Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 30

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Gunmen Storm Palace, Kidnap Lagos Monarch

Yet-to-be identified gunmen, July 16, stormed the residence of the 73-year-old monarch of Ibaland in Lagos, Oba Yushau Oseni. Wife of the monarch, Nofisat, said that the Oba was kidnapped at about 8pm when over 15 masked gunmen stormed the town. While six of the kidnappers entered the palace, others stood at strategic locations, including the waterways. The policeman attached to the palace had closed from duty by 4p.m. The gunmen shot the wife and the 60-year-old palace security guard, Sunday Okanlawon, as they both tried to prevent the kidnap.

Patrick Ani Released from Kidnappers’ Den

A Third Republic Senator, Patrick Ani, July 17, regained freedom from the den of kidnappers. Ani, who represented Cross River South senatorial district on the platform of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC), in the Third Republic, was kidnapped in Calabar on July 6. The state Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Ozi Obeh, confirmed that Ani had been released by those who kidnapped him. The commissioner, however, declined to comment on how Ani regained his freedom from the kidnappers.

Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper in Calabar

The Cross River State Police Command announced that it has arrested one suspected kidnapper and rescued their victim one Godwin Oduma. Oduma was kidnapped at his residence in Calabar on July 18. The State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Ozi Obeh, who confirmed the arrest of the suspected kidnapper, said he was arrested when the police stormed their hideout in Calabar. He said others members of the gang escaped when men of the police made to arrest them.

Police Rescue Ogun Lawmaker’s Wife from Kidnappers

The Police, July 19, rescued Mrs. Felicia Oyenuga, wife of a member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Olufowobi Oyenuga, who was kidnapped by gunmen at Odoladalepo in Ijebu Ife. Oyenuga was rescued at the Ijebu stretch of the Sagamu–Benin expressway after about eight hours. Three persons were arrested in connection with the abduction. It was gathered that the driver of the kidnap gang, Ahmed Folorunso, who drove the vehicle used for the abduction, was arrested on Ondo Road in Ijebu Ode, following a chase by a combined team of vigilance group and a police patrol team. But other members of the gang were arrested and the woman rescued unhurt by policemen. Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the woman was freed without any ransom paid.

NIS Intercepts Vehicle Conveying Children in Ebonyi

The Ebonyi State Command of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), July 20, intercepted a vehicle conveying 18 persons including underage children suspected to be victims of human trafficking. The Acting Controller of NIS in the state, Barrister Okey Ezugwu stated that the surveillance team of the Command intercepted the vehicle in Abakaliki on transit to Edo state from Cross River state. Upon interrogation, Ezugwu said the victims reported that they were going to Ondo while some were sent to Benin to work in a Cocoa plantation. But the Controller said they had no business going on the trip without their parents adding that it was child labour and abuse of child rights for children below 18 years to be subjected to such inhuman treatment of working in cocoa farm.

Robbery

Robber Slumps after Being Hit with Own Charm

A member of a four-man robbery gang, Nnamdi Onu, passed out when he was hit with the charm he prepared for victims. His gang specialised in attacking commuters at Anthony Bus Stop in Lagos State, disposing them of cash and valuables. He was arrested on July 15, following a foiled operation. Onu and members of his gang snatched a bag from a lady and were fleeing the scene, when Onu was apprehended by a mob. He was said to have brought out a red amulet from his pocket and threatened to hit whoever got close to him with it. The mob retreated out of fear, thereby making way for two other members of the gang to escape. Unfortunately for Onu, he was apprehended by a team of policemen on patrol. He was said to have slumped when one of the policemen hit him with the charm. The suspect, according to the Commissioner of Police, would be charged to court soon, adding that he was among 43 suspects arrested in the state in one month.

Police Arrest Robbers after Shootout

The police in Cross River State, July 18, announced the arrest of a member of a notorious armed robbery gang following a shootout. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Irene Ugbo, disclosed that the suspect was arrested after he and members of his gang engaged members of the State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in a shoot-out at Atekong Drive. She said the arrested robbery suspect, who is now cooling his heels in a police cell, had confessed that his gang carried out some of the robbery operations on Marian Road.

