Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 18

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	RATE
1	Kidnap/Hostage	9
2	Robbery	4
3	Gang	3
4	Drugs	1
5	Militancy/Maritime Incidents	3
6	Terrorism	8
7	Political/Government Agencies
8	Murder/Assassinations	14
9	Rape Incidents	3
10	Others	4
	Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Kidnappers Demand N25 Million to Release Abducted Reverend Father

The Vicar General of Otukpo Catholic Diocese, Very Reverend Father John Adeyi, was, on April 24, kidnapped by yet-to-be identified persons, who have demanded a ransom of N25 million. Adeyi was kidnapped as he was traveling from Otukpa in Ogbadibo LGA to Ugbokolo in Okpokwu LGA of Benue State. The State Police Commissioner, Paul Yakadi, said the command was working round the clock to ensure the safe rescue of the priest. Yakadi also said the command was able to rescue one Dr Abah, who was kidnapped in Otukpo because members of the public cooperated and gave the police reliable information. He called on those with privileged information on the whereabouts of Adeyi to make it available to the police in confidence.

Gunmen Abduct Former Senator in Ogun State

A former Minister of state for Education, Senator Iyabo Anisulowo, was April 27, kidnapped by armed men alongside her security aide in Yewa North LGA of Ogun state. Iyabo Anisulowo (70), who was a Senator between 2003 and 2007, represented Ogun West Senatorial District, was reportedly abducted while she was returning from her farm. Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said that the State Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, had dispatched teams to the area, Ilaro, for the rescue operation. He assured that the police would ensure her safe rescue and that the perpetrators would be apprehended.

Kidnapped Osun Permanent Secretary, Others Regain Freedom

Three staffers of the Osun State Civil Service- the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Bimpe Ogunlumade; the Director of State Audit, Tajudeen Badejoko, and the driver to the Auditor-General, Oladapo Arogundade, -have regained their freedom from their abductors. They were released on April 24 after spending two days in captivity. Three victims were kidnapped on April 22 along Obajana-Lokoja Road while returning from Abuja on official duties.

Benue Police Rescue Kidnapped Victim

The Police in Benue state, April 23, foiled an attempt by kidnappers to collect ransom and thereafter rescued the hostage, Emeka Chika. Chika was kidnapped by five gunmen, who took him in his car into a bush along Gboko-Aliade road and demanded for ransom. Chika’s wife, however, informed the police, and following a tip-off from the people of Akpusu village, the police raided the bush and rescued Chika. However, no arrest was made as the suspected, fled the scene immediately they sighted the police team. Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, confirmed the safe rescue of Chika. Yamu said the police have collected useful information from volunteers and gave the assurance that some persons would soon be arrested in connection with the crime.

Man in Court for Chaining Son with Iron

A 75-year-old man, Akanbi Lawal, April 27, appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly using an iron chain to tie down his son for several weeks. The accused is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, grievous harm and assault. The Prosecutor, Inspector Racheal Williams, told the court that the offences were committed between March and April 20, at the accused residence. Williams said that the accused claimed his son, Yusuf Lawal, was mad and he tied him with an iron chain which caused him grievous harm on both hands. The assault was discovered when the son’s friend, who came visiting, that saw him tied down and raised an alarm. However, the accused pleaded not guilty. The Magistrate, Mrs L. Y. Balogun, granted the accused to a bail of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum. She adjourned the case to May 9 for mention.

Soldiers Rescue Kidnap Victim in Aba

Soldiers from 144 Battalion, Ukwa West LGA, under 14 Brigade Ohafia, Abia State have rescued the son of a retired civil servant from a kidnappers’ den located at Umuojima village in Osisioma Ngwa council area of Abia State. The soldiers also stopped the victim’s mother, Mrs Evan Adieze, who was also kidnapped, but later released to go source for the ransom, from handing over about N300, 000 to the kidnappers. It was gathered that the soldiers, who were engaged in a shoot-out with the gang after rescuing the victim, set the house where the boy was kept ablaze. A source at 144 Battalion, who described the release of the victim and eventual stopping of the mother from paying the ransom to the kidnappers as “divine intervention,” disclosed that the kidnappers had abducted Mrs. Adieze, a retired civil servant and her son in front of their residence.

