Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 32

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	10
2	Robbery	7
3	Gang	1
4	Drugs	2
5	Militancy/Maritime Incidents	6
6	Terrorism	5
7	Political/Government Agencies	1
8	Murder/Assassination	11
9	Rape Incidents	3
10	Others	6
	Review/Analysis

Kidnap/Hostage Incident

OPC Loses Member as Group Rescues Kidnap Victim

One member of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), was July 31, killed at the Ikorodu area of Lagos State when the group responded to a distress call. OPC members confirmed that they were responding to a distress call on the abduction of two members of Yewa community in Igbo Olomu when their member, Tunde Sogunro, was killed. The OPC men reportedly succeeded in rescuing the abducted community member. The group, supporting the military operations in Ogun and Lagos state, also succeeded in arresting four suspected militants. The arrested militants were reportedly handed over to the divisional police officer in charge of Owutu divisional police station.

Doctor Declared Missing in Kwara

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Kwara State Chapter, July 31, declared one of its members – Abdulkareem Abdulrahman – missing. Branch secretary, Dr Victor Iroha, disclosed that Abdulrahman was last seen at 6am on July 24 as he “drove out of his residence opposite Federal Road Safety Commission Office, GRA in his navy blue Toyota Corolla car. Abdulraheem, a medical officer with Hospital Management Bureau, was posted to General Hospital in Omu- Aran. His phone has also been unreachable and there has been no trace of either him or his car. Iroha added that all search efforts had so far yielded no results, and the matter had been reported to the police.

Woman Dumps 3 Weeks Old Baby, Arrested

A 27-year-old woman, who was arrested while dumping her three-week-old baby close to a filling station in Festac, Amuwo-Odofin LGA of Lagos State, has blamed her action on inability to fend for her child. This is just as two other babies, who were also dumped by unknown persons, were recovered at separate places in Festac Town. The 27-year-old trader, Bose Ojo, was sighted by a resident, when she dropped the baby, neatly wrapped in a shawl, close to a gas station. The resident was said to have gone to ascertain what was dropped, only to be greeted by the cry of the baby. She immediately raised the alarm, following which Ojo was apprehended and handed over to the police.

Police Intercept Vehicles Conveying 12 Children

Police operatives in Bayelsa State have intercepted two vehicles conveying 12 children from Akwa Ibom into the state. The children were nine females and three males, aged between five and 17 years. Police Public Relations Officer, Asinim Butswat, said they were arrested on July 31, during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Glory Land Drive. On interrogation, the children could not tell where they were going, and none of their relatives had come to claim them. The police spokesman gave the names of the prime suspects and drivers of the two cars as Inemesi Koffi and Geoffrey Ezekiel, both from Akwa Ibom State. Butswat said the children had been handed over to the Social Welfare Department of the Ministry of Women Affairs while investigation was on-going.

Cattle Rustlers Abduct 3 Women in Zamfara

Cattle rustlers, July 28, struck at Yan’yawa community in Maru LGA of Zamfara State abducting three housewives, and killing a pregnant woman. The rustlers were also alleged to have carted away over 100 cows and allegedly injured some members of the community. Eyewitness, Musa Sadisu, disclosed that the rustlers struck in large group at about 11.00pm and surrounded the whole community. The bandits kidnapped three women, shot one pregnant woman on her belly “bearing twin children, blowing open her womb, he added. He recalled that three days before the attack on his community, the bandits attacked Rayau village, a neighbouring community, in a similar brutal manner.

Abductors of Two UBTH Nurses Demand N17m Ransom

The abductors of two nurses of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital in Edo State have demanded the payment of N17 million as ransom for the release of the victims. Both nurses identified as Osemelu Lydia and Ovbiosu Bose, were kidnapped on July 28 at Oluku in Ovia North East LGA of Edo State. They were said to have been on their way home, after picking up their children from school, when they were forcefully taken away in a vehicle to an unknown destination. Sources said the kidnappers demanded N15 million for the release of one of the nurses and two million naira for the other. Branch Chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Austin Osigbeme, ‎said the kidnappers later reduced the ransom.

Kidnapped Varsity Lecturer Regains Freedom

A lecturer with the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Choba, Dr. Reginald Ohiri, who was August 1, abducted, has been released from the den of kidnappers. The kidnappers reportedly freed him on August 2 when they discovered that he was not their target. Spokesperson for UNIPORT, Dr. William Wodi, confirmed his release, adding that he had also reported to school. Wodi, who did not say if ransom was paid, noted that the victim informed him that the kidnappers said he was not their target and allowed him to go.