Police Intercept 30 Hoodlums in Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command, July 18, said its men had dispersed armed miscreants numbering about 30 and arrested three whose intentions were to disrupt the peace in the state. The miscreants, according to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Haruna Mohammed, were seen carrying machetes, knives and other dangerous weapons. He added that the police patrol team that saw them heading towards Ahmadu Bello Way, GRA, immediately intercepted them.

Police Rescue Suspected Car Thief from Lynch Mob

Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command, July 14, said it rescued one Benjamin Michael from an angry mob after he was caught attempting to steal a Mercedes Benz car. The 27-year-old suspect was arrested after the policemen prevented the mob from lynching him. The mob had found him in the car at the park of a popular night club in Ikeja on July 13 as he was preparing to steal it. The suspect, who had sustained various degrees of injuries on his head before the arrival of RRS operatives, was taken to the hospital for medical attention by the police. Afterwards, on his arrival at the RRS headquarters at Alausa, Ikeja, he confessed that his plan was to indeed steal the vehicle and take it out of Lagos to a neighbouring country to sell.

Spiritualist Betrays Armed Robbery Suspects, Reports Suspects to Police

The spiritual consultant to a gang of suspected armed robbers, who operate along the Lagos and Ogun state border, has reported their activities to police, leading to their arrest. It was gathered that they stole a Toyota Highlander and locked the owner in the booth of car. They later dropped the man by the road side before going away with the vehicle. The gang parked it in the premises of the spiritualist at Ilaro. The spiritualist promptly reported them to police. The five-man gang is made up of two Beninoise and three Nigerians. Policemen attached to Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) arrested five men in their hideout on July 18. The police recovered one AK-47 rifle from the gang. The leader of the gang is said to be on the run.

22 Teenagers Arrested for Robbery, Cultism

Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of Lagos State Police Command have arrested 22 teenagers for robbery, stealing and cultism. The Commander RRS, Tunde Disu, while parading the suspects in Alausa, Ikeja, said the suspects, including four females, were arrested for their alleged involvement in separate incidences of robbery, stealing and cultism around Agege and its environs. The two leaders of the first gang, which consist of eight members, were arrested on July 14, in Mulero, Agege for assaulting and robbing one Aladegbo Abidemi with an axe, and snatching her Blackberry Z10.

Gang Incidents

Two Feared Dead in Offa as Cultists Go on Rampage

Two suspected cultists were, July 18, attacked and killed when the two rival cult groups in Offa town in Offa LGA of Kwara State engaged themselves in a supremacy battle. The incident, according to investigations, had caused serious tension in the town as people scampered for fear of being attacked. One of the deceased, a student cultist of Federal Polytechnic, Offa was killed following the crisis that ensued during the last Students’ Union election in the institution. The incident happened when the suspected student cultists engaged themselves in a gun duel.

Drugs

NAFDAC Confiscates N25m Worth of Unregistered Drugs in Enugu

The National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), July 20, confiscated 152 cartons of unregistered Dizapam tablets B.P. worth over N25 million. The drugs, which were manufactured at Mumbai, India by Shalina Laboratories PVT. Ltd, were released to NAFDAC by Customs Service officials, who confiscated them at the Nigerian -Cameroon border in Cross River State. Enugu State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Ikechuku Okoye, while displaying the unregistered drugs, disclosed that the Dizapam tablets B.P. 10mg were smuggled into the country through Calabar axis adding that Customs Service officials alerted his agency over the matter. Okoye advised members of the public to always insist on buying drugs or products regulated by NAFDAC, saying that any product without NAFDAC registration number was fake.

Militancy/Maritime

Gbaramatu gives Chevron Ultimatum over Arrest of Pipeline Workers

Seven Gbaramatu communities, which are host communities to Chevron Nigeria Limited in Delta State, July 18, gave the oil company a 72-hour ultimatum to ensure the release of five pipeline surveillance workers that arrested by the military on July 15. The persons were arrested on the allegation that they were members of the militant group, Niger Delta Avengers, which has carried out several attacks on oil installations in the region. Chairman of Kokodiagbene community, Mr Sheriff Mulade, who spoke for the aggrieved oil producing communities, expressed dismay at the purported lukewarm attitude of the management of Chevron to the arrest of the five workers.