Police Kill Suspect, Rescue Kidnap Victim in Ebonyi

Operatives of the Ebonyi State Police Command have rescued a kidnap victim, who was allegedly abducted in Umuoghara quarry site in Ezza North LGA of that State. The victim was allegedly whisked away from his shop by kidnappers in Police uniforms, who pretended they were looking for someone else. The kidnappers later demanded for N30million as ransom. The state Police Public Relations Officer, George Okafor, confirmed the incident. According to him, the hoodlums kept the victim in a hide-out in Umuoghara and demanded N30m ransom which they later reduced. The ransom was taken to the kidnappers as they had demanded, but unknown to them Policemen had cordoned everywhere. The police opened fire on them and killed one of them, rescuing the victim.

Man, 37, Arraigned for Trafficking in Edo

A 37-year-old man, identified as Maurine Daniel, has been arraigned before an Egor Magistrates’ Court in Benin, Edo State, for allegedly abducting a 17-year-old girl and forcing her into prostitution. The prosecutor, C.S Nnamdi, told the court that the accused with others at large allegedly abducted the teenager in August 2015. Nnamdi said the accused committed the offence with the aim of taking the victim to Libya for prostitution. The plea of the accused was not taken. The presiding magistrate, Williams Aziegbemhin, ruled that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the case.

Kidnapped Twins Regain Freedom

Two twin brothers, Clinton and Blair Roberts, who were kidnapped on April 24, regained their freedom on April 28. Their father, Chief Robert Opara, confirmed that the twins were rescued from their captors in a forest in Kogi State, by the Police, who had been on the trail of the kidnappers. The twins were abducted by men wearing military uniforms around Kabba, near Obajana in Kogi State from an Ekeson bus service in which they were travelling from Abuja to Lagos to participate in a musical show.

Robbery

Warri Mob Lynches 2 Armed Robbers

Two suspected armed robbers were, April 24, lynched and burnt by angry mobs in Okumagba Layout, in Warri, Delta state. The two, burnt at different spots, were said to be among a gang of nine armed robbers caught by youths in the area following a failed robbery operation in Okumagba Layout. An eyewitness revealed that the armed gang had attempted to rob people holding a party in Okolobe Street, but the crowd reacted swiftly and chased them. The robbers reportedly fled in different directions, but two of them were caught separately, beaten-up and set ablaze. Efforts by policemen and vigilante to rescue the victims were thwarted by the mob.

Police Foil Robbery, Kill 2 Suspects in Abakaliki

Men of the Ebonyi State Police Command, April 27, foiled a robbery operation and killed two of the robbery suspects while during a robbery operation at a phone shop in Abakaliki. Police Public Relations Officer, George Okafor, who confirmed the incident, stated that the command had received a distress call on the robbery operation and quickly dispatched men to intercept the robbers. He added that one of the robbers attacked a policeman, stabbing him repeatedly in an attempt to take his rifle. But the gallant policemen were up to the task, shooting the assailant and one of his cohorts. The injured robbers died on the way to the hospital, while the wounded officer is currently responding to treatment. A locally made gun and ammunition and some of the phones robbed from the shop were recovered from the suspects. Okafor urged the public to continue providing the police with credible information that will help in checkmating crimes in the state.

Police Arrest Robber during Operation

The Lagos State Police Command, April 22, arrested a suspected robber, Ojo Idowu, in the Oke Ola area while he was allegedly on an operation. The police said one locally-made pistol and two cartridges were recovered from the suspect after a search. Idowu, who was reported by one of his victims, had been transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ikeja. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the arrest, adding that investigation was on-going into the matter.

Niger State Police Arrest Robbers Disguised as Women

The Niger State Police Command has arrested a six-man gang for robbing houses while disguised as Muslim women. It was gathered that one of the gang members would don a hijab in order to observe the house which they intended to rob and the movement of the occupants. The hijab wearing robber would then force the door of the house open and invite other members of the gang to the place after which they would remove all movable property in the house. The syndicate was apprehended after members of the gang entered a house in the Dutsen Kura area of the state capital. It was gathered that a policeman, who was attached to one of the places of worship close to the house that the suspects broke into, observed the unusual movement of a “woman” around the premises and later saw the accomplices coming around for their operation. The policeman was said to have gotten assistance from some Good Samaritans, leading to the arrest of the suspect. Police Spokesman, Bala Elikana, confirmed the incident on April 23.