Woman Arrested for Begging with Borrowed Twins

The Rescue Operations Team of the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, August 2, paraded one Adiza, who was arrested for begging with a set of borrowed twins at Costain area of the state. Investigations revealed that Adiza was not the biological mother of the toddlers, who were about a year old. The babies were given out to her by their biological mother, Aminat, who is Adiza’s sister. Adiza would usually take the children out for begging after her sister, Aminat, must have breastfed them. Aminat, in turn, gets paid daily from the money made. Efforts by the ministry to invite Aminat, the biological mother of the twins to the state secretariat at Alausa, had proved abortive, as she had since gone into hiding for fear of being arrested.

Command Recovers N7m Ransom from Kidnappers

The police in Abuja have recovered N7m from a gang of kidnappers, who abducted a lady in the Maitama area and held her hostage at their hideout in a hotel in Sokoto State. The suspects, who were paraded by the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, Mohammad Mustafa, on August 3, received N7m from the parents of their victim. The kidnap suspects were apprehended at a police checkpoint in  Zamfara State, after a manhunt by operatives of the FCT and Zamfara police commands. Mustafa explained that the suspects, after successfully moving their victim to their hideout, handed over her vehicle to another suspect, who was said to have supplied the gang with the rifle they used for the kidnap. The police boss added that the victim was rescued at a boundary between Zamfara and Sokoto states after the suspects’ vehicle was involved in an accident and the suspects abandoned it to escape in another car.

Gunmen Abduct Cleric in Rivers

An Assemblies of God Church Pastor, James Enyidah, was, August 4, abducted by unidentified gunmen along Isiokpo-Elele Road in Rivers State. Enyindah. An eyewitness, Chibuzor Amadi, who was allegedly travelling with the victim, said the cleric was dragged out of the car into the bush at gunpoint. Public Relations Officer of Rivers State Command, Omoni Nnamdi, said the police were aware and that investigation was on.

Robbery

Police Apprehend 3 Gang Members for Robbery

Three members of the One Million Boys gang terrorising Ajangbadi and Shibiri areas of Lagos State have been arrested by the policemen. The suspects, Eze Ikasuana (24), Kabiru Sadiq (22), and Emeka Emwis (25), were arrested when they attacked motorists and pedestrians plying the Ajangbadi-Shibiri Road, with machetes and locally-made guns. Members of the One Million Boys gang have terrorised several towns of Lagos State in recent times. They injure, rape and steal. Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, who confirmed the arrest of the suspects on August 1, disclosed that they have been transferred to Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) for further investigations and would be charged to court at the end of the investigations.

Teenagers Burgle Lagos School, Take Seven Computer Sets

Two teenagers – Yinka Adesola (19) and Ahmed Olaleye (17) – have been arrested by the police in Lagos State for allegedly burgling a public secondary school in the Somolu area of the state. The suspects­­, in company with four other suspects, burgled Angus Memorial Senior High School, Somolu, Lagos. According to the police, other members of the gang are Lukman Sokoya, Ismaila Adebowale, Wasiu Adejare and Ramon Mukaila. The teenagers, who were arrested on July 27, allegedly stole seven computer sets, a scanner, laptops and a printer belonging to the school. It was learnt that operatives of the Rapid Response Squad recovered some of the stolen items. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the arrests.

Inspector, 3 Others Die in Lagos Robbery

A four-man robbery gang, August 1, shot a Police Inspector dead while he was withdrawing money from an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), in Idimu area of Lagos. Responding promptly, two members of the gang, who were fleeing on a motorbike, were shot dead by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS). It was gathered that the robbers, who had stationed two of their operational motorbikes by the side of a bank at about 11am, forcefully collected an undisclosed amount from a bank customer. They reportedly shot the unidentified bank customer and zoomed off. While leaving, they sighted the Inspector, who was withdrawing money from an ATM and shot him in the head. It was learned that the RRS operatives, who were on patrol, chased the bandits. Two members of the gang died on the spot while the third suspect was arrested. Preliminary investigation revealed that the arrested suspect had killed a policeman in a previous operation. Confirming the incident, the command’s spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, said that the case had been transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, for further investigation.

Cleric Arrested for car Theft

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old Islamic cleric, Rasheed Ayuba, for alleged car theft. Ayuba was apprehended along with a transporter in Ibadan, Oyo State, Falade Igbekele, who reportedly bought six of the stolen cars. A bunch of master keys and about 13 other car keys, as well as charms, were recovered from Ayuba. It was gathered that the suspect, who also teaches at an Arabic school in Ishasi, Lagos, was caught sometime in June after he entered into a hotel in the Ikotun area to steal a Toyota Camry. He was driving out the car when he was caught by vigilantes in the neighbourhood. Ayuba reportedly told the police that he bought the master keys for N9,000 from one John, a Beninoise.