Militants Bomb Shell Pipeline in Delta

Niger Delta militants, July 18, blew-up an oil pipeline belonging to the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Batan community in Warri South West LGA of Delta State. According to reports, the militants attacked the SPDC pipeline in Batan at about 1am with dynamites. A community source confirmed the incident, stating that they heard a huge explosion around midnight only to discover it was a pipeline belonging to Shell that had been blasted. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Chairman of Batan community, Dickson Ogugu, confirmed the attack between Camp 3 and Kokologbene communities. A security officer said a team of military personnel has been drafted in company of a surveillance team to ascertain the extent of damage.

Navy Arrests Major Logistics Supplier to Niger Delta Militants

The Nigerian Navy has said it had arrested a suspected member of the Niger Delta Avengers. Director of Information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, disclosed that the suspect, who was picked up on July 11, is believed to be a major logistics supplier to the group which had claimed responsibility for attacks on NNPC and Chevron pipelines in the region. According to him, the arrest was made following a confessional statement obtained from another arrested suspect, who gave details of the involvement of other collaborators in the attacks. He added that preliminary investigations also revealed that the suspect recently supplied 10 batteries, five large coils of wire and other materials purportedly used for the attacks.

Terrorism

Troops Rescues 80 Hostages; Kill 42 Terrorists in Borno

The Nigerian Army, July 20, said that its troops on fighting patrols and clearance operations, rescued a total of 80 hostages, mostly women and children, who had been held captive for several months by Boko Haram terrorists in Garere village in Borno State. During the operations to rescue the hostages, scores of the terrorists were killed with large numbers of arms and ammunition recovered. The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, disclosed that, following confirmed intelligence report on the convergence and massing up of dislodged Boko Haram terrorists at Garere village in Kukawa LGA of Borno State, troops on fighting and clearance patrol, July 19, swooped on the terrorists, killing 42 of them. A total of 38 women and 42 children held captives were rescued from the insurgents. The patrol team also recovered 504 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, 162 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 1 Land Cruiser Jeep, 34 Jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automated Gas Oil (AGO), while 55 Motorcycles were demobilized during the operation.

Army Kills 11 Bandits, Cattle Rustlers in Borno, Zamfara

Nigerian Army, July 17, said its troops in training exercise code named “Exercise Harbin Kunama”, on patrol of the forests in Borno State, killed 11 armed bandits and cattle rustlers. A statement from Army headquarters revealed that troops of 223 Battalion while on patrol encountered armed bandits at Madaka village in Maru LGA and killed 9 of them. They recovered 3 AK-47 rifles, 2 AK-47 rifle magazines, 3 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 1 machete and 24 motorcycles. Similarly, local vigilantes at ‘Yargada village, Gusau LGA of Zamfara State apprehended a fleeing suspected armed bandit and handed him over to troops deployed at Magami. Another patrol team also carried out a raid on armed bandits and cattle rustlers’ camp at Gobirawan Kwacha where they killed 2 armed bandits and recovered a machete.

Army Kills Boko Haram Spy

A Nigerian army patrol team of 157 Task Force Battalion, 7 Brigade, killed a Boko Haram terrorists spy at Barwati village, Kukawa LGA of Borno State. The insurgent, who was on reconnaissance mission to infiltrate the troops’ position, was killed while trying to gain entry into a military location. The team recovered 1 AK-47 rifle, 59 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, one 40mm x 46mm BGL2 grenade, 1 bandolier and 3 AK-47 rifle magazines from him. Troops have intensified vigilance and a high level of alertness as they continued with efforts of clearing the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists in their area of responsibility.

