel and Dennis Hunga, were, September 14, arraigned before a Yaba Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing an engine boat and two locally-made boats. The men were said to be members of a syndicate in Iwaya, Lagos State. The community leader, Johnson Nusa, was said to have bought a boat from one Jebete, which was discovered missing a few days later. When Nusa accosted Jebete to enquire about the disappearance of the boat and two others; Mesu, who was a member of the syndicate, was said to have threatened to kill him (Nusa). He and other members of the gang were eventually rounded up by policemen. It was learnt that the suspects confessed to stealing the boats. They were arraigned on two counts of conspiracy and stealing. The defendants pleaded not guilty and were admitted to bail in the sum of N500,000.

Ogun Police Arrest Three Students for Cultism

Policemen attached to the Ago-Iwoye Division, Ogun State have arrested three suspected student cultists. The cult members were arrested on September 12 at different locations within Ago-Iwoye. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, said two of them were members the Buccaneer confraternity while the third belonged to the Eye confraternity. The police vowed to continue to hunt for any individual or group of people who might want to cause trouble in the state.

JTF Confirms Killing of 3 Militants in Gun Battle

Authorities of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF), September 12, confirmed the killing of three suspected militants in a gun battle in Benignoye community of Burutu LGA of Delta State. The gun battle, which occurred during a raid on militia camps in the area, resulted in a 30minutes gun battle and the killing of three persons. The suspected militia leader, Ayas Abdulrahman Ingo, was injured in the battle. The commander of the JTF, Maj-Gen Alani Okunola, said the outfit also arrested some of the suspected militants in the Niger Delta.

Security Operatives, Mob Clash in Jos

Four persons, September 13, sustained injuries when security agents allegedly opened fire on a mob during a protest over mounting of a new roadblock during church service in Tudun Wada in Jos North LGA of Plateau State. An eyewitness said youths from the Muslim community had protested that the new road block was mounted on the only access road to their community. The eyewitness, Bulus Yohanna, said that tension built in the communities between the Muslim and Christian youths over the erection of a stop and search barrier. The Media and Information Officer of the Special Task Force (STF), Captain Ikedichi Iweha, said the fracas was as a result of breakdown of communication between the Muslim and Christian groups.

Police, MASSOB Clash in Anambra

Members of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) who were marking their 16th anniversary clashed with the police in parts of Anambra State on September 13. At least 25 members of the MASSOB were arrested by the police and other security operatives at various churches in the state while one was shot. The Anambra North Coordinator of MASSOB, Emmanuel Omenka, lamented that at least 18 of his members were arrested, even though their celebration was non-violent. According to him army and other security operatives stormed the church and arrested some of us, who were clad in MASSOB uniform. He, however, vowed that no amount of intimidation, arrest and detention will deter us from struggling to actualize a sovereign state of Biafra.

Drugs

NDLEA Investigates Death of Graduate in Cannabis Raid

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade, has directed the Director of Operations and General Investigation of the Agency, Olugbenga Mabo, to investigate the reported death of a 32-year-old man, Dapo Olasore, during a raid by its operatives at Alapere area in Lagos on September 13. It was reported that Olasore was about boarding a canoe when the NDLEA stormed the area. It was gatheredthat some of the officials went to where the victim was and held him by the trousers. He was said to have fallen into the Agboyi River while trying to free himself. A boat operator, Dayo Seun, who attempted to rescue him, said the NDLEA men pointed guns at him and prevented him from rescuing the drowning man. The raid operation was conducted in response to intelligence report on the illicit activities of a suspected drug dealer identified as Saheed. One Babalola who works for him was, however, apprehended while some dried weeds that tested positive for cannabis were seized during the operation. The remains of Olasore have been recovered by residents.