Gang Incidents

Six Boys Arrested during Cult Clash

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested six teenagers for alleged involvement in a cult clash in the Lagos Island area of the state. It was learnt that the six boys, whose ages ranged from 14 to 15, were apprehended around Campos Square by policemen from the Lion Building division. It was gathered that the boys, from whom the police recovered axes, knives and machetes, were allegedly going for a reprisal on a rival cult when they were rounded up. The suspects were said to have been transferred to the State Department of Criminal Investigations, Yaba. The state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, confirmed the incident on April 22.

Cult War Claims 7 Lives in Otukpo

Seven persons have died following two days of bloody supremacy battle between two rival cult groups in Otukpo, Benue State. It was gathered that the clash occurred on April 23 when young men, who were initially throwing fireworks at one another, suddenly pulled out guns, shooting at each other. It took the intervention of the Police to check further spread of the crisis. The Secretary General of the Opiatoha K’Idoma, an umbrella body of Idoma sons and daughters, Chief Adoka Adaji, who condemned the bloody crisis and the resultant killings, urged security agencies to check further escalation of the crisis. Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, however, confirmed only three deaths in the crisis. He added that eight persons were arrested, and four locally make pistols were recovered.

Police Arrest Two as OPC, Hoodlums Clash Claim Lives

The Lagos State Police Command, April 27, arrested two suspects at the Ajegunle area of the state, following a clash between some hoodlums and members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC). The clash on April 26 was said to have claimed two lives, with several others injured. One of the victims was hit by a stray bullet allegedly shot by an OPC member. According to eyewitnesses, the clash had begun following the refusal of the OPC to share the sum of money released by a land developer with the hoodlums. Upon their refusal to share the largesse with the other group, a fight broke out that led to wanton destruction of properties in the area. Both factions were said to have unleashed mayhem with dangerous weapons including locally made guns, matches and axes. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, said two suspects were arrested.

Drugs

Police Arrest Fake Police Officer with 10 Bags of Indian Hemp

The Ogun State Police Command, April 27, paraded a dismissed police officer, George Oliseh, for disguising himself as a Superintendent of Police and being in possession of 10 bags of Indian hemp. The State Police Commissioner, Abdulmajid Ali, while parading 37 suspects at the command’s headquarters at Eleweran, Abeokuta for various offences such as robbery, cultism, murder and Impersonation, said the arrested suspected fake Police officer donned a police uniform and identity card. Oliseh was arrested on April 24 while conveying consignment of the illicit weed from Owo town in Ondo State. Ali said Oliseh was in the company of an accomplice, Isaac Ishicheli, who claimed to be his brother-in-law.

Militancy/Maritime

Navy Arrests 32 Nigerians, 8 Camerounians for Piracy, Crude Oil Theft

The Nigerian Navy has stepped up efforts towards eliminating all forms of crimes along Nigeria’s waterways with the arrest of 40 suspects, comprising 32 Nigerians and eight Camerounians, involved in crude oil theft and piracy. The Director of Information (DINFO), Commodore Christian Ezekobe, April 26, said that the operational Commands, have sustained the on-going clampdown on illegal refineries, crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, smuggling, piracy and sea robbery. Ezekobe said that the Nigerian Navy patrol team deployed from NNS DELTA discovered and destroyed illegal crude oil refineries set up in Lolomu creek in Gbaramatu Kingdom and Tagola creek all in Warri South West LGA of Delta State. He disclosed that on one of the discovered sites, the patrol team destroyed 11 storage tanks, three Cotonou boats loaded with product suspected to be stolen crude oil, two pumping machines and 40 horse power (HP) fibre boat. He listed some of the items destroyed at Tagola creek  to include 30 drums of 200 litres each, six GP tanks of 15,000 litres each, six tanks of 10,000 litres each and a locally made gun with one live cartridge.

Navy Declares Charles Ekpemefumor Wanted for Hijack

The Nigerian Navy has declared an alleged pirate mastermind, Mr. Charles Ekpemefumor, wanted for the hijack of a vessel, MT. Maximus, with 18 crew members in February 2016. The Director of Information (DINFO), Commodore Christian Ezekobe, April 28, said that investigation by the Navy linked Ekpemefumor, who is also known as Charles Parker or Captain Charles Agaba, with the February 11 hijack of the vessel carrying 4,368.203MT of Gas Oil by a group of off Cote d’Ivoire waters. The Nigerian Navy deployed operatives for rescue operations, and the vessel was rescued on February 19. During the rescue operation, six pirates were arrested, while one of them was killed. Ezekobe disclosed that the suspect was alleged to be responsible for the leasing of mother ship MT DEJIKUN used for the hijack from one Mr Mustapha Kenny Gani.

