Weekly Security Report Weekly Report Week 16 Week 16
SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY
| CATEGORY | RATE |
| 1 | Kidnap/Hostage | 8 |
| 2 | Robbery | 6 |
| 3 | Gang |
|
| 4 | Drugs | 3 |
| 5 | Militancy/Maritime Incidents | 4 |
| 6 | Terrorism | 5 |
| 7 | Political/Government Agencies | 3 |
| 8 | Murder/Assassinations | 12 |
| 9 | Rape Incidents | 4 |
| 10 | Others | 4 |
|
| Review/Analysis | |
Kidnap/Hostage Incidents
Police Arrest Two for Human Trafficking in Ogun State
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested two suspects, Alhaji Gani Omoyele and Posi Aromoyo, for allegedly engaging in human trafficking. The suspects are alleged to have been operating a human trafficking ring that moved girls to Libya for prostitution. They were alleged to have picked their victims from Isara, Ipara and Ode-Remo communities. The sudden disappearance of a 23-year-old woman, Kemi Kazeem, from her home in Isara, on April 5 led to the arrest of the suspects. Kemi’s sister, Titilayo Idowu, disclosed that Kemi called on phone and informed her that it was one of the suspects, Posi, who facilitated her trip to Libya. Since then, her mobile line had been switched off. Following the development, Idowu reported the matter to the police.
Army Bursts Kidnapping Syndicate in Abia
The 14 Brigade Garrison of the Nigerian Army, Ohafia, has burst a notorious kidnap syndicate in Abia State and arrested a suspect, Chidiebere Sunday, while two of his accomplices escaped. One other member of the gang, in a bid to evade arrest through the roof of their den, fell, hitting his head on the hard floor and died. Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, April 12, said that the troops, on April 10, conducted an operation aimed at bursting a notorious kidnap syndicate based in Nkporo community of Ohafia LGA of Abia State. The troops were able to rescue a kidnap victim, who was shot and kidnapped on April 6. The troops also recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 9 AK47 rifle magazine loaded with 124 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one Pistol, two rounds of 9mm ammunition, two machetes and the sum of N5,490,000 only from the kidnappers.
Police Arrest Four Kidnappers in Bauchi
The Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Bauchi State Police Command has arrested four suspected kidnappers. Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed, April 12, said the suspects usually operated in the Darazo, Bununu and Kundan areas of the state. Mohammed disclosed that the suspects, aged 20 to 22 years, were arrested with exhibits including two fabricated revolvers, long range guns, one revolver pistol with six rounds of 0.9mm ammunition, 13 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, and one round of 7.62 mm ammunition. All the suspects have confessed to kidnappings and armed robberies, he added. Meanwhile, police detectives recovered a large cache of ammunition buried inside the Lame/Burra forest in the state. Mohammed said the police recovered 60 rounds of ammunition for general purpose guns, 80 rounds of 762mm ammunition, two empty magazines and one expended anti-aircraft gun.
Police Rescue Abducted Politician
A former councillor and Supervisor for Works in the Bakassi LGA of Cross River State, Bartholomew Effiom, was, April 8, rescued by the men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad about 10 hours after he was kidnapped by gunmen on April 7. Effiom (46) was abducted by five armed men around 7pm in the Calabar South area of the metropolis. He disclosed that the kidnappers had abducted him in the presence of his wife and forced him into the back seat of his car before transferring him to another car. He was rescued after the police stopped the car, which was on top speed. According to him, the police had to pull the trigger to get the driver to stop the vehicle. All the kidnappers immediately ran out of the vehicle as soon as it stopped. The state Commissioner of Police, Henry Fadairo, confirmed the incident, saying that the police acted swiftly on a distress call that was received at about 11.30pm on April 7.
Hisbah Arrests 55-Year-Old for Harbouring Teenage Girls
The Hisbah Commission in Sokoto State, April 13, arrested a 55-year-old man for allegedly harbouring teenage girls in his residence for immoral acts. Parading the man, the Commandant of the Commission, Adamu Bello Kasarawa, said the suspect took advantage of the teenage girls for pecuniary purposes. He disclosed that the suspect and the girls were arrested at Emir Yahya area of Sokoto metropolis following a tip off by some residents of the area. The commandant stated that the suspect would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution. He also said the teenage girls would also be reunited with their respective families. Kasarawa commended the residents of Emir Yahya area for cooperating with Hisbah which led to the arrest of the suspect.