Four Armed Robbers Sentenced to Death in Ondo

A state High Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State, August 2, sentenced four armed robbers to death by firing squad. The robbers, who specialized in hijacking petroleum tankers, were Abdurahman Yinusa, Maliki Sanni, Ajayi Saliu and Mohammed Jimoh. They were arrested in December 2009 and remanded at the Olokuta Medium Prison in Akure. The convicts, along with one other, who is still at large, were also accused of killing their victims for refusing to cooperate with them. The convicted robbers were arraigned on a four-count charge of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, murder and illegal possession of fire arms. The Presiding judge, Justice D.I. Kolawole of the Special Criminal High Court, said the victims were guilty of the charges filed against them. He said the prosecution counsel was able to substantiate the charges against the accused.

Troops Dislodge Cattle Rustlers in Zamfara

The Army Spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, August 2, disclosed that the troops of 1 Division, Nigerian Army, carried out anti-cattle rustling operations in Zamfara on August 1 and destroyed suspected armed bandits’ hideouts in some forests in the state. He said the troops carried out the raids at Batara and Ajah forests in Birnin Magaji and Gusau LGAs. The army spokesman, who stated that the armed bandits fled the camps, added that the troops destroyed the camps, recovered three motorcycles and two mobile telephone handsets. They further raided Rimawa forest, where they arrested two wanted armed bandits.  In Bini village forest, Maru LGA, the troops also arrested a notorious and wanted armed bandits’ collaborator – Umar Dan Bilbili.

Robbers Attack Passengers in Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Gridlock

Robbers have cashed in on the unending gridlock on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to dispossess motorists and commuters of their valuables. Motorists lamented that gunmen attacked them as the gridlock intensified due to the rehabilitation of the road by Julius Berger Plc. The robbers are suspected to be hoodlums hiding under the Kara Bridge. When policemen, who had received information on the robbery, arrived at the scene, the robbers escaped into the surrounding bushes, and no arrest was made. The Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Olatunji Disu, August 2, confirmed the incident, adding that the police had dislodged the robbers.

Gang Incidents

15 Cultists Arrested in Port Harcourt

Nigerian Army, July 31, paraded 15 hoodlums arrested at some black spots in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Spokesman of 2 Brigade, Captain Lazarus Eli, disclosed that 142 persons were arrested during the military raid on the criminal hideouts, adding that 127 were later released after investigation. He said the 15 suspects paraded will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action. The Brigade’s spokesman also urged residents in the state should not panic over the show of force by the army on the streets as part of the Exercise Crocodile Smile, a military operation launched in the region.

Police Arrest Two Notorious Cultists in Ogun

The Police in Ogun State have arrested two notorious cultist -Omotola Amuda and Mayowa Adesegun. Police spokesperson, Abimbola Oyeyemi, July 31, disclosed that the suspects, who had been on the wanted list of the police, were both arrested at Ago-Iwoye, in Ijebu-North LGA. Oyeyemi said the duo, who attempted to escape arrest, were found to be in possession of a locally made gun loaded with one cartridge. The state Commissioner of Police, IIiyasu Ahmed, had ordered that the men be transferred to State Anti-Robbery Squad, Abeokuta for further investigation.

Drugs

NDLEA Seizes N1.78b Hard Drug in Anambra

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Anambra State has arrested a 31-year-old man, Vincent Chidiebere, for allegedly peddling hard drug worth N1.78 billion. The NDLEA Commander in the state, Sule Momodu, said the suspect was arrested in Awka on July 28 with methamphetamine weighing 25.2kg. He said the arrest followed a tip-off that a shipment of the drug would pass through Anambra from Enugu to Lagos. Momodu, who said the substance tested positive, described the drug as one of the most potent and destructive illicit drugs in the world.

2 Docked over Fake Drugs

A Federal High Court in Abuja, August 3, remanded two suspects in prison custody for dealing on fake drugs. The suspects, Monday Enuma and Ikechukwu Adibe were arraigned on four and five-count charges respectively, by the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba. They were arrested for selling fake Augmentin Syrup, Alabukun, Septrin and Ampiclox. Both suspects pleaded not guilty. In view of their plea, NAFDAC prosecuting counsel, Umar Shamaki moved an application for their remand. Justice Dimgba, consequently, ordered that the two accused persons be remanded in prison custody, pending the hearing of bail application. The case has been fixed for August 5 for bail application.