Military Arrests 6 Suspected Pirates

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, April 28, stated that it arrested six suspected vandals and pirates in multiple operations in April. The JTF spokesman, Col. Isa Ado, noted that its men recovered arms in the operations. He disclosed that troops deployed to Ohaji/Oguta LGA of Imo State on April 7, recovered an automatic rifle with one magazine loaded with 14 rounds of 5.5mm ammunition. It said that the troops also recovered two locally made single barrel guns and a pistol. It said that following a tip-off on April 20, troops in conjunction with the Nigeria Pipeline Development Company and the Department of State Services recovered a lorry suspected to be carrying crude oil.

Terrorism

Troops Ambush, Kill Fleeing Terrorists at Sambisa-Alagarno Axis

The Nigerian military, April 24, ambushed some Boko Haram terrorists escaping from the ground and aerial bombardments of Sambisa Forest in Borno State. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), disclosed that the troops of 81 Battalion and some elements of 251 Task Force Battalion, 25 Brigade, ambushed suspected Boko Haram terrorists, who were trying to link up with other terrorists or members of their families to relocate to other places.  He also disclosed that the troops had earlier intercepted a group of women and children, who claimed to have escaped from the terrorists’ enclave in Sambisa forest.  However, he said during screening and interrogation, it was confirmed that they were the terrorists’ advance party relocating to a new safe haven following intense tactical operations by troops. The troops thereafter sprang an ambush on the group of escaping terrorists from Sambisa forest, killing five of them and recovering some items.

Suicide Bomber Kills Self in Failed Borno Bombing

The Nigerian troops of 7 Division Garrison Forward Operation Base (FOB), April 23, foiled a suicide bomb attack in a community in Borno State. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, said that the suspected Boko Haram terrorist aimed to enter the Ummarari community at about 7am for a suicide bombing mission. The suicide bomber was, however, intercepted by the vigilant troops and the Civilian JTF while making an attempt to enter the village to detonate his dangerous explosives. Feeling trapped as he was forced to stop based on suspicion that he was carrying suicide-bombing materials, the bomber detonated the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) vest on his body, killing only himself.

Military Arrests Four Boko Haram Kingpins

Troops of 3 Battalion, of 22 Task Force Brigade have arrested four Boko Haram terrorists’ kingpins known as Ameers at Rann, headquarters of Kala Balge LGA of Borno State. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, said the kingpins who were apprehended on April 22, specialised on various aspects of criminality aimed at sustaining the terrorists group in their areas. According to Usman, the four terrorists were arrested following a tip off by well-meaning members of the public. The troops conducted a cordon and search operation in the general area that led to the arrest of the terrorist leaders.

Troops Kill Insurgents in Clearance Operations

The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, April 23, said that the military troops carrying out clearance operations, raids and patrols successfully killed 19 Boko Haram terrorists, and made notable arrests of suspects, rescuing 154 hostages in Borno State. The troops also recovered cache of arms and ammunitions. The army spokesman disclosed that the troops of 7 Division Special Fighting Forces attached to 25 Task Force Brigade Damboa, at a checkpoint, arrested a suspected Boko Haram terrorist,  Abubakar Bello and six other suspects carrying 28 gallons of “Turkey” brand of vegetable oil,  eight bags of flour, 130 crates of soft drinks and two bags of sugar. Investigation discovered that the terrorists now dilute the vegetable oil with other substances to produce diesel to power their generators. The troops also encountered Boko Haram terrorists at Bego where they engaged the terrorists, neutralised them and cleared their camps within the general area. However, two Civilian JTF members that accompanied the troops reportedly lost their lives.

Boko Haram Fighters Now Lay Landmines on Farmlands -Military

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has informed members of the public, particularly those in the North-East, that fleeing remnants of Boko Haram terrorists, in their desperation to unleash terror on the people, have laid land mines on stretches of farmlands. The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brig-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, April 26, also alerted the public that terrorists now operate with horses to carry out attacks on isolated villages and communities along the fringes of our borders in the North-East. According to him, these latest tactics of the terrorists are a grand design to cause fear and panic among the farmers as well as the local populace. He assured that the security forces will continue to be on their trail until they are completely flushed out.