Kidnapped Channels TV Reporter Regains Freedom
The Imo State correspondent of Channels Television, Tope Kutiyi, who was kidnapped on April 11, was released unharmed by his captors on April 13. The hoodlums had made a N15 million ransom demand. But the security agencies pin-pointed their location and swung into action. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Enwerem, said the Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, led the operation for the journalist’s rescue from the huge forest at Ohoba in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of the state. It was gathered that the hoodlums, numbering about seven, took Kutiyi’s work tools, such as laptop and mobile phone.
Police Kill Kidnap Kingpins in Enugu
Police in Enugu, April 13, disclosed that they killed some members of a notorious kidnap syndicate. The State Commissioner of Police, Elochukwu Nwodibo, disclosed that the gang, made up of boys, whose ages range from 16 to 21 years, was behind the kidnap cases in Enugu metropolis and other parts of the state. Items recovered from the suspects include guns, handsets of victims, and fake army ID card. Nwodibo said that the command would continue to do all in its ability to make the state safe for the residents, stressing that though ransom was paid for the release of the victims, they were made behind the police.
Mob Lynches Kidnap Suspect in Kaduna
An angry mob, April 13, lynched and burnt a suspected kidnapper for attempting to kidnap a four-year-old boy in the area. According to eyewitnesses, the suspect had successfully concealed his victim, Al-Mustapha Aruna, in a sack and kept him in his tricycle. However, it was the boy’s shrieking cries from inside the sack that eventually attracted the attention of passers-by, who subsequently accosted the tricycle operator for questioning. The mob became enraged after the suspect could not give them any reasonable response to why the boy was in the sack, including the name of the victim.
Robbery
Angry Mob Burn Robbery Suspect to Death
The Lagos State Police Command, April 12, said that a robbery suspect was burnt to death by an angry mob in Satellite Town in the state. Police spokeswoman, Dolapo Badmos, said that the incident occurred when the suspect, who was shot in the leg by the police after a robbery operation, fell off from a motorcycle while escaping. The suspect and his gang members had, on April 11, raided a store in Abule-Ado, Satellite Town, where they robbed the owner of phones and other valuables. A police patrol team quickly mobilised to the scene to engage the hoodlums, shooting one in the leg. A double barrel gun with two unexpended cartridges and all the stolen items were recovered.
Robbers Disguise as Patients, Attack Hospital
Five suspected armed robbers, who disguised as patients, April 12, attacked a private hospital in the Ajangbadi area of Lagos State, carting away valuables. However, two of the suspects were apprehended, while three others escaped with the loot. The suspects, Babatunde Bamidele and Idowu Balogun, were handed over to the police. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, confirmed the incident, saying efforts were on to apprehend the fleeing gang members. It was said that Bamidele and Balogun stayed at the hospital’s gates, while the others entered the doctor’s office, pretending to need medical attention before robbing the doctor and some patients. But while the robbery went on, a distress call was put across by a patient to the police, and the operatives stormed the scene. The two men at the gate were arrested, while the others fled the hospital.
Hoodlums Attack Fuel Attendants, Steal N700,000
Hoodlums wielding dangerous weapons, April 13, attacked fuel attendants in Kioyer Filling Station along Ogbemudia road in Oleh community Isoko South LGA of Delta State and allegedly stole N700,000. It was gathered that one of the victims allegedly waved off the gun pointed at her, thinking it was a toy, thereby causing an accidental discharge of stray bullet that hit another woman close to the robbery scene. Police spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, said the police were on the trail of the hoodlums, adding that no arrest had been made yet.
Man, 27, Nabbed for Robbing Woman in Edo
The Edo State Police Command has arrested one Efe Monday for allegedly robbing a commercial sex worker in Benin City. It was learnt that the 27-year-old suspect had approached the woman at a hotel in Ofunmwegbe town where he demanded her services. But the suspect was said to have suddenly pulled a gun and ordered her to surrender all valuable items in her possession to him. The victim, who surrendered the valuables, quickly raised the alarm, leading to the arrest of the suspect by some policemen and vigilante men in the area. The Police Public Relations Officer, Osifo Abiodun, who, April 12, confirmed the arrest while parading 75 suspected armed robbers and cultists, said a locally-made pistol was recovered from the suspect.
Nigerian Military Kills Four Rustlers, Arrests 17 Others in Zamfara, Katsina
The Nigerian military, in continuation of the clearance of camps and hideouts of cattle rustlers, armed bandits and other criminals in the north-west, has killed four cattle rustlers and arrested 17 others. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, April 13, said the troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army under the auspices of Operation Sharan Daji, cleared suspected armed bandits camps in Zamfara and Katsina States. Usman said the troops in Zamfara raided and destroyed suspected armed bandits camps at Rafe and Ajah forests in Gusau LGA, killing four bandits, while some escaped with gunshot wounds. The troops also recovered five AK-47 rifles and 11 AK-47 rifle magazine, 205 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition and 25 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO), he added. The DAPR further disclosed that the troops carried out a joint operation in Faskari LGA of Katsina State where they arrested 17 rustlers that escaped from Zamfara State.
