Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 40

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Police Arrest Couple for Buying Stolen Baby

A couple, was, September 19, arrested by the Lagos State Police command for buying a stolen baby for N150,000. It was gathered that the couple had been unable to have children for years, so they opted for another option, albeit illegal. Pretending to be pregnant, the woman alongside her husband, deceived her relatives and neighbours on the authenticity of her pregnancy. Upon reaching delivery period, they went to the hospital and carried another person’s baby, a two months-old baby, in connivance with the said doctor. Confirming the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni said when the couple was arrested, they accused a doctor of selling the baby to them.

Police Parades Four Suspected Kidnappers, Rescues Victim in Ebonyi

Four suspected kidnappers of the Afikpo Zonal Manager of the Nigerian Breweries, Kehinde Baruwa were, September 19, paraded by the Ebonyi State Police Command. The victim was kidnapped on September 11 at the entrance to his street in Afikpo North LGA of the state. The state Commissioner of Police, Peace Ibekwe Abdalah, said the suspects had demanded N50 million as ransom from Baruwa’s wife for the release of the victim. This was later reduced to N300,000. She added that at the point of collection of the ransom, the anti-kidnapping team of the State Police Command arrested two members of the gang who came to collect the ransom. She noted that the suspects volunteered vital information to the police, which led to the successful rescue of the victim that was being held captive in Umuahia, Abia State. She said two locally-made double barrelled pistols with two live cartridges, one AK 47 rifle with two magazines, five rounds of K2 life ammunition, 12 rounds of life cartridges, and four locally-made single barrelled guns were recovered from the kidnappers.

Fulani Herdsmen Abduct Olu Falae

The Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF and chieftain of Afenifere, Chief Samuel Oluyemisi Falae, was September 21, kidnapped as over 20 armed Fulani herdsmen invaded his farm in Ilado village, Akure north area of Ondo state. The Fulani herdsmen, who invaded his farm, also attacked and injured over 200 workers at the farm before escaping with the hostage. According to reports, the herdsmen have been having issues with the workers in the farm over the grazing and the destruction of the farmland by their cows. The herdsmen according to the police source may have been paid off and the victim handed over to those who have made contact with the family after carrying out the hatchet job. Spokesman of the SDP in the state, Remi Olayiwola said that the abductors have contacted the wife of the ‎victim, Rachel Falae, and requested for N100m as ransom. Spokesman for the state command, Wole Ogodo, confirmed that ‎Chief Falae was taken away while some of his staff were seriously wounded.

Police Rescue 75-Year-Old Kidnap Victim in Delta

The Police in Delta State, September 19, rescued a 75-year-old woman, Ogaraya Macaulay, who was reportedly kidnapped by unknown gunmen from her farm in Ukwuani LGA. The suspected abductors, while fleeing with the Septuagenarian, ran into the police on routine patrol along Kwale/Ogwashi-Uku Express road. The suspects made a turn-around in a suspicious manner which prompted the police patrol team to pursue them. The sources added that the two hoodlums fled into the bush, abandoning the car and their victim. The police found the aged woman, one locally made gun, three live cartridges and charms in the car. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, said the vehicle was earlier snatched from one Christopher Obukowho by the fleeing hoodlums. Efforts to track down the fleeing criminals had been intensified.

Police Foil Kidnap of Bayelsa Monarch

The police in Bayelsa state, September 19, foiled the attempted kidnap of the monarch of Ogbogoro community in Yenagoa LGA, HRH King Godwin Igodo, after a heavy gun battle. This would have been the second time King Igodo would be kidnap if the hoodlums had succeeded. Police spokesman, Astimin Butswat, who confirmed the incident, said the quick arrival of the police patrol team led to a 15-minute shootout between the police and the suspected kidnappers. LEADERSHIP gathered that the armed men had gained entry into the home of the traditional ruler and were about taking him away when the police arrived. The police and the community’s vigilante group had surrounded the palace, which made their escape with the victim difficult. However, no arrest was made as the suspects escaped through a back entrance.