Army Frees 249 Boko Haram Suspects
…Arrests Suicide Bomber in Borno

Nigerian Army, July 18 said 249 suspected Boko Haram terrorists and accomplices, arrested by troops in several mop-up operations, had been released on the orders of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, after being cleared by the Joint Military Interrogation team in Maiduguri. Army spokesman, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said those cleared and released include 169 males, 46 women and 34 children, including two foreigners. The released persons were handed over to Borno State government. The two foreigners were, however, handed over to the Borno State Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service. In another development, troops of 101 Battalion, 7 Division Garrison on patrol with some Civilian JTF, intercepted a suspected male suicide bomber at Sabon Gari Jidari. The suspect, carrying primed Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs concealed in a blue stabilizer casing, gave his name as Yusuf Tasiu.

Troops Kill Two Kidnappers, Rescue Victims in Bauchi
•Army foils suicide bomber’s attack

Troops of Forward Operations Base and 33 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, July 17, killed two suspected kidnappers and rescued their victims in Bauchi. Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, who disclosed this, said the attack took place while the troops were flushing out cattle rustlers from Dutsen Zaki forest in the state. The soldiers recovered five AK-47 rifles, 23 rounds of 7.62mm ammunitions and four Bajaj brands of motorcycles, as well as food items and clothing. The recovery was made along the Unguwar Kanawa-Rugar Abdulsalami-Diwa village and Dutsen Zaki area.

Political/Government Agencies

Murder/Assassinations

Plateau Traditional Ruler, Bodyguard, Driver Murdered by Suspected Herdsmen

The Saf Ron Kulere, the traditional ruler of Bokkos and Chairman, Bokkos Traditional Council in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State, Lazarus Agai, was, July 18, murdered in his village by suspected Fulani gunmen. The monarch was reportedly murdered alongside his aides by the gunmen on their way from the farm where they had gone to supervise hired labourers working for the monarch in his farm. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state, Tyopev Terna, and member representing Bokkos Constituency in the state House of Assembly, Sunday Muchen, both confirmed the killings. The police said it was doing everything to unravel the killers and to bring them to book.

Farmer Beheaded in Kwara

A farmer, identified as Sunday Owolabi, was reportedly beheaded on July 16 at Rore village in Irepodun LGA of Kwara State. The deceased was reportedly killed in his farm by a welder, Segun Bamidele. It was gathered that Bamidele attempted to sell off the severed head after committing the crime. The suspect tried to sell the severed head to one Aliyu, who turned him down and reported the case to a community leader, who in turn informed the village head. Upon interrogation by the community, Bamidele reportedly confessed to have acted under influence of alcohol

Ex-NURTW Boss, 4 Others Jailed for Conspiracy to Murder

Former Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Oyo State, Alhaji Lamidi Mukaila, also known as “Auxilliary” and four other accused persons have been convicted and sentenced to six years imprisonment by an Oyo State High Court for conspiracy in the death of some persons in March 2014. Mukaila, Saheed Kareem, Abu Kareem, Kazeem Kayode and Taiwo Tijani had been standing trial for the mayhem at Iwo Road interchange, Ibadan. The counsel to the accused persons, Olalekan Ojo, said his clients would appeal the judgment, contending that since the court had acquitted and discharged them of murder and attempted murder, the conspiracy for which they were convicted did not exist. While delivering judgment, Justice Eni Esan said the accused persons were charged with a three-count charge of conspiracy, murder and attempted murder. The court ruled that since the first accused person admitted that he owned guns and the accused were caught in a car with rounds of bullet, they were guilty of conspiracy and sentenced to six years imprisonment each.

Bayelsa Monarch Escapes Assassination

Monarch of Oluasiri community, Ibedaowei of Oluasiri clan in Nembe LGA of Bayelsa State, Chiefson Iyerite Awululu, July 19, survived an assignation attempt when five armed men invaded his house along Otiotio Road, Yenagoa. The assailants were said to have scaled the fence of his residence and after cutting the burglary proof, gained entrance into the house without any resistance. The 56-year-old traditional ruler was attacked in his bedroom with machetes and left to die by his assailants. After they had left, family members contacted the police that moved him to an undisclosed hospital where doctors battled to save his life. Some family members of the monarch, who confirmed the incident, disclosed that the bandits did not wear masks to conceal their identities, adding that after Awululu had been rushed to the hospital, the assassins returned to see if their victim had died. Spokesman of the Bayelsa Police Command, Butwat Asimin, confirmed the incident. The victim was taken to the hospital and he is responding to treatment. Efforts have been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects.