Customs Officers Kill Suspected Burglar
Some officers of the Nigerian Customs Service, April 9, shot dead a suspected burglar, identified as Sunday Joseph (32), in the Ikeja area of Lagos State. It was learnt that the customs men, who had lodged in a hotel, off Unity Road in the area, allegedly shot Joseph in the leg and thigh after he sneaked into some houses at about 3am. It was gathered that Joseph had stolen a mobile phone. The matter was said to have been reported at the Ikeja Police Division, and policemen came to evacuate the corpse. The burglar was killed on the premises of a church after, Word of Prophetic Ministry, where he ran into after residents of the building beside the church had raised the alarm. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolado Badmos, said the suspect was shot dead by customs officers, adding that investigation was on-going on the incident.
Gang Incidents
Drugs
NDLEA Arrests 24 Suspected Drug Traffickers in Bayelsa
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Bayelsa State Command, April 8, disclosed that it had arrested 24 suspected drug traffickers in Bayelsa State. Spokesman of the NDLEA, Ikenna Osakwe, said that the suspects, including 20 males and four females, were intercepted in Yenagoa and along the East-West Road. Osakwe disclosed that a total 8.706kg of illicit hard drugs were seized. The body bemoaned the rising cases of illegal drugs consumption in the state. According to the NDLEA, it had even become more worrisome that young girls and pregnant women had recently been involving themselves in the illegal act. Osakwe called on parents and guardians to increase their vigilance and monitor their children and wards closely both at home and in school.
NAFDAC Seizes N40m Worth of Fake, Unregistered Drugs in Osun
Operatives of National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), April 8, sealed some pharmacies in Osogbo and Ilesa in Osun State after confiscating huge quantum of fake and unregistered drugs worth over N35 million. Some of the pharmacies sealed in Osogbo include Akol Pharmaceutical Limited near Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital and Raphabalm Pharmacy located at Alekuwodo, according to a release issued by the Public Relations Officer, (Enforcement Operations) of the NAFDAC, Anslem Okonkwor. NAFDAC also sealed Topawo Feeds Services at Alekuwodo and Atlab Farm Products for selling unregistered animal feeds. The Managing Director of the company, who was accused of flagrant violations of the Agency’s regulations, was arrested and transferred to Lagos for further interrogations.
NDLEA Arrests 135 Indian Hemp Sellers in Delta
No fewer than 135 Indian hemp sellers have been arrested by the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Delta State command. The suspects were caught on April 11 with 160 bags of Indian hemp. The state commander of the NDLEA, Frank Hannachor, confirmed that operatives of the agency acted on a tip-off in Obiaruku and Kwale communities where Indian hemp smoking and cultivation have been beehive of activities in the past three years and arrested the suspects, adding that the suspects were handed over to the police for prosecution. Hannachor warned that NDLEA will deal with those who refused to eschew the use of hard drugs.
Militancy/Maritime
Nigerian Navy Destroys Illegal Refineries in Niger Delta
The Nigerian Navy, April 12, disclosed that it had destroyed more illegal refineries in the Niger Delta. Director of Information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, stated that illegal crude oil thieves and vandals operating in the Niger Delta have suffered heavy losses as the Nigerian Navy intensified its operations against their activities. Naval Operatives destroyed illegally operated local refineries and arrested vandals when the naval patrol team carried out raids at Ugborodo Itsekiri area in Warri South-West. Also discovered in the site was a large Cotonou Boat laden with 37 drums of suspected illegally refined AGO. A similar raid conducted in the general areas of Ogbonga, Egbelema and adjoining creeks dealt a devastating blow on the activities of the illegal crude oil thieves. The Naval Patrol Team conducted a raid at Better land Community and discovered an illegal refinery site with 8 storage tanks.
NSCDC Destroys Illegal Refineries in Edo
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Command, April 13, destroyed four illegal refineries at Obazagon in Uhuwode LGA of the state. The state corps commandant, Walter Akubuiroh, who led the team, said he was alarmed by what he saw at the illegal refineries inside the forest. While no arrest was made, items recovered include: four generators, three pumping machines, standing fan and hosts. Akubuiroh noted that the operation followed an intelligence report and was painstakingly planned to avoid leakage. The commandant appealed to community leaders to report any suspicious activity in their area to law enforcement agencies.