Militancy/Maritime

OPC Members Storm Ogun to Fight Militants

About 5,000 members of the Reformed Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), August 2, stormed the Imushin community in Ogun State to confront suspected militants in the area. It was gathered that the members of the ethnic militia, who arrived in more than 100 buses and cars, did not carry any weapon, and were only armed with charms, which they claimed had powers. The President of the OPC group, Dare Adesope, said their presence in the community was to assure residents of their security. Adesope said his group was incensed by the killings and kidnap of residents without any response from the government. He said that the group had issued a 14-day ultimatum to the militants to vacate the South West, adding that the ultimatum expired on August 1.

Militants Attack SPDC Trunk Line in Delta

Suspected militants, July 31, attacked a major crude oil exports trunk line close, Trans-Ramos, in Delta State. The trunk line belongs to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). A resident of the community, disclosed that the incident occurred at about 1am. The attack is coming 10 days after some suspected militants tied up two hunters and left their items,  including dynamites, cables and a shovel behind after they failed to excavate the spot to be exploded on the trunk line amidst a downpour. It was gathered that the hunters managed to escape and alerted the Odimodi community vigilante, which came to the scene of the incident with security agents from the SPDC platform.

NAF Jets Destroy Militant Camps in Ogun

The Nigerian Air Force fighter jets have destroyed the four major camps of armed pipeline vandals at Arepo, Ogun State. This comes on the fourth day of the sustained aerial attacks on the hoodlums and their camps. The Director of Information and Public Relations of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, July 31, disclosed that the NAF was intensifying aerial operations during the day and the night to dislodge the hoodlums terrorising riverside communities of Ogun and Lagos states. Famuyiwa said the NAF was carrying out sustained operations against the vandals to prepare the stage for the ground troops to move in and get rid of the gunmen. The fighter jets had carried out successful strikes on the two major camps in the Fatola and Abuja and two other areas. Famuyiwa explained that the militants were well armed and organised. According to him, they had GPMG mounted on canoes on their observation posts.

40 Militants’ Camps Destroyed as Ground Forces Penetrate Ogun Creeks

As the Nigerian military intensified its fight against militants and pipeline vandals within Arepo and Ikorodu areas of Ogun and Lagos State, the ground forces, August 2, penetrated the Ishawo creeks, destroying about 40 camps. The Ishawo creek has been identified as hideout for suspected militants and kidnappers, who have been terrorising Lagos and Ogun states through the waterways. It was gathered that the ground forces, comprising the Nigerian Army (NA) and Nigerian Navy (NN), were able to access the Ishawo mangrove for the first time, following the sustained air surveillance provided by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). According to a military source, who hinted on the progress, about 40 militants’ camps were located and destroyed inside the Ishawo creeks. He added that the forces were advancing further into the mangrove with the hope of ensuring that the fleeing militants have no safe haven.

NSCDC Arrests 19 Fleeing militants

At least 19 suspected pipeline vandals have been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) following the on-going aerial bombardment of creeks in the Fatola and Arepo areas of Ogun State. It was gathered that some of the suspects were apprehended while fleeing from their camps, which were being shelled by the Nigerian military. Although the military had assured residents of the areas of safety, the operation had created panic among some people in the areas. While some residents had fled their homes, others were forced to remain indoors. It was learnt that while the operation continued, operatives, comprising the police, NSCDC, Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Army mounted roadblocks at strategic places that could be used as escape routes by the militants. The spokesperson for the NSCDC, Lagos State Command, Kehinde Bada, confirmed the arrest, adding that investigation was ongoing.

NSCDC Arrests 3 for Pipeline Vandalism in Ebonyi

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ebonyi State, August 4, announced the arrest of a 20-year-old woman and two men for vandalising oil pipelines. The State Commandant, Mrs Chinwe Kannu, said that the suspects were arrested on August 2 as they scooped diesel from a punctured pipeline. Items recovered from them include one 50-litre container of diesel, four 25-litre containers of diesel, buckets, funnels and sieving instruments used to scoop petroleum products. The commandant said that officers of the command also discovered a ‘cart’ laden with four 50-litre containers of diesel which was abandoned inside a bush at Ishiagu in Ivo.