Student Stabbed to Death in Lagos

A student was, July 16, stabbed to death during a friendly street football match between youths in Okota, Lagos. The match turned tragic occurred after one of the players stabbed an opponent to death during a misunderstanding. It was gathered that some youths from Oseni Liade Street were playing football at the end of the street, when a group of boys from neighbouring Taiwo Street came to join them. But the visiting youths were told to wait for their turn. At the end of the first round, another set of players, among who were the visiting youths, were expected to take over the football pitch. But eyewitnesses said they were disallowed, an action that degenerated into a fight. In the process, one of them, Kayode Babayanju, was alleged to have stabbed the deceased, Michael Tanko, in the hollow of his left elbow. Tanko reportedly chased his assailant until he slumped. He died before reaching the hospital. Doctors at the hospital revealed that he bled to death, as the arteries in the hollow of the elbow were cut. Police Command’s spokeswoman, Dolapo Badmos, said that effort was being intensified to arrest the suspect, who fled the scene immediately.

Siblings Murder 2 People to Send Elder Brother to Jail

Three suspected ritual killers, Saidi Amadu, Idris Amadu and Quadri Ayodele, paraded by the Kwara State Police Command, July 19, confessed that they killed their victims to implicate their elder brother, Ayodele Amadu, who is now in prison. They hatched the plot because their elder brother, Ayodele Amadu, took the larger portion of the property left behind by their late father. It was gathered that the three suspects were arrested in connection with the killing of Fasilat Azeez and Rohimat Kehinde on July 11. Police Commissioner, Sam Okaula, who complained about the rising cases of ritual killings in the state, explained that the victims, Fasilat Azeez and Rohimat Kehinde, were hawking drugs and other items when they were waylaid and gruesomely killed. He added that the remains of the victims were dumped in the compound of Ayodele Amadu, the elder brother of the suspects, to implicate him. It led to the said Ayodele Amadu’s arrest.

Police Vow to Arrest Killers of Newly-wed Woman in Kano

The police in Kano State, July 19, vowed to arrest those behind the murder of a newly-wed woman in Sha’iskawa village of Danbatta LGA of the state. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Magaji Majiya, said that the command had commenced investigation into the incident. The police were informed on the killing and rushed to the scene in the early hours of July 17. They found that the woman was raped before she was stabbed to death in her room. The police also recovered the knife used in killing the woman. The victim was stabbed to death on July 16, a few days after her wedding. Her husband, an Abuja-based businessman, had reportedly returned to Abuja when the assailant struck. Her attackers were said to have raped her before stabbing her to death. A similar incident happened in 2015 when a teen bride was reportedly raped and slaughtered by hoodlums at Bachirawa quarters in the Kano metropolis

Man Kills 4-Year-Old Daughter

A 38-year-old man, Joseph Ibanga James, has been arrested by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for allegedly strangulating his four-year-old daughter, Glory. The suspect, confessed that he carried out the act after eating a meal prepared by his mother. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Delia Nwawe, July 19 said Ibanga committed murder and would be charged to court to face the consequences of the offence. The police warned that it would not condone any act of criminality.

Man Beheads Uncle in Anger

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has apprehended one Victor Esin Nyak for allegedly cutting off the head of his uncle, Rev. Esin Andang, after a quarrel. Police Public Relations Officer, Delia Nwawe, July 19, said the case was still being investigated to unearth the immediate and remote cause of the ugly development. Meanwhile, the suspect, Victor Esin has confessed to the crime attributing his act to provocation as his uncle was allegedly a cog in the wheel of his progress.