Police Rescue Businessman from Kidnappers

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, September 21, disclosed that men of his command have arrested four men in the Idi-Ayunre area of Ibadan, Oyo State, for attacking a businessman, Abdul-Akeem Amoo and his assistant, Adeleke Yahaya, on September 21. Amoo was said to have driven to the firm with N2m in the boot of his car on Sunday, meant for the payment of his workers contractors. It was gathered that the hoodlums, numbering around 10, swooped on Amoo as he approached the quarry. He was later tied and thrown into a van before being driven away. They were hoodlums got unlucky as the policemen on patrol intercepted them and freed their victim. Four of the suspected hoodlums were also arrested.

Hotelier Kidnapped In Minna, Abductors Demand N50m

Six unidentified gunmen, September 22, stormed the residence of a Minna based hotelier, Chief Cletus Ojukwu and kidnapped him.  The gunmen shot into the air and held everyone around the area hostage before whisking away the director of Phoenix Hotel Limited to an unknown destination. Family source revealed that they were in contact with the abductors and that the abductors have demanded for N50million for his release. Police spokesman, Bala Elkana, confirmed the incident, assuring that the police would do everything possible to ensure that the victim was rescued alive.

Police Kill 8 Suspected Kidnappers, Arrest 18 in Rivers State

Rivers State Police Command, September 21, disclosed that it shot dead eight kidnappers and arrested 18 others. Commissioner of Police, Musa Kimo, who disclosed, while parading the 18 suspected kidnappers, said those who died lost their lives during exchange of fire with his men. He said those paraded were also into robbery and cultism, adding that the command also rescued six kidnap victims in the state. He disclosed that six robbery suspects were arrested, while three were shot dead. About 110 arms and ammunition were recovered, alongside nine cars. He called on the public to provide useful information to the police.

Kidnapped Professor Rescued in Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Police Command, September 18, rescued Professor Emmanuel Ogundele of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, who was abducted by unknown gunmen a day earlier. Police Spokesman, Ismaila Numan, disclosed that Ogundele was rescued by the police officers attached to the Obi Division following a tip off. According to Numan, the suspected kidnappers on sighting the police, shot the professor in the leg, abandoned him and fled. He said the police succeeded in arresting one of the suspects while two others escaped but the police were on their trail.

Police Arrest Trado-Medical Practitioner, Couple over Sale, Purchase of Baby

A trado-medical practitioner and a couple have been arrested over alleged sale and purchase of a baby for N136,000, in Lagos. The principal suspect, Onolaja Olawale, a trado-medical practitioner, was alleged to have sold the baby to Mr and Mrs Dele Ayogbile, after informing them that the biological mother was dead. Co-tenants of the couple suspected foul play and contacted the police. Preliminary investigation, according to Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, showed that the trado-medical practitioner was a family friend to parents of the baby he sold. Olawale, however, stated that mother of the baby collected N70,000 of the initial payment of N136,000 for the sale of the baby. But the biological mother denied knowledge of the sale of her baby. She claimed to have left the baby in the care of the Olawales, on September 13, to enable her travel to conclude documentation towards the compulsory one year National service.

Police Rescue Kidnapped 3-Year-Old after Gun Duel

The Abducted three-year-old daughter of Pastor Lois Okeke of Four Square Gospel Church, Awka, was September 23, rescued by men of the State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Anambra after a gun battle with the suspected kidnappers of the child. Four of the kidnap suspects were arrested with bullet wounds and are assisting the police in their investigations. The girl, Kamsi Okeke, was kidnapped in her father’s house in Awka by the gang on September 16. The kidnappers had demanded N15 million from the parents, which they later reduced to N3 million. The hoodlums also forced the pastor and his wife, Franca, to part with their Automated Teller Machine, ATM, cards which they later used to empty all the money in the couple’s account. It was gathered that the leader of the gang was the motor mechanic of the father of the victim, who had apparently familiarised himself with the man’s environment before embarking on the operation with his group.