Navy Arrests 6 Oil Thieves in PH
A Nigerian Navy patrol team deployed from NNS PATHFINDER, April 14, arrested six persons for alleged illegal refining of petroleum products and pipeline vandalism. The suspects were picked up from a large warehouse located at Ogbogoro Ozuoba waterside around Choba in Rivers State. The Director of Naval Information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, said that the raid was in continuation of the Chief of the Naval Staff’s strong resolve to stamp out all forms of crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, illegal refineries and other unwholesome activities that have impacted negatively on the security and economic development of Nigeria. The warehouse is suspected to serve as a storage facility for illegally refined products. Three wooden boats containing about 20,000 litres of suspected illegally refined AGO, 350 drums, several GP and metal tanks ranging from 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000 litres storage capacity as well as seven pumping machines were discovered in the facility.
Navy Destroys Illegal Refineries in Warri
A Navy patrol team deployed from NNS DELTA discovered and destroyed two illegal refineries in Jones creek in Warri South West LGA of Delta State. The items found and destroyed at the site include a Cotonou boat laden with about 66,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, 4 GP storage tanks measuring 500 litres each. The GP tanks contain 2,000 metric tons of products suspected to be illegally refined AGO. Other items discovered at the site are 50 Jerry cans measuring 50 litres each containing 2.5 MT of products suspected to be illegally refined AGO, pumping machine, large metal tanks and a Cotonou boat. The Director of Naval Information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, confirmed the raid.
Terrorism
Military Rescues 14 More Hostages, Recovers Weapons from Boko Haram
The Nigerian military has rescued more hostages and recovered weapons in its on-going war against insurgency in the north-east. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, April 10, said the troops of 155 Task Force Battalion conducted a patrol to Nimila village in Borno State where they rescued 14 persons from the clutches of Boko Haram terrorists and recovered weapons. Usman said the rescued persons were mostly women and children. The troops, he said, also recovered three Dane guns; a single barrel and two double barrels, he added.
Five Female Suicide Bombers Killed in Maiduguri
Five female suicide bombers were, April 8, intercepted by security operatives in Borno State, while their unexploded explosive devices were safely detonated. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, disclosed that troops of 101 Battalion of 7 Division received a tip off about impending attack in Maiduguri by 4 suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers from Sambisa forest through Cashew Plantation. The troops responded by intercepting and neutralising the suspected terrorists at Madiyari village. The third suicide bomber was intercepted and neutralised at Jimini-Bolori village. According to reports, the suicide bombers were sighted at the outskirts of the town around Polo and Giwa Barrack areas and were shot dead by security operatives as they refused to stop to be searched.
DSS Arrests Founder of Boko Haram, JAMBS
The Department of State Security (DSS) has arrested one of the founders of Jama’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid Da’wah Wa’l-Jihad (Boko Haram) and later the Amir of the break-away faction, Jama’at Ansarul Muslimim Fi Biladi Sudan (JAMBS). His name is Mohammed Usman, widely known as Khalid Al-Barnawi, alias Kafuri, Naziru, Alhaji Yahaya, Mallam Dauda or Alhaji Tanimu. Usman was apprehended by the DSS on April 1 in Lokoja, Kogi State, while hiding under a false cover. The DSS said he is a trained terrorist commander, who has been coordinating terrorist activities in Nigeria, while talent-spotting and recruiting vulnerable young Nigerians for terrorist training by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) in North African States and the Middle-East. Al-Barnawi is alleged to be responsible for the bombing of the United Nations (UN) building in Abuja, in August 2011 and the attack on troops in Okene, Kogi State while in transit to Abuja.
Nigerian, Cameroonian Forces Kill 22 Boko Haram Fighters, Arrest Three Commanders
…Rescue 1,275 Hostages
The Nigerian military, in collaboration with Cameroonian forces, killed 22 fighters of the Boko Haram terrorists group and arrested three of their commanders. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, April 12, said troops of 152 and 155 Task Force Battalions in conjunction with troops of Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) from Cameroun, conducted a massive joint clearance operation of suspected Boko Haram terrorists along Nigeria-Cameroun borders on April 11. According Usman, the military swept through over 10 suspected Boko Haram terrorists hideouts along the border and rescued abducted persons. The troops cleared Nbaga, Bula, Dabube, Ybiri, Greya and Suduwa towns and other adjoining settlements that were occupied by fleeing terrorists. The army spokesman said that the troops also rescued 1,275 persons held hostage by the terrorists.
Boko Haram Terrorists Flee as Air Force, Army Bombard Sambisa
Boko Haram terrorists have fled the Sambisa forest following intensified Air Force bombardment and Army artillery fire on remaining hideouts of Boko Haram terrorists in Sambisa Forest. Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col Sani Usman, April 12, confirmed that Boko Haram terrorists have been deserting Sambisa forest in droves. Usman said that as they are fleeing the military bombardment, the terrorists are trying to disperse to various parts of the country. According to him, it becomes necessary to inform the public to be more vigilant and security conscious.