Terrorism

Military Kills Three Terrorists, Recovers Arms, Ammunition in Borno

The Nigerian Army has killed three Boko Haram terrorists in an ambush at Pulka village while they were fleeing from the Sambisa Forest in Borno State. The military also recovered arms and ammunition after a successful repulsion of insurgents at the Cameroonian border town, 119 kilometres southwest of Maiduguri. The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, July 31, confirmed the incident, adding that one of the terrorists escaped with gunshot wounds. He further disclosed that the troops also recovered an AK-47 rifle, a General Purpose Machine Gun, five Fabrique Nationale rifle magazines an AK-47 rifle magazine loaded with 28 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 67 rounds of 7.62mm linked (NATO) ammunition and a Tecno brand of mobile telephone.

UNICEF Resumes Aid to North East after Attack

UNICEF will continue to provide assistance to millions of conflict-affected children in north-east Nigeria, despite an attack on its convoy by Boko Haram Islamists, the UN children’s agency has said. Boko Haram terrorists had, on July 28, ambushed a humanitarian convoy that included workers from UNICEF, UNFPA, and IOM while returning from Bama in Borno state, injuring several people, including two soldiers. This prompted UNICEF to temporarily suspend relief assistance to review the situation. UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Jean Gough, July 29, confirmed that the agency was working at full strength in the Borno state. He, however, called for increased efforts to reach people in desperate need across the state.

Troops Recover Cache of Arms, Ammunitions in Borno

The Nigerian Army, July 31, said it had recovered cache of arms and ammunitions in Gamboru, Borno State. The Acting Director, Army Public Relations Officer, Col. Sani Usman, said the troops conducted raids at Gamboru town on July 31, following a tip off. The troops recovered three AK-56 rifles and two AK-L rifles, along with 235 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition and seven AK-56 rifle magazines

Troops Dislodge Terrorists in Borno State, Kill 5

Troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE accompanied by members of civilian Joint Task Force have thwarted attempts by Boko Haram terrorists to attack Yauri Community in Maiduguri, Borno State. The Army Spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, said the attack took place on August 1. In the encounter, the troops killed five insurgents and recovered two AK-47 rifles, one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), one 60mm Mortar Tube, one Fabrique Nationale (FN) rifle, two Dane Guns, two AK-47 rifle magazines, two FN rifle magazines, 131 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, 31 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunitions, a 60mm Bomb and N31, 275.00 from the terrorists.

Troops Arrest Boko Haram Members in Borno

Troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, August 2, arrested one of the wanted Boko Haram terrorists, Mohammed Zauro at Sabon Gari, Damboa LGA of Borno State. The Army Spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, said preliminary investigation showed that the suspected terror kingpin was arrested while fleeing from Sambisa forest to Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State. Usman said the troops recovered a Gionee mobile telephone handset, a fake SAIE/JIBWIS identification card and the sum of N7, 900.00 from the terrorist. The army spokesman further disclosed that the troops also intercepted another suspected Boko Haram member, Lawal Aboi, along Damboa-Bale Road. He said Aboi voluntarily surrendered to the military because he was tired of fighting.

Political/Government Agencies

20 Policemen Arrested for Taking Bribe in Rivers – CP

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Francis Mobolaji Odesanya, has said no fewer than 20 policemen have been arrested in the state for taking bribe. Odesanya, said the policemen were arrested within the short period he has been in the helms of affairs of the state Police Command. He vowed that the erring policemen would be thoroughly sanctioned. Odesanya stated that it is the responsibility of the government to guarantee the safety of persons, who are carrying out their legitimate endeavours without hindrance.

Murder/Assassinations

Cultists Kill Four, Shoot Two-Year-Old in Lagos

There was pandemonium on 24 Road, in the Igbogbo, Ikorodu area of Lagos State, after suspected cult members shot and killed four persons. It was learnt that the six-man gang arrived in the community on July 29 on two motorcycles, killing their first victim, a 63-year-old native doctor, Rasheed Yusuf. The attackers were said to have also shot and injured Rasheed’s wife and a two-year-old girl. They further killed two men, Yusuf Cisco and Lukman Apetu, who were returning from work. A yet-to-be-identified resident was also killed during the shooting spree. Policemen from the Ikorodu division and members of a vigilance group in the area were said to have arrived at the area to remove the corpses after the attackers left. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the deaths. She added that the police had arrested three suspects.

Chief Priest Cuts Daughter in 2 While Fighting Wife

A 30-year-old man, Eno Akpan, who slashed his two-year-old daughter in two on July 30, said he had no intention of killing the baby. According to him, his wife and mother of the child threw the child in the direction of his machete, during a fight they had. Akpan, the chief priest of Ikot Akpan Udo village in Ikot Abasi LGA of Akwa Ibom State, was paraded by the state Police Command on August 1 for taking the life of his two-year-old daughter. The suspect disclosed that he was annoyed that his wife returned home late from where she went to sell seafood. According to him, he brought out his machete and threatened her with it. But she quickly threw the child in the direction of the machete and it slashed the baby into two. Police Public Relations Officer, Delia Nwawe, said the suspect would be charged to court.