NAPTIP Uncovered Human Traffic Syndicate

The National Agency for the Prohibition Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has bust trafficking syndicate and arrested 5 suspects. The suspects, Homuere Terry Smooth, Priscilla Effiong Bassey, Precious Ejiro Owoh, Blessing Gabriel and Rose Gabriel, specialised in luring young ladies into prostitution overseas. NAPTIP spokesman, Josiah Emerole, September 22, said the suspects were arrested in collaboration with local and international law enforcement agencies after videos, which showed the naked victims swearing to an oath, went viral on the social media. One of the victims, identified as Ann, was rescued by the agency and brought back home to re-unite with her family. Emerole said the other victim whose name was given as Chisom was out of the traffickers’ reach adding that efforts were on to track other members of the syndicate still at large. Ann was allegedly recruited into prostitution in Dubai by Precious, a Lagos-based make-up artist. On arrival in Dubai, an oath of secrecy was forcefully administered on Ann and recorded.

Robbery

Bank Manager, Dispatch Rider Arrested Over Foiled Robbery

The operations manager and dispatch rider of a bank in Effurun, Delta State, have been arrested after a foiled bank robbery. Police apprehended the duo shortly after the robbery was foiled by men of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), on September 4. Police spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, disclosed that SARS operatives mounted surveillance on the bank following information that a gang of armed robbers had finalised plans to rob the bank. The hoodlums invaded the said bank, but they were successfully repelled by a combined team of SARS operatives and mobile policemen on duty at the bank. Meanwhile, the operation manager of the bank, one Francis Enebeme, and one Wilfred Akah, the bank’s dispatch rider, who were allegedly involved in the planning and execution of the foiled robbery operation, have been arrested and are undergoing investigation.

Police Arrest 13 Cattle Rustlers, Recover 320 Cattle in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Salihu Fagge, September 21, disclosed that the Command had arrested 13 cattle rustlers and recovered 320 cattle. The suspects were arrested in Tureta, Sabon-Birni and Isa LGAs of the state. He expressed regret that cattle theft had become rampant in the state and said that the command had put measures in place to end the menace. He called for more support from traditional and religious leaders, and particularly advised them to offer intelligence reports to the security agencies to ease their operations.

NSCDC Prosecutes 14 Pipeline Vandals in Abia

The Abia State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is currently prosecuting 14 suspected pipeline vandals arrested by the command. The state Commander of the Corps, Benito Eze, September 19, disclosed this, while parading four other arrested suspects. The suspects, he said, would also be arraigned after investigations had been concluded. Eze expressed worry over the increasing spate of pipeline vandalism in the state. According to him, 18 suspects were arrested between the second week of August and September. Over six trucks and different sizes of jerry cans, eight cars and buses, were also confiscated during the period under reference. The NSCDC Commander warned oil marketers in the state against patronizing pipeline vandals, pointing out that the command was still on the trail of those that patronize them.

Gunmen Attack PDP Chairman, Kill Aide in Rivers

Suspected armed robbers, September 19, attacked the Degema LGA chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Tonye Tyger, killing one of his aides, Samuel Dappa. Tyger and four of his aides were injured in the attack that occurred along Tombia Street, GRA, Port Harcourt. One of the survivors of the attack, Jumbo Eferebo, who confirmed the incident, said the gunmen trailed them from a bank and opened fire on them before robbing them of the N5 million which they had just withdrawn for an empowerment programme in the LGA.

Robbers Raid Catholic Church in Abuja

Suspected armed robbers stormed the Catholic Church of Annunciation, Kubwa, Abuja and carted away valuable equipment and a Toyota Camry. The robbers, who have kept Kubwa residents in persistent fear, forced their way into compounds to carry out their nefarious activities. According to the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Matthew Kwaggas, the robbers stormed the parish after Sunday’s on September 20 and removed most of the things used for thanksgiving, including bags of rice and drinks.

Gunmen Kill District Head, Police Inspector, 33 Others in Niger state

At least 35 people, including the District head of Allawa and a Police Inspector, were September 22, killed in a midnight raid in Shiroro LGA of Niger state by unknown Gunmen, suspected to be cattle rustlers. Dangerous weapons including machine guns were freely used by the invaders. Many houses were also set ablaze during the invasion. The attack reportedly lasted for about 2 hours. The Military in the area had in the past few months been having a running battle with the Fulani Castle Rustlers in the area. The Niger state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Bala Elkana, confirmed the attack, but did not give the casualty figure. The state Commissioner of Police, Abubakar Marafa, had directed detailed investigations into the incident.