Maritime

Terrorism

Military Clears More Boko Haram Enclaves in Borno

The Nigerian military, September 15, announced that it had cleared four more terrorists’ camps in the North-east. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, disclosed that the troops were advancing to clear all known terrorists’ camps towards Banki, Kumshe and Bama axis. According to him, the forces cleared the terrorists’ camp at Bolungu 1 and 2, Bula Doye and Cheehi Dare and secured a very important bridge linking the towns of Miyanti and Banki in Borno State. The army spokesman said that gallant troops also rescued dozen of kidnapped women and children held captive by Boko Haram terrorists. He assured that the clearance by ground troops and aerial bombardment by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) would continue until they reach the terrorists were defeated.

Boko Haram Attacks Madagali, Yola IDP Camp, Kills 12

Twelve people lost their lives on September 11, while scores were injured in two suicide bomb attacks by suspected Boko Haram members at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Yola and Madagali town, both in Adamawa State. The bombs were detonated inside a tent at the Malkohi IDP camp at around 10:50am and claimed seven lives. Two female suicide bombers were reported to have detonated the bombs which also injured 13 people including. Five persons were killed in a bomb blast near a market in Madagali town, Madagali Local Government Area of the Adamawa State, leaving several others injured. The bomb was allegedly detonated by a female suicide bomber. The incident occurred at about the same time with the Malkohi bomb attack. President Muhammadu Buhari directed authorities to tighten security measures in all camps harbouring internally displaced persons in the country. Adamawa state commissioner of information, Ahmed Sajoh confirmed the casualty figure.

Boko Haram Members Surrender to Troops – Army

The Nigerian military, September 13, disclosed that scores of terrorists in the North-East have continued to surrender to troops in the frontline due to sustained offensive by ground troops and pre-emptive air strikes by Nigerian Air Force. The acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, disclosed that more terrorists had indicated willingness to lay down arms. This comes as the ground troops adopted a routes blocking strategy to “constrict and snuff out the Boko Haram terrorists from their hideouts.” The military said it would continue to receive surrendering suspects and warning that “surrendering is the only option open to them.”

Boko Haram Kills 2, Forcefully Recruiting Members in Borno

A commercial cab driver and a member of the local Nigeria Vigilante Group were, September 11 and 12, killed in separate attacks around Monguno town of Borno State as Boko Haram members continued to force locals in the area to join their terror group, according to reports. Local vigilante operatives who picked the remains of the driver said he was beheaded. Just as the people were trying to get over the gory murder of the taxi driver, the people of Monguno woke up to yet another gory incident of killing when they found the body of a member of the Vigilante group in the pool of his own blood as he was brutally killed by suspected Boko Haram terrorists who visited parts of the town. Abbas Gava, the spokesman of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria in Borno State confirmed the killings.

Army Arrests Makers of Fake ID for Boko Haram

The Nigerian Army, September 17, announced that it had arrested two business center operators in Maiduguri, who allegedly produced fake National Identity Cards for Boko Haram terrorists in the city. Spokesman of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, Col. Tukur Gusau, made the disclosure while parading the suspects in Maiduguri. Gusau said the two operators of the centre, Makinta Umar, and John Zakariya, were arrested after a suspected Boko Haram member confessed that the suspects were producing the ID cards for members of the terrorists group.

Political/Government Agencies

Police Bans Private Individuals From Using Siren In Rivers

The Rivers Police Command, September banned the use of siren by private individuals in the State. The Public Relations Officer of the command, Ahmad Muhammad, disclosed this, warning that the ban forbids private individuals and bullion vans, except when piloted by police pilot vehicle, from using siren. Only top government officials- the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker House of Representatives and Inspector-General of police (IGP) were exempted from the ban. Others include Governors, Service Chiefs, General Officer Commanding (GOCs), Assistant Inspector-General of Police and commissioner of police. The statement added that ambulance vehicles and fire-fighting vehicles were also exempted from the ban. It said that command had given unauthorised users in the State seven days to comply with the directive or face arrest and prosecution.