Political/Government Agencies
Navy Redeploys 34 Rear Admirals, 4 Commodores
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has approved the redeployment and posting of 38 senior officers of the Nigerian Navy (NN) to various strategic positions including 34 Rear Admirals and four Commodores. The Director of Information of the Navy, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, who disclosed this on April 8, said the changes reflect the current effort to reposition the Nigerian Navy for greater efficiency and inject fresh drive into its operations and administration. Those appointed include the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral RO Osondu who hands over to former Navy Secretary Rear Admiral FD Bobai; and the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral AS Abdulkadir who hands over to Rear Admiral JO Oluwole; while the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral AO Suleiman hands over to Rear Admiral T Dick.
DPO Beats Female Traffic Warden in Ogun, Demoted
The Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ikenne Division of Ogun State, Patrick Onwu, April 11, went berserk and beat up a female traffic officer for daring to stop his private vehicle. The DPO, who was on mufti while he allegedly disobeyed the traffic law, was said to have driven into a nearby filling station, parked and changed into his police uniform before pouncing on the traffic warden, Inspector Anifat Bello, for having the audacity to stop his private vehicle despite allegedly disobeying traffic laws. Bello has been severally honoured for her dedication to duty. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, had recommended the traffic officer for a national honour. Police spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police had directed that the matter be thoroughly investigated. Reports, however, indicate the Onwu has been demoted to the rank of DSP on the orders of the IGP, Solomon Arase, and the case file sent to Abuja for further disciplinary action.
Ajimobi Signs Anti-Kidnapping Bill to Law
The Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, April 15, signed into law the kidnapping prohibition bill, which makes kidnapping a capital offence, which attracts maximum punishment of death sentence in the event of the death of a kidnap victim while in the custody of the abductors in the state. The Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, Michael Adeyemo, and the Permanent Secretary/Clerk of the House, Paul Bankole, had earlier signed the bill before the governor’s assent. The law states that a convicted offender will be liable to life imprisonment if the victim is released or rescued unhurt upon the payment of a ransom, while the kidnapper will be made to pay back the ransom. The law also stipulates similar punishment for any person who procures, engages or gives information culminating in the kidnapping of a victim. Under the new law, 20 years imprisonment awaits anyone who makes an attempt to kidnap, while anybody, who aids or abets kidnapping, is liable to 15 years imprisonment upon conviction.
Murder/Assassinations
Policeman Kills NSCDC Officer in Calabar
A policeman with the Cross River State Police Command, April 13, shot and killed an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil and Defence Corps (NSCDC) at a check point in Calabar. The NSCDC personnel was allegedly shot by one of the policemen that mounted a check point close to the gate of the NSCDC office located at New Airport Road at night. It was alleged that the policemen ordered NSCDC officers, who were returning to base not to come out of their operational van. But one of them got out of the van to explain to the policemen that they were NSCDC personnel, but he was immediately shot dead before he could explain anything. The NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Eremi Solomon, confirmed the incident. He said the Inspector General of Police and the Cross River State Commissioner had been informed of the incident.
Herdsmen Attack Falae’s Farm, Kill Guard
One of the members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) employed as security guards by the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Olu Falae on his farm has been killed by the suspected Fulani herdsmen. The herdsmen stormed Falae’s farm located at Ilado in Akure North LGA of Ondo State and kidnapped the security guard after the deceased and his colleagues resisted grazing on their principal’s farm. The corpse of the deceased, who was kidnapped from the farm last weekend, was discovered inside a pool of water some metres from the farm. It was gathered that the matter was reported at the state police command following which a search party was organised, leading to the discovery of his corpse days later.
Suspected Fulani Herdsmen Kill Farmer in Edo State
Suspected Fulani herdsmen, April 8, attacked and killed a 64-year-old farmer, simply identified as Alex, in Okada, Ovia North East LGA of Edo state. The remains of the brutally hacked farmer were found in a bush near his farm by a search party. His wife, Margaret, pointed accusing fingers at the Fulani herdsmen in the area, saying her husband had been complaining about their activities on his farm. According to her, the search party also found sandals belonging to the Fulani people where her husband’s corpse was discovered. The member representing Ovia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Omosede Igbinedion, urged the State Commissioner of Police to carry out an immediate full scale investigation with a view to bringing the perpetrators to book.