Robbers Raid Kogi Bank, Kill Two Policemen, Others

Suspected armed robbers, September 23, attacked a bank in Ogaminana in Adavi LGA of Kogi State, killing four persons. An eyewitness disclosed that the bandits killed two policemen, two workers at the bank and carted away about N25m. The indiscriminate shooting by the fleeing robbers was said to have created a pandemonium in the area as passersby, street hawkers and other residents ran in different directions to escape being caught in the gunfire of the invaders. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Williams Aya, confirmed the incident, saying no arrest had been made. Aya said the police had commenced investigation into the incident. He said the command will make sure that those behind the dastardly act are fished out and severely punished.

Gang Incidents

Gang Leader Suffers Fatal Gun Wound as Police Nab Two Suspects in Lagos

The Nigerian police announced that it has killed a suspected cult leader and injured two during a heated gun battle on September 22 in Bariga area of Lagos State. Two cult groups had engaged themselves in a battle attributed to power tussle. The cultist reportedly opened fire on the police team that arrived to restore order in the area. The officers responded by returning fire, injuring two suspects. One locally made pistol and one live cartridge were recovered from one of the suspects. One of the two wounded suspects, identified as the gang leader of one of the cult groups died from his injuries. However, efforts are on-going to arrest the other fleeing members of the groups.

Cultists Kill Delta Poly Student

Suspected cultists, September 20, shot and killed a student of Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro. The deceased was reported asleep in his hostel alongside his two roommates when the hoodlums broke into their apartment and shot him on the neck in the wee hours of the day. Neighbours said they had heard a gunshot at about 1am and the deceased was later found dead after his assailants had fled the area. Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, confirmed the incident. She, however, said the killing resulted from a cult clash, as there was a gun at the place where the corpse was found. She added that the police had commenced investigation into the matter.

Drugs

Maritime

Terrorism

Bomb Explosions Rock Maiduguri, Scores Feared Dead

About 117 persons were, September 20, killed in multiple bomb explosions that rocked Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. While some died on the spot, others died after they were rushed to hospital for treatment. Two of the bombs, planted at a mosque, exploded when the worshippers congregated to observe their evening prayers. The other explosion occurred almost simultaneously at a close distance from the mosque at a spot where teenagers gathered to play computer games. It was also gathered that the third area where another explosion occurred was also in the same vicinity of Ajilari cross, a mini business centre. A resident of the highly populated Ajilari cross, Idris Abba, disclosed that the first two explosions were at the mosque and occurred when the Muslim faithful were gathered for prayers. The Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, confirmed the multiple blasts.

8 Boko Haram Members Surrender to Army

Eight suspected Boko Haram terrorists, September 19, surrendered to troops of 21 Brigade of the Nigerian Army. Army spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman, said the suspected terrorists were being investigated and screened for more information. The spokesman revealed that the military was pushing for the final defeat of Boko Haram terrorists, the fight against the terrorists as most of the camps were falling to government troops. He disclosed that the advancing troops had captured the villages of Jerre and Dipchari and destroyed the terrorists camps located in those areas. The troops are also combing all known enclaves of the terrorists within Bama, Banki and Pulka general area.

17 Boko Haram Fighters Killed in Clashes with Cameroon Troops

At least 17 Boko Haram fighters were killed in clashes with Cameroonian troops in the border town of Amchide on September 22. A source disclosed that Boko Haram members had attempted to make an incursion into Amchide, but were pushed back by Cameroonian troops. Amchide is just over the border from the Nigerian city of Banki, which has been occupied for around a year by Boko Haram and which Nigerian troops are preparing to retake, according to sources. Troops from both Nigeria and Cameroon belong to a multinational regional joint task also comprising forces from Benin, Chad and Niger tasked with driving back Boko Haram as it seeks to spread its sphere of influence.