Military Uncovers Boko Haram Fighters New Uniform

The Nigerian military has revealed that Boko Haram fighters in the North-East have adopted new uniform and dressing codes with which they can identify themselves. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, April 26, disclosed that the troops of 22 Brigade Garrison and elements of 3 Battalion made the discovery of new means of terrorists identification when they went out on a long range fighting patrol on April 25 to Gima village in Ngala LGA of Borno State. Usman said that the patrol came in contact with some elements of the Boko Haram that started escaping in disarray on sighting the team. However, he said, the troops were able to apprehend two of them in their new-styled uniform of green colour and use of ropes on their legs and necks.

Nigerian Troops Kill Notorious Boko Haram Kingpin ‘Albani of Monguno’, Others

Nigerian Troops, April 25, killed seven Boko Haram terrorists including a notorious kingpin popularly known as the Albani of Monguno. The Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, disclosed that troops of 7 Brigade, 8 Task Force Division, embarked on clearance operations, in which they cleared Boko Haram hideouts in Kukawa LGA of Borno State. The troops killed 7 Boko Haram terrorists including a notorious kingpin popularly known as the Albani of Monguno. The troops also recovered 2 Vehicles, 7 motorcycles 1 AK-47 rifle, 2 Boko Haram terrorists hoisted flags, 3 vehicle tyres, 1 vulcanizing machine, 1 solar panel and bundles of chewing stick (Aswaki), which the terrorists believed has spiritual and medicinal values.

Military Arrests 6 Boko Haram Kingpins in Borno State

The Nigerian military in continuing with the clearance operations in the north-east has arrested six Boko Haram terrorist kingpins in Borno State. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, April 28, stated that the troops, had in a renewed onslaught on the leadership of Boko Haram terrorists, tracked and arrested six terrorists’ kingpins who sneaked into Kala Balge as a result of the onslaught on the terrorists in Sambisa. He said the six notorious Ameers (leaders), noted for getting logistics support and information for the Boko Haram terrorists were arrested by troops of 3 Battalion, 22 Brigade.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

Gunmen Kill Trader’s Chairman

Unidentified gunmen, April 23, attacked and killed the Imo State chairman of the National Association of Traders (NANTS), Prince Chibueze Ofoduru. Ofoduru was said to be returning from a national meeting of the association in Asaba, Delta state when he was attacked close to his residence at the World Bank area in Owerri. The killers, reported waited in ambush and struck as he got close to his house. He was shot severally and nothing was taken from him. The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Enwerem, who confirmed the incident, said the hoodlums fired several shots at close range into the victim’s body, leading to his instant death. He disclosed that the police had launched an aggressive investigation into the ugly incident.

Police Arrest Woman for Stabbing Neighbour to Death

The police in Lagos State, April 23, confirmed the arrest of a 30-year-old mother of two, Ndifreke Femi, for stabbing her neighbour, Ayomide Ayenuwa, to death. The deceased, a 28-year-old man, was stabbed to death at Femi’s residence at the Ajah area of Lagos state. Ayenuwa was killed when he went to Femi’s house to settle his electricity bill and tried to intervene in a scuffle between Femi and her husband. His intervention reportedly infuriated the suspect, who allegedly rushed into her kitchen, brought out a kitchen knife and stabbed him in the neck as he made to leave them, after failing to settle the fight. Frantic efforts of other neighbours to save his life by rushing him to the hospital failed as he died from the loss of blood.

Cultists Kill Native Doctor in Own Shrine

A native doctor, Chief Onukpa Nwite, was April 22, killed by suspected cultists in his shrine in Ndulo Ukwuagba Ngbo, Ohaukwu LGA of Ebonyi state. The suspects took to their heels after the dastardly act. The slain native doctor was said to be an expert in preparing charms for cultists in the area, which they use for protection against rival cult groups during clashes. Son of the deceased, Nwabueze Onukpa alleged that one Abacha, Parity and their gang killed his father. Following the killing, youth of Ukwuagba went on rampage, burning houses of some persons suspected to be involved in the killing of the native doctor.