Man Stabs Friend to Death over N2,000 in Lagos
A 37-year-old man, Kamoli Isiaka, was April 8, stabbed to death by his friend, Azeez. The incident occurred at Ololade Street at Morogbo community when Isiaka and Azeez had a disagreement over N2,000 that was given to them by one Mr. Ololade in the neighbourhood. It was gathered that the disagreement led to a brawl during which Azeez stabbed Isiaka in the neck with a broken bottle. The suspect reportedly fled to the palace of the Baale of Ayetejuesefo community in Elija.
2 Killed, Thousands Displaced in Otukpo Land Dispute
Two persons were feared dead and nearly 3,000 reportedly displaced following a bloody land dispute between inhabitants of Ondo-Ugboju village and Ogobia community in Otukpo LGA of Benue State. The protracted crisis between the locals over the original owners of Ogobia community, a settlement in the outskirts of Otukpo town, came to a head on April 10 when two young men, who were engaged by the Otukpo Caretaker Chairman, Ijachi Udeh, to work in his site at Ondo-Ugboju, were attacked and killed by the people of Ondo-Ugboju, who have continually claimed that they owned Ogobia town. Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, who confirmed the development, said the matter was being investigated and arrests being made.
Police Investigate Murder of 56-Yr-Old Woman
The Lagos State Police Command, April 10, said it had begun investigations into the murder of a 65-year-old woman, Slifat Ayodele, who was killed on April 8 at her Satellite Town abode by unknown gunmen. Police spokeswoman, Dolapo Badmos, said a private guard and some other persons with undisclosed identities have been declared wanted over the murder. Sourced disclosed that the woman was killed barely two days after those declared wanted by the police threatened to kill her during an altercation. According to reports, the private guard declared wanted and about five other persons have fled the area.
Fulani Herdsmen Kill Delta Varsity Staff, Farmer
Suspected Fulani herdsmen shot dead a staff of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka and a farmer at their farms in Abraka. The member representing Ethiope East constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Evans Iwhurie, April 9, confirmed the deaths, lamenting the menace of Fulani herdsmen in the area. One of the victims, Francis Okotie (52), was a senior staff of the university. Okotie was reportedly shot twice, on his arm and on the back of his head in an execution style, in his farm. According to the lawmaker, the culprits left in their trails cattle excreta and damaged crops by their herds. According to him, the killing of the university staff is coming on the heels of a similar incident involving an indigene of Abraka, Philip Obayendo, who was shot and hacked by his assailants at his farm at Oria-Abraka.
Fleeing Suspect Kills Driver with Stone
The police in Lagos State have arrested a 20-year-old man, Solomon James, for allegedly killing the driver of a sachet water factory, Femi Daramola. It was gathered that James and his friend, Tosin, had, on March 3, assisted the 39-year-old in loading his van with bags of sachet water. The deceased was reported to have promised to give them N500, if they could work for him the following day. But Tosin was alleged to have broken into the safe of the company on March 4 and carted away N50,000 and fled. James was said to have been apprehended and detained on the premises of the factory, pending when his friend would be arrested. But the suspect broke loose and attacked the driver with a stone. The driver bled to death.
Fulani Herdsmen Kill 44 in Fresh Taraba Attacks
No fewer than 44 persons were killed in fresh attacks by Fulani herdsmen in Gashaka and Bali LGAs of Taraba State. Over 100 people, who escaped death, were displaced and rendered homeless by the herdsmen. The Senior Special Assistant to Taraba State Governor on Media and Publicity, Sylvanus Giwa, who confirmed the killings, April 12, said 20 people were killed at Angai village while nine other people were killed at Maisuma village. Nine were killed at Dorei village, while seven others were killed at Fali village. Trouble started when the armed herdsmen attempted to rape a lady in the community and were met with resistance by the neighbours. The statement further noted that angered by the community’s resistance, the herdsmen proceeded to unleash terror on the people in the area killing 44 persons. Meanwhile, the state Police Commissioner, Shaba Alkali, disclosed that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, has approved the deployment of 60 mobile policemen to Taraba to complement the officials on ground to arrest the situation.
Fulani Herdsman Feared Killed in Ondo
A Fulani herdsman was, April 13, killed at Ilara-Mokin in Ifedore LGA of Ondo State. The incident was disclosed by the head of Fulani herdsmen in the state, Alhaji Alli Dongo, the Chairman of Hausa Community in Akure Kingdom and head Arewa Community in the state, Babangida Sodiq Kusada. The duo of Hausa/Fulani leader Bako was declared missing after all efforts to trace him proved abortive. Dongo said he suspected a reprisal attack. A member of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and a guard working in Chief Olu Falae’s farm, Ayodele Ige, was recently killed by suspected herdsmen, who attacked the farm. Dongo said four people including the deceased family members have been arrested over the incident. He however suspected that the herdsman was killed because his cows destroyed someone’s farm in the town.