Bomb Blast Kills 27 in Monguno

At least 27 persons were killed and 62 others injured during a bomb attack on Monguno, a town 135 kilometres from Maiduguri, Borno State. A bomb explosion from a suicide bomber hit the vegetable section of a local market at Monguno on September 20, resulting in the death of 27 persons, mostly traders. The Borno State Police Commissioner, Aderemi Opadokun, confirmed the suicide attack.

Military Rescues 90, Dislodges Boko Haram from 2 Borno Villages

The Nigerian military, September 18, announced that it had rescued 90 people, including women and children, after dislodging Boko Haram terrorists from two villages in Borno State. Acting army spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman, disclosed that that the troops rescued 23 men, 33 women and 34 children from the terrorists on September 17 in the villages of Dissa and Balazala, close to the town of Gwoza. The military said it had reopened a primary school in the town which had been shut down because of the insurgency, and pledged to implement security measures to ensure the safety of pupils and teachers.

Military Recovers More Villages in Borno

The military said it had cleared more terrorist camps and captured weapons, flags and improvised explosives (IEDs)-making devices at Jangolori and Bulaburma villages. A statement signed by the acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, on September 22, said the victory was clear that the campaign against the terrorists was yielding the desired result because they are fast running out of arms, ammunitions and other logistics.

Fleeing Terrorist Kingpin, 42 Others Arrested

The Nigeria Army, September 23, said that troops advancing toward Banki axis have arrested 43 more suspected Boko Haram terrorists, including its kingpin in the area, Bulama Modu. Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, disclosed that the troops also rescued 241 women and children in the operation. It said arms and ammunitions, bows and arrows and a horse were recovered from the terrorists’ kingpin. The statement said one of the arrested terrorists led troops to where he buried his AK-47 rifle at Jangurori village. Usman added that the recoveries in the latest operations confirmed the Army’s earlier claim that the terrorists were abandoning their commanders and burying weapons. According to him, troops operating around Wudla village also arrested one suspected Boko Haram terrorist, Aji Gambo.

Political/Government Agencies

NSA Warns of Likely Terror Attack on Lagos Ports

The office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), has issued a security alert on the likelihood of Boko Haram terror attack on Lagos seaports. The alert was as a result of the concern expressed by the United States Embassy on the security situation at the nation’s seaports. Following the security alert, the Nigeria Customs Service has begun the restriction of persons into its various commands and formations in Lagos. The development has brought about an increase in the level of security checks at all access points into the ports. The leadership of the Port Facility Security Officer Forum has also warned its members to increase surveillance on their facilities and reduce the number of people into their premises.

Murder/Assassinations

NSCDC Condemns Killing of DSS Operatives, Orders Tighter Pipeline Security

The Corps Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, September 19, condemned the recent killing of 10 operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) by suspected pipeline vandals in Arepo, Ogun State. In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Emma Okeh, Muhammadu directed tightened security measures in all critical infrastructure of government to guard against the wanton killings and destruction. The NSCDC boss has declared war against vandals, warning them to steer clear of government infrastructure or face the full consequences of their actions.

Court Remands Cultist for Murder of Security Guard

An Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court, September 21, ordered the prison remand of a suspected cult member, Taiye Ajayi (20), for the murder of a security guard, Meshack Ekpenyong. The magistrate, Bola Folarin-Williams, said Ajayi should be remanded pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions. It was learnt that Ekpenyong was slit in the throat at Ago-Owu Street, Ilaje in the Bariga area of Lagos State, while on a visit to his mother. He had, however, gone to see a friend who also lived in the Ilaje neighbourhood when some suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity attacked him. Policemen from the State Department of Criminal Investigations arrested Ajayi, who reportedly was among those who perpetrated the act. The Investigating Police Officer, Bamidele Olusegun, told the court that, although the suspect had yet to confess to the crime, he was identified by a witness, while fingerprint evidence was against him.