Murder/Assassinations

Bakassi Boys Kill One, Injure 9 in Aba

Suspected members of Bakassi Boys, September 13, killed a middle-aged man and injured about nine others at a hard drug spot in Aba, Abia State, over non-payment of ‘settlement fee.’ It was gathered that the incident, which took place at Ngwa Road end of Aba River bank, popularly known as ‘Orji Uzor Kalu Bridge’ where hard drug peddlers and users relocated after men of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, ejected them from their former base. An eyewitness disclosed that the Bakassi Boys had demanded for their daily ‘settlement fee’ of N1,000 which the hard drug dealers pay them. But on this day, when the money was not forth-coming, they got infuriated and attacked them.

20 Persons Killed in Plateau

About 20 persons were, on September 14, killed following attacks on Zakupwang, Fan Village of Foron district of Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State by unknown gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen. Honourable Istifanus Gyang, member representing Barkin-Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, confirmed the attacked on seven villages of Barkin-Ladi LGA. While condemning the attacks, he appealed to the Berom and Fulani stakeholders not to allow the unfortunate incidences defeat the on-going peace efforts in the area. Gyang also called on the Special Task Force (STF) to live up to its upgraded status of providing a safe haven for all communities in his constituency and the state at large.

Two Killed in Ughelli Cult Clash

Two persons were, September 13, killed at Ekuigbo, Ughelli in Delta State following a shootout by members of two rival cult gangs. Commercial activities were grounded as shops were hurriedly locked up in fear of reprisal attacks by the cultists and wanton arrest by security agents in the town. It was gathered that the victims (one from each group) died on the spot. The recent killing is the fourth in five days of renewed cult war in Ughelli and its environs. According to a member of the vigilante at the scene of the incident, the victim died on the spot after he was shot at close range at the back of his head with a shotgun.

Gunmen Kill District Head in Taraba

Unidentified gunmen, September 14, killed a district head of Namnai village in Gassol LGA of Taraba State. The hoodlums, suspected to be armed bandits, attacked the district head and the area head of Namnai when they were returning from a peace mission to a neighbouring village. It was gathered that the gunmen had attacked residents of Namnai village in Gassol LGA of the state several times. Spokesperson of the Taraba State police command, Joseph Kwaji, confirmed the killings, noting that investigation into the crime was ongoing.

Fulani Herdsmen Kill Nine in Fresh Taraba Attack

Nine people were, September 15, killed at Ibi in Ibi LGA of Taraba State in a reprisal attack carried out by Fulani herdsmen to avenge the killing of their kinsman by Tiv farmers. Several people sustained varying degrees of injuries in the attack, while properties worth millions of naira. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Joseph Kwaji, confirmed that nine corpses had been evacuated and deposited at the mortuary while those injured were undergoing treatment at different hospitals. The attack is coming on the heels of ongoing efforts initiated by the state government to eradicate the incessant clashes between Fulani herdsmen and Tiv farmers which have claimed several hundreds of lives. The crisis was reportedly fuelled by the killing of a Fulani herdsman who entered a farm belonging to a Tiv with his cattle to graze, leading to massive destruction of the farm. When news of the killing of the Fulani got to the other herdsmen, they allegedly mobilised themselves to carry out a reprisal attack on the Tiv farmers.

Graduate Commits Suicide in Aba

A graduate of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba has allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself with a rope in his family house. It was gathered that the man allegedly killed himself on September 13 after church service. A resident of Umuobe village, Ovom, where the incident took place, wondered why he had to take his life, as everything seemed normal and nobody suspected anything. The Abia State Police Commissioner, Habila Joshak, confirmed the incident.

Police Corporal Shoots Tricyclist, Kills Mother of Four over N100

A police corporal, Augustine Telenumdu, September 17, shot a tricyclist and his wife. While the tricyclist, Godwin Ekpo, remains in critical condition, his wife, Ekaette Ekpo, died on the spot. It was gathered that the deceased was shot through the back and the bullet pierced through the back of her head. Telenumdu, with his four-man team made up of two other police corporals, Musefun Aremu and Onu Samuel, and a sergeant, Benson Ababom, had mounted an illegal stop-and-search operation at the Isheri-Osun area. The suspect had accosted the tricyclist, who was with his entire family. They were said to be on their way home from church with their four children, including an 11-month-old baby when the corporal opened fire at the moving tricycle for refusing to part with the sum of N100 requested. The State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said the corporal had been arrested and would be charged for murder.