18-Year-Old Girl Killed, Body Parts Missing

An 18-year-old girl, Faith Ijeamaka, was beheaded with her breasts and genitals cut off in Mbiri kingdom in Ika North East LGA of Delta State. Faith’s body was found mutilated along a farm road in Mbiri, days after she went missing in July. This is coming on the heels of the killing of a 22-year-old man, Godstime Okoh, by yet-to-be identified cultists. The man was reportedly gunned down alongside his friend, Kester, two weeks earlier. Residents of the community, August 2, lamented the spate of wanton killings and called for government intervention.

Herdsmen Kill 10 in Adamawa Village

Suspected Fulani herdsmen, July 31, killed about 10 people and injured several others in Kodomun Village in Demsa Local Council of Adamawa State.  Secretary to Bata Traditional Council in Demsa, Harrison Wonokpalukai, who confirmed the attack, said that a security man working in the Bata palace was also killed when he went in search of dead bodies of some of his relations that were killed by the Fulani herdsmen.  He said that the corpses were still in the bush since the herdsmen were still lurking around to kill people coming to take away the corpses of their loved ones. Soldiers and few policemen, who were deployed to the area, went to the area, but could not enter the battlefield because of their numbers, and had to call for reinforcement. The farmer/herdsmen clash was sparked over grazing land where cattle belonging to Fulani herdsmen destroyed farmland.

11 Feared Killed as Gunmen Invade Three Kaduna Villages

Unknown gunmen, August 2, invaded three villages in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State, leaving 11 deaths on their trail. The incident left also left several persons injured, while some houses were torched. The villages attacked were Gada Biyu, where six men and three women were said to have been killed; Akwa’a, where two men were killed and Anguwan Anjo, where no live was lost, but shooting was heard till day break. Kaduna State Police Spokesman, Aliyu Usman, said he was yet to get any details of the attack, but assured that everything has been brought under control.

Renewed Share/Tsaragi Clash Claims 5 Lives

The latest outbreak of violence between Share and Tsaragi communities in Ifelodun LGA of Kwara State, August 2, claimed five lives. The Kwara State government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on the two warring communities. The victims of the latest incident were mainly Nupe from Tsaragi, who were resident at Obadare village, which belongs to Share. A member of Share community said that the attack was between Fulani and Tsaragi people and not between Share and Tsaragi communities. The source, who confirmed that there was no indigene of Share community among the victim of the clash, said that his people had no hand in the attack.

Three Dead in Kwara Chieftaincy Tussle

At least 3 people were killed in Jebba in Moro LGA of Kwara State after violence erupted during the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations. It was gathered that the violence followed an age-long disagreement between the faction loyal to the traditional ruler of the town, Oba Abdulkadir Alabi Adebara, and those opposed to him, simply identified as Okedares. It was further gathered that pandemonium broke shortly after the Eid el Fitri prayers when some indigenes, allegedly from the Okedare group engaged in some display at the frontage of Adebara’s palace. As efforts to stop the display were allegedly rebuffed, it was gathered that one popular man in the town, identified as Baale Osogun, also decided to stage his own display at the same venue. Some loyalists of the monarch were said to have attempted to disperse the crowd by force, leading to a violent resistance during which gunshots were fired. The shots hit three people, leading to their deaths.

5 Die, as Villagers Mistake Soldiers for Invading Herdsmen in Niger State

Five persons were feared dead and two injured on August 4, following the invasion of Kpaidma village in Bosso LGA of Niger State by a joint military team of the Army and Air Force men, said to be searching for arms and ammunition in the village. It was gathered that the invasion was sequel to a tip-off that weapons were being stockpiled in the village. It was gathered that immediately the team commenced operation, the villagers woke-up and responded in self-defence, thinking herdsmen had invaded. The state Police spokesman, Bala Elikana, confirmed the military operation, but said the Command was not aware of any death. According to him, the police actually received a distress call around 1am that armed herdsmen had invaded a village, and the command immediately sent mobile policemen and other combatants to the village, only to discover that it was a military operation. He said that the situation had now been brought under control with armed policemen keeping vigil.

Suspected Cultists Kill IMSU Student

Suspected cult members, August 2, killed a final year student of the Imo State University (IMSU), O’brien Ibekwe. Ibekwe was said to be doing his final clearance when he was shot dead at the gate of the university. It was learnt that the management of the school invited the police, who removed the corpse and deposited it in a mortuary. The Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Enwerem, confirmed the incident, saying that investigations had commenced.