Beninoise Kills Man during Scuffle

A 30-year-old Beninoise, Samuel Francis, September 20, stabbed a 35-year-old Clement Houme, to death during a scuffle at the Lagos Island area of Lagos State. It was gathered that Samuel was contracted by a relative of the deceased to kill a pig for her birthday party. Huome reportedly accused the suspect and his brother, Jeff, of stealing the pig. This led to a scuffle, during which Huome was stabbed with the knife. Samuel, who was explained that he never wanted to kill the victim, added that Huome had first attacked his brother, Jeff, with broken bottles. The suspect was, September 23, arraigned before an Ebute-Meta Magistrate’s Court on two counts of murder. The magistrate, Mrs. A.O. Ajibade, remanded the defendant in prison and adjourned the case till October 23, 2015 for legal advice.

Bereaved Father Petitions IGP over Police Killing of Son

The father of slain student, Ikechukwu Uwagbaokwu, has cried to the police for justice over the murder of his son on September 11 by policemen. Uwagbaokwu, a student of Imo Polytechnic, was killed in his family house at Ohobo Afara in Umuahia North Local Council of Abia State. Police spokesman, Ezekiel Onyeke Udeviotu, while confirming that the murder was reported, said that investigations into the incident had commenced. The late Uwagbaokwu’s family alleged that he was murdered in cold blood by the Police. The deceased Ikechukwu’s father, Emmanuel Uwagbaokwu, September 15, urged the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase to order full investigation to unravel the killers of his son.

Policeman Kills 33-Year-Old in Lagos

A police sergeant, Adekan Adesola, September 22, shot dead a 33-year-old man, Abiodun Balogun, at Ebute Oniyanrin in the Ilaje, Bariga area of Lagos State. The police, however, said Abiodun was a wanted cultist, and died during an exchange of fire. It was learnt that Adesola, who was not in uniform, allegedly dragged Abiodun on the ground, before shooting him. Abiodun’s friend was said to have escaped from the scene. The deceased’s mother, Aishat Balogun, denied that her son was a cultist. She described Adesola as a notorious policeman in their area. He is alleged to have been shooting at people, claiming that they were cultists. Friends and colleagues of the deceased claimed that Abiodun was murdered in cold blood by the policeman. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joe Offor, however, said Abiodun was a wanted cultist, adding that he was shot dead during an exchange of gunfire.

Court Remands Man over Alleged Killing

A Makurdi Magistrates’ Court, September 23, ordered the remand of one Terkimbi Mbabou (49) in prison custody over the alleged killing of Luke Anyanwu during a fight. The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Terzungwe Kajo, told the court that the accused was arrested during police investigation for allegedly committing the offence. He informed that court that the wife of the deceased, Mrs Theresa Anyanwu, had reported the incident to the police on September 1. According to reports, the accused had kicked the deceased in the face during a fight, leading to severe bleeding from mouth. He was rushed to the General Hospital, but died while receiving treatment. The plea of the accused was not taken for want of jurisdiction when the case came up for hearing. Magistrate Lillian Tsumba adjourned the matter to October 28 and ordered the remand of the accused at the Makurdi Prisons.

Rape

Man, 37, Arrested over Rape of Minor

Policemen attached to Sagamu Division of Ogun State police command, September 19, arrested a 37-year-old man, Dabeshi Umoru, for defiling a minor in Sabo, Sagamu. The father of the victim, who reported the incident to the police, stated that the suspect had forcibly had carnal knowledge of his daughter on September 18. The suspect did not deny the allegation. The State Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, condemned the act and vowed to deal decisively with anyone caught in the barbaric act in the state. He also cautioned parents and guardians not to entrust their young ones in the hands of undesirable and criminally-minded persons. The suspect would be charged to court after investigations.

Man Defiles 11-Year-Old Girl for Ritual

A 46-year old man has confessed to defiling an 11-year old girl in Kaduna. The suspect, Baba Mohammed said the purpose for which he committed the rape offense was purely for rituals in order to make money. Mohammed was caught on September 22 having carnal knowledge of the girl in her father’s house at Badarawa Festac road by her elder sister. The suspect confessed that he was given a charm by an herbalist in Maiduguri said to be potent for creating wealth upon sleeping with a minor. The victim alleged that the suspect had forcefully slept with her over three times at different places. She disclosed that the suspect who always gave her fifty naira after sleeping with her would warn her not to reveal what transpired between them to any person. The father of the girl, Usman Adamu, who reported the case, insisted that the demands of justice must be met.