Rape

Others

Immigration Parades 64 Illegal Immigrants

The Ogun State command of the Nigeria Immigration Service, September 11, paraded 64 illegal immigrants arrested during a raid in Obafemi Owode and Sagamu LGAs of the state. The Immigration Comptroller, Victoria Isang, disclosed that the arrest was part of the command’s efforts to rid the state of illegal immigrants and enhance security. She said the illegal aliens were 40 Beninois and 24 Togolese. She explained that the illegal immigrants were arrested after successful raids on September 8 and 10, adding that they would be repatriated to their countries after necessary security screening and profiling. Isang added that the command had doubled its commitment as a reaction to the security challenges presently confronting the country.

Police in Lagos Warn Late Night Food Vendors

The Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Police has beamed its searchlight on areas where food vendors operate late in the night across the state as it continues raiding black spots. The Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, September 14, disclosed that the move was aimed at ridding the state of criminals. He explained that investigation had revealed that suspected armed robbers go to them to collect weapons while going for operation and return the same to them afterwards. The commissioner frowned at some persons that usually took the laws into their hands, saying that the command would no longer tolerate such.

CP Accuses MASSON of Breeding of Kidnappers, Armed Robbers

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Hassan Karma, September 15, accused the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) of breeding criminals in the state. This comes as he paraded 43 arrested MASSOB members in Awka.  The commissioner observed that there had been increase on the rate of assault on innocent people in the state in recent times by members of the group, alleging that most of those attacked were dispossessed of their personal effects such as cash, mobile phones, hand bags, among other things. According to him, members of the movement were arrogating to themselves so much authority as if they were acting on government’s directives and made it clear that the group did not have the backing of the law, or that of government to engage in such activities.

Four Persons Killed in Gas Explosion in Rivers

At least four persons were, September 17, killed in a gas explosion at Eliozu community, in Rivers State. The explosion happened at a panel beater’s shop in the community while he was rounding up the day’s job at about 6.30pm. Eye-witnesses said one of the gas cylinders used by the panel beater exploded and killed two persons on the spot. The third person died while being rushed to the hospital, while the fourth died at a nearby clinic after the clinic insisted that N35,000 be deposited before they could commence treatment. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ahmad Muhammad (DSP), confirmed the incident.

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/hostage cases took the lead in review of report this week, though some of the kidnapped victims are still held hostage by the kidnappers, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and Department for State Security (DSS) in a gun duel with some of the kidnappers killed some and are working extensively hard in making sure that the victims are all free and rejoined with their loved ones. This was witnessed more in the south-south and south-east region with the south-west recording just a few.

Gang incidents also took an upward plunge with scores injured as a result of various cult groups in a feisty clash, also in another related story, the army took centre stage evading and arresting pregnant mothers and other diseased fellow. The authorities eventually came to the scene of events as they brought to a halt the unforeseen circumstances with a promise of a total wipe out of cult related activities. The south-south and south-west recorded more of this societal unrest.

Murder/assassination maintained its place at the top of the crime index as stories abound. Stories which stem from manslaughter to solo kills and massacres were all witnessed. Though the death rate soared but the authorities are all working together with forensic investigations into the crime. The north-central and north-west region of the country witnessed more of these incidents.

Robbery also maintained its place on the crime index with few incidents on record, thanks to the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) as they regrouped and strengthened patrols on the highways to curb robbery during the ‘Ember Months’. As a result of the blockades, some of the armed robbery squads have all relocated to different parts of the country with a few left behind but defenceless.
Terrorism went down the peck order with stories being very minimal. Although activities of the boko haram insurgents have been to a great length hampered by the brute force of the military, some groups have continued in the attacks with the killing of unarmed civilians and herdsman. The Nigerian military on the other hand have been so offensive in their quest to rid the nation of all trace of terrorist activity with the killing and arrest of boko haram insurgents. The north east continues to bear the brunt of these terror squads.

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.