Bandits Kill Delta Government House Driver

Armed robbers, August 4, ambushed and killed a driver with the Delta State Government House Annex, Warri. The victim was allegedly taking money withdrawn from a bank in the city to take care of logistics at a meeting when the bandits attacked. The robbers reportedly laid ambush at the entrance of the Annex along Edjeba Expressway and blocked the victim’s vehicle as soon he showed up. But the driver smashed through their blockade in an attempt to escape, but was not lucky as the robbers shot him while he successfully bulldozed his way through into the Annex. He died on his way to the hospital.

Ogun Police Arrest Five for Ogijo Killings

Five suspected members of cults in the Ogijo area of Ogun State, which clashed on August 2, leading to the death of four persons, including a 16-year-old boy, have been arrested. The suspects were paraded at the headquarters of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Magbon, Abeokuta. Acting Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the suspects were arrested in different parts of Ogijo after the mayhem. Five suspected members of the cult groups were arrested and among them was Kashimawo, who shot and killed a 16-year-old boy inside an MRS filling station.  Arms and ammunition were also recovered from them. It was gathered that the gunmen, who were suspected to be members of the Aye Confraternity, arrived at the community, shooting sporadically at the Ogijo bus stop. Residents lamented that despite the closeness of the Ogijo Police Division to the scene of the incident, the police went into hiding and only came out 30 minutes after the gang had left to remove the corpses of the victims.

Rape

Police Decry Increase of Rape Cases against Minors

The Jigawa State Police Command has expressed worries over the increase of reported cases of rape and sodomy against minors in the state. The state police commissioner, Henry Fadairo, who stated this on August 2, disclosed that the command had recorded 32 cases of rape and 25 cases of sodomy and virtually all were against minors. He vowed that the command would do everything possible to tackle it. He expressed the commitment and determination of the command to plush out such bad element in the society, he therefore solicit the support of general public to report any such case to any nearest police station for a timely action.

Man Arraigned for Raping 10-Year-Old Returning from School

A 32-year-old man, Chimezie Nwosu, has been arraigned in an Apapa Magistrate’s Court for allegedly raping a 10-year-old girl, who is his neighbour’s daughter. Nwosu was arraigned on August 3 before a magistrate, Mrs. A.O. Adegbite. The girl was reportedly returning from school around 2pm on June 8 when Nwosu called her to his room on the pretext of sending her on an errand. But he shut the door instead and forcefully raped her while she cried for help. It was learnt that neighbours, who heard the cry, alerted her elder brother, and they all rushed to Nwosu’s apartment to rescue the girl. Nwosu, however, denied raping the girl, saying the allegation was an attempt to blackmail him. The defendant pleaded not guilty and elected summary trial. The magistrate, Adegbite, granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum. While adjourning the case till August 11, 2016, Adegbite added that the sureties must be residents of Lagos State and must tender evidence of tax payments to the prosecutor for verification.

Man, 43, Remanded for Raping Mother

A 43-year-old man, Humphrey Omoregieva, was, August 4, remanded in prison custody over alleged assault on his parents by an Egor Magistrates’ Court in Benin City, Edo State. The prosecutor, Corporal Ayo Augustine, told the court that the accused committed the offence on August 1 when the accused beat up his father by hitting him with a piece of wood. He said that the accused also beat up his mother and raped her several times. The Chief Magistrate, Mr F.E. Akhere, said that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the case and ordered that copy of the case file be sent to the Director of Public Prosecution for legal advice. He adjourned the case till September 8.

Others

Flood Kills 3 in Kano

Three persons were killed while foodstuff and cash crops worth millions of Naira were washed away during a heavy down pour in Hayin Gwarmai village in Bebeji LGA of Kano State on July 31. The Chairman of the LGA, Alhaji Mudasiru Bebeji, lamented that the flood also washed away several farms and houses in area. He called on the Federal and State governments to come to the aid of the victims to alleviate their sufferings.

Thousands Displaced as Busi Communities Clash in Cross River

Over three thousand persons in Busi 4, a community in Obanliku LGA of Cross River State, have been displaced following a communal conflict. It was alleged that five of the Busi communities, Busi 1, Busi 2, Busi 3, Busi 5 and Busi 6, joined forces to attack Busi 4, following a dispute over a parcel of farmland. Several houses in Busi 4 were set ablaze, farmlands and water sources destroyed, while the villagers have escaped to the Divisional Police Headquarters and the council headquarters at Sankwala, for refuge. A community leader in Busi 4, Emmanuel Okobere, alleged that the neighbouring communities, July 30, invaded their community in a protracted dispute over a parcel of land. According to him, they had gotten court judgements in their favour five times, which their neighbours refused to accept.