Others

Floods Kill 53, Displace 100,420 People in 11 States

At least 53 people have died in 11 states, following flood disasters that displaced more than 100,420 persons this year. Thousands of houses, farmlands and property worth billions of Naira were also lost to the flood disasters in the northern states of Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, Jigawa, Adamawa, Yobe, Gombe and Bauchi. In Kano State, a director with the state Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation Agency, SERERA, Alhaji Sabi’u Mohammed, September 20, said 12 people lost their lives in the disasters between August and September. Thickman Tanimu, Deputy Head, Sokoto Zonal Operations Office of NEMA, said 10 of the victims died in Zamfara, while a seven-year-old boy died at Kuchi village in Kebbe LGA of Sokoto State.

Police Nab 3 Pickpockets as They Share Loot

The Police in Lagos have arrested three suspected pickpockets at a spot where they were trying to share their loot. The command’s spokesman, Joseph Offor, who disclosed the arrest on September 21, said the suspects specialised in stealing money and phones in public transport. The suspects were arrested on September 17. The trio was arrested by the operatives of Rapid Response Squad, of Lagos State Police Command at Eko Hotel area in Lagos Island after they snatched a mobile phone from a motorist using tricycle. The suspects were apprehended when they were discussing about how to share their day’s loot.

Army Arrests Soldier Training Militants, Uncover Arms Cache in Rivers

The Nigerian Army has arrested a rogue soldier, who specialised in training militants in Niger Delta. His arrest was made during an arms and ammunition mop-up in Kula Community, Akuku-Toru LGA of Rivers. Commanding Officer of 2 Brigade Garrison of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Lt.-Col. Timothy Opurum, disclosed this on September 22. Opurum said the soldier, a member of 13-man militant gang alleged to have been terrorising many communities in Rivers, deserted the army in 2002. Opurum said that troops raided the community on account of incessant cases of militancy, kidnapping, piracy, cultism and killings which occurred regularly in the area. The commanding officer said that intelligence revealed that the community was not only serving as hideout for criminals but hoodlums were also storing caches of arms and ammunition in the area.

Flood Kills 12 in Kaduna

Twelve persons are feared dead in the flooding that swept through Kaduna, following a heavy downpour on September 21. The flood, which submerged thousands of homes, overwhelmed the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). The Director-General of SEMA, Ezekiel Baba-Karik, disclosed that the flood was of record high in the history of Kaduna State. A light bridge along Aliyu Makama Road, Barnawa, which linked the area to the city centre, was completely submerged in the flood.

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/hostage took the lead in review of report this week, cutting across different parts of the country and various strata of the society were cases of abduction by criminal gangs. Though lives and properties were lost in the course of events, the authorities stood their grounds and made sure that they bring to a halt the endless tales of kidnap with the rescue of more than half of the victims and also killing some of the culprits in a fierce gun battle. The south-west, south-south and south-east regions of the country witnessed more of these incidents.

Robbery maintained its place at the top of the crime index as unknown gunmen in a related story killed a police officer in Niger state amongst 33 others in an attempt to elude the authorities who were, in a related event, arrested some of the gunmen who was also involved in a bank robbery. This was witnessed in various parts of the country.

Terrorism also maintained its spot at the rankings with immense attacks from terrorist groups as they killed and extricate lives and properties in an enfeebled manner, bombs and bullets flying across states in the northern region of the country. Its however reassuring as the military in their entrenched positions mounted a massive onslaught on the terrorist group reclaiming lost villages and communities. The north-east and parts of the north-west still bears the brunt of the genocide acts.

Murder/assassination took a downward plunge in review of report this week with few stories afloat the media. Events in the week relating to cases of murder revealed, that police authorities were heavily engaged in the quest for the restoration of peace in violent prone areas and in the process, killing some innocent fellows which led to court cases injunctions against the police. The south-west region of the country recorded more of this incident.
The government charges every Nigerian and persons that are resident in Nigeria to be security conscious. It is 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.