Teenager Kills Landlady, Daughter, Grandchildren, Reports to Police

An 18-year-old man, identified simply as Sunday, has been arrested by the police in Abuja after he allegedly killed his parents’ landlady, identified only as Mama Moses and four others on April 14. The suspect was also accused of killing the landlady’s daughter and her three grandchildren. It was gathered that the suspect reported himself to the police after committing the crime. He reportedly locked the deceased in their apartment after they had slept in the night, poured petrol on the house and set it ablaze. The suspect reportedly watched as the fire raged and when he was sure that the victims were trapped, he headed for the Bwari Police Division. It was gathered that prior to the incident, there was a disagreement between the suspect and the landlady’s family and he had threatened to deal with them. It was learnt that there had been a relationship between the landlady’s daughter and Sunday, which broke recently. The Police Public Relations Officer, Anjuguri Manzah, confirmed the incident.

Suspected Herdsmen Kill over 40 in Enugu

About 40 persons in Ukpabi Nimbo, an agrarian community in Uzo-Uwani LGA of Enugu State, were feared dead during an attack by Fulani herdsmen on April 25. It was learnt that scores of armed herdsmen swooped on the community in the early hours of the day, killing anyone in sight. Sources in the community disclosed that continuous gunshots were heard as the rampaging herdsmen moved to sack villagers from their homes. Apart from guns, bows and arrows and machetes, or swords, were also wielded by the herdsmen, it was learnt. Many of the villagers escaped to neighbouring communities in the Uzo-Uwani area, but it was gathered that people in the nearby towns are also worried about possible attacks from the herdsmen. Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Police Command, Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the attack, adding that the Commissioner of Police, Nwodibo Ekechukwu, led other officers and men to the area.

13 Killed in Taraba Herdsmen Reprisal Attack

At least 13 persons were killed as herdsmen and farmers clashed in Taraba State. The crisis was ignited when two herdsmen were reportedly killed, on April 19, by armed robbers along Kyaior-Gyo Road. It was gathered that when the report of the killing of the herdsmen reached town, some gunmen rushed to the area, attacked and chased out farmers at Kyaaior, Gindin Kerenya and Tse Gyo villages, leaving not less than 13 people killed, five injured and property worth millions of naira destroyed. A woman abducted by the herdsmen revealed that her abductors were armed with sophisticated weapons and that the herdsmen used her to get information about the villages.

DSS Official Burnt to Death

An official of the Department of State Services (DSS) was, April 22, set ablaze by an unidentified youth in Oghara, Delta State. The DSS official, Andrew Maduku (43), an indigene of Oghara attached to the DSS office in Bayelsa State, was said to have died from burns sustained from the fire. A friend to the deceased, Emmanuel Iteme, hinted that the victim had been having a misunderstanding with his assailant, which led to the seizure of some properties of the alleged suspect by the police. According to Emmanuel, the victim had returned to Oghara on April 22 to see his family when the suspect stormed his residence, poured fuel on him, set him ablaze and fled the community.

Gunmen Kill Lagos Resident

A middle-aged man, Saheed Agbede, was on April 23, shot and killed in Oreyo community in the Igbogbo, Ikorodu area of Lagos State. Agbede, a father of three, was killed just a week to the burial of his mother. Agbede was killed during a clash among land speculators. It was gathered that the speculators were exchanging gunshots when bullets hit him. The policemen were also said to have made some arrests. Four suspects have reportedly been arrested in connection with the killing. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed Agbede’s death, adding that the case would be transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, for further investigations.

Renewed Communal Clash Claims Lives in Cross River

At least four persons died following renewed communal clash in Cross River State on April 24. According to reports, the battle over a parcel of farmland between Mbagede and Ukpe communities in the Ogoja LGA escalated in violence. It was learnt that farmlands, economic trees, drinking water and domestic animals were destroyed following a communal clash. An eyewitness, Mike Aburu, said many indigenes of Mbagede and Ukpe sustained machete cuts during the fight, which lasted for three days. Police Public Relations Officer, John Eluu, said the Commissioner of Police, Henry Fadairo, had visited the warring communities and addressed the people on the need to embrace peace.

Masked Men Murder Osun High Chief

A 75-year-old man, Chief Moses Elutilo, the Akannare of Ile-Ido Ife, Osun State, was on April 25 killed by unidentified masked men, who invaded the venue where he was invited for a meeting at Atagilere plank hall on Ondo road, Ile-Ife. A source disclosed that Elutilo, who was asked to lead the opening prayer at the meeting, stood up to pray but was attacked by the masked men with dangerous weapons. The masked men smashed his head. Police Public Relations Officer, Folasade Odoro, confirmed the murder, adding that investigation had commenced.