Court Remands Six Alleged Cultists for Culpable Homicide
Six suspected members of a cult group terrorising residents of Lokoja in Kogi State were, April 13, remanded at the Federal Prisons, Koton-Karfe, by a Chief Magistrate Court for the death of one Ipimeda Enesi (21). The prosecutor, Inspector C.S. Ayabatu, told the court that the accused had resorted to violence during a disagreement among them on initiation of new members into the unlawful group. Ayabatu said the accused and others at large criminally conspired and armed themselves with offensive weapons, including cutlasses, daggers, axes, and committed the offences on March 10. They were said to have attacked the complainants, Suleiman Wahab, Stephen Enocha, Suleiman Mohammed and one Alhaji Haruna, in Ganaja, and inflicted machete cuts on them. Ayabatu further alleged that the accused also attacked and inflicted machete cuts on Enesi, leading to his death.
Bayelsa Police Kill Suspect, Arrest 2 Others over Killing of Igbo Trader
The Bayelsa State Police Command, April 13, confirmed the killing of one of the robbery suspects that shot dead an Igbo trader on April 13 at the Amarata suburb of Yenagoa, the state capital. It was gathered that one out of the four-man armed gang was killed in a shoot-out with the police while two others were apprehended. The hoodlums were said to have stormed the residence of their victim, identified as Ejike Agodo, in a commercial tricycle known as Keke Napep and shot him dead. Though it was gathered that the deceased desperate calls to the emergency line of the police did not yield quick response due to the inaccessibility of the scene of crime, the armed gang ran into the patrol vehicle while escaping from the scene. The response team of the police reportedly accosted the gang members and engaged them in a shootout. Police spokesman, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the arrest of the suspects and recovery of four locally made pistols.
Rape
Police Arrest 40-Year-Old Man over Serial Rape of 9-Year-Old Girl
The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man, Chinedu Eze, for alleged serial rape of a 9-year-old girl in Akenfa community in Yenagoa LGA of the State. The accused was arrested on April 9 following an alarm raised by the mother of the victim after the girl complained of pains. A Bayelsa Based Girl Child Right advocacy group, Operation Rescue (OPER), intervened and filed a complaint with the Police, leading to the arrest of the culprit. The victim alleged that the man had canal knowledge of her severally and always gave her N100 for her silence.
2 Robbers Remanded for Raping Victim
An Egor Magistrate’s Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State, has remanded two persons, Peter Eleng and Osas Osawaru, for allegedly raping their victims during a robbery operation. The Prosecutor, C.S.O Nnamdi, told the Court that the accused committed the offence on April 2, 2016 in Benin. He also told the court that the accused after gaining entrance through the ceiling of the store stole N12,000, one Techno phone valued at N10,000, two Samsung phone worth N22,000 and a packet of cigarette valued at N200. The plea of the accused was not taken. The Magistrate, Mr. W. Aziegbemhin, ruled that the court would consider the bail application at the next sitting. The case was adjourned to April 19.
65-Year-Old Man Jailed 2 Months for Sodomy with 7-Year-Old Son
A Kado Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, April 13, sentenced a 65-year-old security guard, Patrick Kalu to two-months in prison for sodomy with his seven-year-old son. The Judge, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, said that the imprisonment would serve as deterrent to others. The convict, who resides at Dape Village, Abuja, was charged for unnatural offence. Kalu, in his plea, asked the court to temper justice with mercy. Prosecutor Salisu Khaleel, had told the court that Sunday Irunagbe of same address with the convict reported the matter at the Life Camp Police Station, Abuja on March 14. Khaleel said that the complainant reported that on March 13, he caught the convict sodomising his 7-year-old son.
Man Rapes Wife’s 15-Year-Old Sister
A 35-year-old man, Matthew Umeh, who was arrested by the Lagos State Police Command, has said he was drunk when he raped his wife’s 15-year-old sister on April 10. The girl was said to have run out of the house after the incident, during which some policemen on patrol saw her. The suspect had allegedly been raping the girl since she was 14 years old. Umeh, who confessed to raping the girl only once, said he got drunk at a party and mistook the girl for his wife. The victim, however, reported that Umeh had raped her two times. The Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said the suspect would be made to face the law.
Others
Smugglers Injure Four Customs Men, Snatch Three Rifles
Suspected smugglers attacked and injured some officials of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) in Ilashe in Ipokia LGA of Ogun State. The incident occurred when some Customs officials stormed a warehouse in Ilashe to evacuate bags of rice smuggled into the country. But the smugglers resisted, leading to a gun duel between them and the Customs officials. The affected officials were also said to have lost their guns while their colleagues fled the scene. It was further gathered that the rifles were later dumped in the premises of the palace of a traditional ruler in the area, Oba Olurotimi Fagbenro, who handed them over to the Customs in the state. Customs Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, Abubakar Uthman, April 9, confirmed that his men were waylaid by suspected smugglers. Uthman said the Customs seized eleven motorcycles, 250 bags of rice during the raid while three suspected smugglers were arrested.