4 Teenagers Arrested Over Sale of Human Skull

Luck ran out on four young men said to be trading in human parts as they were arrested by operatives of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command. The suspects were arrested on July 21 when they went looking for a buyer of a human skull in their possession. The alleged leader of the group, Emmanuel Edet, denied the accusation, saying he only stumbled on a human skull while working at an uncompleted building in Oron. Police Public Relations Officer, Delia Nwawe, said the suspects were arrested by officers of the CID of the command in Mbo LGA on receiving an alert from vigilant youths in the area.

Rape

Police Rescue Gay Rapists from Mob

Two men, Odinaka Orji and Nonso Ejimene, were, July 17, saved by operatives of the Enugu State Police Command after an angry mob attempted to lynch them, following accusations that they attempted to rape two 6-year-old boys. The men were already stripped naked by the mob before the security operatives intervened and took them into custody. They were accused of luring two boys into their room and were at the point of having intercourse with them before the boys ran out and raised alarm. The suspects, who confessed to the act, blamed Satan for their involvement in sodomy. Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed their arrest.

28-Year-Old Man Defiles 8-Year-Old Girl

A 28-year-old driver, Nnamdi Ikunor, has been docked before a Lagos state Magistrates Court sitting in Ikeja over unlawfully and indecently assaulting an 8-year old girl by fingering her vagina. Ikunor, who is facing a two-count charge of defilement before the court, presided over by Magistrate (Mrs.) B.O Osunsanmi, was said to have committed the offence on July 7, 2016, at Adidas village, Ajegunle Apapa, Lagos. The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him by the police. The prosecutor, Inspector Simon Imohnwa, informed the court that the offence committed is punishable under the Criminal Laws of Lagos state 2011. Magistrate Osunsawmi granted him N300,000 bail in like sum with two sureties and adjourned till September 7.

Others

Monarch Calls for Help as Herdsmen Invade Abia Farmlands

The traditional ruler of Abala community in Obingwa LGA of Abia State, Eze Paul Ekwenye, July 18, cried out to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to save his community from Fulani herdsmen who invaded their farm lands. The monarch reported that armed herdsmen numbering 10 with over 200 cows attacked some women in their farms, as well as traders from Akwa Ibom state who were on their way to the Orie market in the community. Eze Ekwenye, who appealed to the state government to deploy security agents to the community, lamented that his people would soon face starvation since they no longer have access to their farms.

Rivers CP Warns Herdsmen against Wielding Rifles

The Rivers State Police Commissioner, Musa Kimo, has warned herdsmen in the state against going about with AK47 rifles, saying anyone caught would be treated as a criminal. The Police boss handed down the warning on July 18 during a Town Hall meeting he convened to enhance relationship between herdsmen and communities in the state. The Police chief said no crisis had been witnessed between herdsmen and communities in the state, adding that the programme was to improve the relationship between the police and the people.

Lagos Places Security Agencies on Red Alert

The Lagos State Government has directed security agencies in the state to arrest the upsurge in cases of kidnapping and armed robberies in parts of the state. The Secretary to the State Government, Tunji Bello, while assuring residents of adequate security, said that the government was alive to its responsibilities and would not shy away from its function of protecting the lives and properties of residents in every part of the state. Bello disclosed that the government was collaborating with security agencies to put in place upgraded security measures that would guarantee safety of lives and properties.

3 Die in Benin Gas Explosion

A cooking gas explosion in Benin, Edo State capital, in the early hours of July 17, left three persons dead, with 12 others lying critically injured. Among the victims were two members of a family, identified as Favour Godwin, and Odion. A witness and only survivor of the incident, who identified herself as Juliet Chimobi, disclosed that the cooking gas reportedly fell inside the apartment of a neighbour and exploded, promptly killing the owner. She added that when the incident occurred, occupants of the house ran out and were warned not to light any fire.

Police in Minna Confirm Attack on Catholic Church

The police in Minna, the Niger State Capital, July 17, confirmed the attack on a Catholic Church at Baki-uku in Madella area of Suleja. Police spokesman, Bala Elikana, disclosed that the police was already on the trail of the perpetrators of the crime. Elikana said no life was lost in the attack. Elikana assured residents of Suleja and the entire state that the police would continue to do its best to protect their lives and property. Some Muslim youths numbering over 200 invaded the Catholic Church during which they reportedly manhandled the security men on duty and some women praying inside the church. The grouse of the Muslim youths was that the church was holding prayers on a Friday, a day they claimed was dedicated to Muslims to pray.