Six Killed as Kaduna Communities Brawl over Woman

Six persons were killed at the Badarawa Kwaru and Ungwan Yero areas in Kaduna North LGA of Kaduna State on April 27 as they clashed over a woman. It was gathered that six persons were feared killed while scores sustained varying degrees of injuries. Police Public Relations Officer, Zubairu Abubakar, said that several suspects had been arrested in connection with the crisis. Eyewitness accounts reveal that the fight started between two men on April 24 over a woman. It was reported that a man from a neighbouring Kwaru community had gone to Unguwar Yero to see his alleged concubine, a married woman. But her husband, who was suspecting his wife of infidelity, trailed her to where they were standing and accosted them. The Kwaru man allegedly stabbed his concubine’s husband in the stomach, killing him. This action angered the Ungwan Yero people, who decided to retaliate, leading to an all-out clash.

2 Killed in Delta Communal Clash

Two persons have been killed and over five houses torched in a clash between youths of Umuezegoli community of Ebedei clan and Akoku clan, both in Ukwani LGA of Delta State. It was disclosed that youths of Umuezegoli had invited an indigene of Akoku to their community for a discussion on April 28 when he was allegedly stabbed to death for yet to be disclosed reasons. Youths of Akoku, on learning of the incident, mobilized and invaded Umuezegoli for a reprisal attack, on April 27, setting houses ablaze. But the Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, said she had not been briefed on the incident.

Tenant Beats Landlord’s Wife to Death

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a woman, Victoria Alaba, for allegedly killing the wife of her landlord during a scuffle. It was learnt that the deceased, Amosa Ogunyemi, had ordered Alaba and other tenants not to do their laundry at a section on the premises, but the suspect ignored the order and was washing on April 23 when Ogunyemi told her to vacate the spot, leading to an altercation. It was gathered that Alaba suddenly pounced on the deceased and a fight ensued during which Ogunyemi gave up the ghost. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident, adding that the suspect was transferred to the State Department of Criminal Investigation, Yaba, for further investigation.

16-Year-Old Arrested for Cult Killing

The police in Lagos State have arrested a 16-year-old suspected cultist, Rilwan Okegbenro, for allegedly killing a man, Olawale Adebayo, in the Ikorodu area of the state. It was gathered that Okegbenro, who confessed to being a cultist, was apprehended on April 27 by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad during a raid in the area. Okegbenro told the police that he and two other gang members participated in the killing of 22-year-old Adebayo. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed Okegbenro’s arrest. She added that the police had launched a manhunt for the suspect’s fleeing gang members. It was learnt that 18 suspects were arrested during the exercise.

Rape

Man, 41, Arrested for Raping Four-Year-Old inside Toilet

A 41-year-old man, Adeniyi Adewale, has been arrested by the police for allegedly raping his neighbour’s four-year-old daughter inside a toilet in the FESTAC Town area of Lagos State. According to the girl, she was in the toilet when the suspect barged in on her on March 16, loosened his belt and raped her. The victim’s mother, Kehinde, said the incident was reported to the chairman of the residents’ association in the area. The suspect was, April 27, arraigned before an Apapa Magistrate’s Court on one count of rape. The accused pleaded not guilty and elected summary trial. The presiding magistrate, Mrs. O.A. Adegbite, admitted him to bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum. The matter was adjourned till June 9, 2016.

Man, 48, Docked for Defiling Two Minors

A 48-year-old trader, who allegedly defiled two under-age daughters of his co-tenants, was on April 25 charged before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. The accused, Peter Nweke, is facing a two-charge of child defilement. The Prosecutor, Inspector Simon Imhonwa, told the court that the accused committed the offences on March 28 at his residence. He said the accused repeatedly abused the two-year-old and eight-year-old daughters of his co-tenants. Imhonwa explained that the accused was apprehended after the older minor identified him as the predator. The accused, however, denied the charge. The Chief Magistrate, Bola Osunsanmi, granted the accused N300,000 bail with two responsible sureties in like sum. She adjourned the case till June 2 for trial.

Man, 40, Docked for Raping Deaf and Dumb Student in Osogbo

A 40-year-old man, Kamoru Shittu was, April 28, arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate’s Court for allegedly raping a 21-year-old deaf and dumb girl in her school. Shittu was charged with a two-count charge bordering on rape and unlawful assault of the victim. The police prosecutor, Mereti Wilson, told the court that Shittu had, on March 7 at the Osun State Secondary School for persons with Special Needs in Osogbo, unlawful carnal knowledge of the 21-year-old victim, who is student of the school. But Shittu pleaded not guilty to the charges and his lawyer, Bola Ige, applied for his bail. The Magistrate, Mrs. A. Olowolagba granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in the same amount.