UNIPORT Shut Down, Student Feared Dead as Students Protest Hike in Tuition Fee
The Senate of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), April 11, announced the closure of the institution following a violent students’ protest over a new school fees policy that prevented some students from writing examinations. It was gathered that a final year student and President of the Faculty of Management Sciences Students’ Association, Peter Ofurum, was shot dead during the protest. Deputy Registrar (Information) of the university, Dr. Williams Wodi, announced the one-month closure of the university. Wodi said the institution was aware of the death of three persons in the last two days outside the campus, but said investigations were on to determine if any of the victims was a student. Students of the university had, April 11, gone on rampage, destroying buildings and setting up barricades along the East-west Road and adjoining roads in protest against the increase in school fees by the authorities of the institution.
Igbo Traders Protest Killings of Three Businessmen in Bayelsa
Some Igbo traders in Bayelsa State have protested the killings of prominent Igbo businessmen in Yenagoa by unidentified gunmen. The traders, April 11, staged a peaceful protest to the state police command headquarters over the recent killings. They were particularly angry over the gruesome murder of Martins Agodo by gunmen at his Yenagoa residence in the early hours of the day. The gunmen were said to have broken into the house of Agodo and demanded money from their victim. The deceased was said to have told his assailants that there was no cash at home because shops in Yenagoa had been shut down for four days in honour of the late former Governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who was buried on April 9. The gunmen were said to have shot and killed Agodo a few days after gunmen suspected to be assassins murdered another Igbo businessman around the Azikoro village after business of that day.
Police Arrest Landlady for Arson
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a landlady, Mrs. Nike Azeez, for allegedly setting fire to her tenants’ apartment in the Ijegun area of the state. Azeez was arrested on April 14 by the Isheri-Oshun Police Division. It was gathered that the landlady allegedly set fire to the apartment, rented by a couple – Shakiru Adeleke and Abosede – during an altercation on April 12. An eyewitness disclosed that the woman poured petrol around the couple’s apartment before setting fire to it. The fire destroyed the apartment. It was also alleged that the landlady picked the couple’s two-year-old son and threw him over the fence causing him some head injuries. The landlady’s husband, Jamiu Azeez, who admitted that his wife beat up Abosede, however, denied that she set fire to the house. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident, adding that the woman would be charged to court as soon as investigation was concluded.
Review/Analysis
Murder/assassination incidents remain on the rise with homicide cases taking new turns as seen with the activities of herdsmen, who invade and attack farm settlements, killing farm owners and leaving destruction in their trail. We also saw law enforcement officers turning the guns on their other agents as witnessed when a policeman with the Cross River State Police Command, shot and killed an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The economic downturn has also turned friends against each other. This was evidenced in the stabbing death of a 37-year-old man by his friend following a disagreement over N2,000 given to them by a neighbor. These incidents were witnessed across the country.
Kidnap/hostage incidents maintained its place on the crime index. The authorities are elated with mammoth arrest of kidnappers and traffickers, alongside successful rescue operations. The military in Abia state added to the successes so far by dislodging a notorious kidnap syndicate, arresting a suspect in the process. In a twist, a suspected kidnapper, who tried to evade arrest through the roof of their den, fell, hit his head on the hard floor and died instantly. These were witnessed across the country.
Robbery incidents remained low as activities of hoodlums and armed men was hampered by brute force from the Nigerian Police Force (NPF). A robbery suspect was burnt to death by an angry mob. The suspect, who was shot in the leg by the police after a robbery operation, fell off his escape motorbike, and was left behind by his cohorts. A new strategy employed by robbers was to disguise as patients to rob real patients and doctors in a hospital. The gang that employed this tactics had two of their members arrested, while others made good their escape. The south-west and south-south recorded more of these heinous crimes.
Terrorism took a nose dive as there have been several clearance operations by the Nigerian military to rid the country of every trace of Boko Haram. Through intelligence, the region was spared another bout of blood bath as the military acted on a tip off and intercepted five suicide bombers headed for Maiduguri from Sambisa forest. The military, in recent days, have rescued several persons, including women and children, held hostage by the terrorists. They also recovered large cache of weapons during clearance operations. The north-east remains the endemic region.
The authorities continue to urge the public to provide them with useful credible information that could lead to the arrest of suspects and reduction of crime.
Villeworth urges you to remain law abiding and be your neighbour’s watch.