Akwa Ibom Chief Judge Sets 14 Prison Inmates Free

The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom, Justice Stephen Okon, has ordered the release of 14 inmates from prison formations across the state. He gave the directive during an inspection of the Federal Prisons in Ikot Abasi where two inmates were released and Eket, where one was released as well as Ikot Ekpene and Uyo LGAs of the state where one and 10 were respectively released. He said that the essence of the visit was to see that people were not unduly kept in custody other than when they were supposed to be released. He charged the inmates to be on good behaviour and called on the family of the release detainees not to discriminate against them but to reintegrate them into the society. The Chief Judge encouraged the released prisoners to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.

2 Children Die in Lagos Inferno

Two siblings, aged three and five, July 19, died in an early morning fire at their residence in Lagos. The cause of the fire that consumed the bungalow of three rooms could not be ascertained. The occupants were reportedly fast asleep when the fire started. It attracted sympathisers, who made efforts to put it out. It was gathered that fire fighters were not invited on time. When they eventually arrived, the victims were recovered dead. The Director of Lagos State Fire Service, Razak Fadipe, who confirmed the development, said the fire was well alight when his men arrived the scene. He said further information could not be gathered due to hostility from residents.

Plateau Government Declares Curfew in Bokkos Council

Following advice by the Joint Military Task Force in Plateau State, code-named Operation Safe Haven, the state government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Bokkos Local Government Area of the state, as aggrieved youths protested the killing of their paramount ruler, the Saf Ron/Kulere, Dah Lazarus Agai, by suspected herdsmen. This came as the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge operations, DIG Joshack Habilla, to proceed to Plateau State immediately and ensure the arrest of the killers of Chief Agai, who was murdered alongside his wife, son and police orderly. The First Class chief was killed by gunmen, July 18, resulting in pockets of protests by different groups in the area.

Review/Analysis

Murder and Assassination incidents stayed at the top with gory cases of killings across the country. Unimaginable tales of wanton killings were recorded with siblings stretching family rivalry by taking the life of an innocent person in a bid to implicate their brother. It was also a sad end for a 4-year-old child, who had yet to begin life when her father strangled her to death for unknown reasons. It was also a terrible end for a farmer, who was beheaded in his farm. The killer was caught as he tried to sell the severed head. The menace of herdsmen continued in Plateau stated as a monarch, his wife and his aides were killed in cold blood. These were recorded in nearly all regions of the country.

Robbery incidents, still on the rise, however met stiff resistance from law enforcement agents, as they made notable arrests of suspects. The police were able to arrest major suspects in various operations. The police also rescued a suspect from an angry mob that was ready to lynch him. In a twist, it was poetic justice for two sets of robbers as one was arrested after he slumped when he was hit with his own charm, while another group got betrayed to the police by their angry spiritualist.

While Kidnap/hostage cases were not so high, the few incidents on record were high profile. Gunmen stormed the palace of a Lagos monarch and abducted him after shooting his wife and aide without resistance. In other high profile cases, the police announced the release of a third republic senator, who was recently kidnapped in Calabar. The police also rescued the wife of a lawmaker hours after she was kidnapped, while Nigerian Immigration officials apprehended a vehicle conveying children, ostensibly for child labour or trafficking. These incidents were recorded in the south -south, south-east and south-west regions.

Terrorism, which had been on the rise in recent weeks, took a nosedive with just few incidents on record. It is cheering as the military continues its offensive against terrorists’ strongholds, rescuing hostages. Terrorists were killed in their numbers as the military continues its clearance operations in the north-east. Various calibres of arms and ammunition were recovered, while a spy was stopped in his tracks.

Every Nigerian and persons resident in Nigeria are charged to be security conscious. It remains the responsibility of everyone to be a neighbourhood watch.