Others

Army Parades Alleged Colonel Impersonator

The Nigerian Army, April 22, paraded one Prince Onyemauche who had been impersonating an army Colonel to carry out his nefarious activities. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, said the suspect was arrested alongside SSgt. Jacob Phillip on February 17 in Gwagwalada, Abuja by the troops of 176 Special Forces Guards Battalion. Onyemauche had earlier escaped check from Abaji Military check point where he claimed to be a Colonel in the Nigerian Army. The Army Spokesman said that it was discovered that the suspect had a habit of illegally using soldiers as escorts while travelling outside Lagos to his village in Imo state and sometimes to Abuja. Usman explained that the three identified soldiers including SSgt. Jacob Phillip, who travelled with him without official authorization, were awaiting trial by a court martial. He however said the suspect would be handed over to the police for further investigation.

Woman, 35, Burns Housemaid’s Buttock with Hot Iron

The Enugu State Police command, April 24, arrested a 35-year-old woman, Nneka Ifeoze, who allegedly burnt the buttock of her nine-year-old maid with a hot electric iron. The maid was assaulted for allegedly eating the food meant for her two-year-old son. It was gathered that the quick intervention of the Police saved the woman from being lynched by residents of the area. Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the arrest of the suspect. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention. The police spokesman assured that the suspect would be prosecuted as soon as investigation was concluded.

6 Die, Many Injured as Fire Guts Filling Station

At least six people were killed in Kaduna state on April 23, as fire gutted filling stations. About 15 vehicles were also burnt in a fire that gutted a filling station at Unguwar Ma’azu in Kaduna. The Assistant Manager, Fasada Mega Filling Station, Alhaji Jibrin Musa, disclosed that the incident occurred when one of the trucks was off-loading petrol, spilled the fuel on ground and some fuel hawkers came to scoop the fuel on ground. The fire started after a motorist, who was on queue waiting to buy fuel, tried to remove his car from the scene, by starting his engine. The Fire Service was there on time to fight the fire. The Kaduna State Director of Fire, Paul Abio, who confirmed the incident, said that the fire fighters rescued those that were trapped.

Truck Rams into Herd of Cattle, Two Persons Die

Two persons, were killed after a truck loaded with sand rammed into a herd of cattle being led by herdsmen on April 24 at the Obada Oko end of the old Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway. The victims were the driver of the truck and his assistant. It was learnt that the truck, was travelling outwards Abeokuta, when the accident occurred. The Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, Commander Babatunde Akinbiyi, said as the driver of the tipper saw the herd of cattle crossing the expressway late, he panicked and lost control. He added that he ran into the herd and killed one cow, before skidding into the bush.

Review/Analysis

Murder/assassination remained high on the crime index as death rates increase with wanton destruction of lives. Attacks and gruesome killings by herdsmen and gunmen become the order of the day. Other attacks leave one in awe of the growing disregard for life as seen when an 18-year-old man was arrested after killing his parents’ landlady, her daughters and grand-children. Amazingly this boy burnt the house and reported himself to the police. It was also reported that scores of people in Enugu lost their lives to attacks by Fulani herdsmen. Cult killings were witnessed in large figures. These killings were witnessed across the nation.

The spate of kidnap in the society took yet another turn as politicians and clerics were mostly target victims. Some top business men and the elite suffered same fate. The authorities were also brilliant as they safely rescued some of the victims, including a Permanent Secretary. The kidnappers of a reverend father have demanded a ransom of N25 Million for his release while investigations by the police remains in progress. The police have given the assurance that they would make sure that the kidnapped victims are rescued and that the perpetrators would be apprehended. This was witnessed more in the south-west and north-central region of the country.

The military remains unrelenting in its resolve to quash all traces of Boko Haram terrorists in the north-east. Military troops arrested several Boko Haram terrorists’ kingpins in Borno State. A suicide bomber was intercepted by troops and the Civilian JTF while making an attempt to enter a village to detonate his dangerous explosives, however, the suicide bomber detonated the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) vest on his body, killing only himself. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has warned of the new tactics of fleeing Boko Haram terrorists, who have laid land mines on stretches of farm lands in the north-east.

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.