Operatives Recapture 5 Inmates after Koton-Karfe Jailbreak

Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Prisons Service, Ahmed Ja’afaru, has announced the re-arrest of five of the 13 inmates, who escaped from Koton-Karfe Medium Prisons in Kogi State, on July 30. The prisons’ boss had confirmed that 13 prisoners, compromising 10 pre-trial detainees and three convicts, escaped from the facility during the incident. He disclosed that five pre-trial detainees had been recaptured with the assistance of other security agencies and local vigilance groups as well as individuals and had been returned to the prison. Public Relations Officer of the prisons service, Francis Enobore, disclosed that in the meantime, the Comptroller-General had set up a three-member panel to carry out investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape.

Man Hacks-off Man’s Hand over Land Dispute

A middle-aged man, Jude Boroh, July 30, chopped off the hand of his relative in the Emevor community of Isoko-North LGA of Delta State following a land dispute. The incident occurred after a meeting involving the parties to demarcate and adjust a family land boundary. The resolution of the meeting convened to address the land dispute, which had lingered for years, did not go down well with some members of the family, which resulted in the incident. The victim, Morgan Ekure, was left bleeding after the incident. A senior member of the victim’s family, Edward Ekure, who confirmed the incident, said the suspect had before the meeting threatened to wreak havoc over the land. According to him, the meeting had gone peacefully before the suspect surfaced to attack the victim. Police spokeswoman, Celestina Kalu, confirmed the development.

Govt Shuts Firm Supplying Militants with Explosives

The Federal Government has uncovered a firm which supplies militants the explosives with which they have been bombing oil installations in the Niger Delta. The firm was said to have diverted 9,000 kilogrammes of nitro-glycerine explosives and 16,420 pieces of detonators to the militants for “illegal use”. National Security Adviser (NSA) Maj.-Gen. Muhammed Babagana Monguno, August 4, said investigation revealed that the explosives allegedly diverted by Nigerian Development and Construction Company (NDCC) based in Koko, Delta State, were being used by militants to bomb oil installations and facilities. According to him, an inventory of the records of explosive magazines and quarries in the region, revealed the diversion of a large quantity of explosives and pieces of detonators. NDCC, an importer and seller of explosives, has been sealed off, and its explosive’s license withdrawn. The company has also been blacklisted. Six people – a store officer and five security operatives– have been arrested and are being interrogated, Gen. Monguno said.

NSCDC Arrests 5 IDPs over Alleged Theft, Vandalism in Borno

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Borno State, August 3, arrested five Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) for allegedly vandalising and stealing camp structures. The state NSCDC Commandant, Ibrahim Abdullahi, said the suspects were arrested in Bakassi camp. According to him, items recovered from the suspects include windows, blinds, noggin roofs, pipes and rubbers, among others. The Command warned the culprits to desist from such crimes or face the law.

Review/Analysis

Kidnap/hostage incidents remain on the high with various cases of abduction and child trafficking. While few suspects were apprehended, most successfully took their victim away. A local vigilante member, however, made the supreme sacrifice as his group successfully rescued a kidnap victim. Other cases include high ransoms being demanded for hostages while a doctor was declared missing. These incidents were recorded across the regions of the country.

Murder and Assassination incidents stayed high with very sad incidents of killings, as witnessed in Niger State during a military raid with the people fighting back as they mistook the military for rampaging herdsmen. It was also a sad end for a two-year-old girl who was cut in two by her father during a fight between her parents. It was a scary one when the dismembered body of teenager was found in Delta State. Other killings include cult and communal clashes, and invasion by herdsmen. These were recorded across the country.

Niger Delta militants continued their attacks on oil installations while the navy claims arrests of suspects. In Ogun state, the military launched an all-out offensive against suspected militants’ hideouts. This follows a surge in attacks on communities by suspected militants.

Armed robbers continue to face stiff resistance from the police with major arrests made. However, it was a sad case as a police inspector was shot dead during a bank robbery. In a twist of roles, a cleric, expected to teach morality in the society, was caught for car theft. Meanwhile, the long arm of the law caught up with some armed robbers who got sentenced to death.

The military continues to get the upper hand as it maintains its vow to stamp out all traces of terrorism in the north-east. A wanted terrorist was apprehended by the troops. In various operations involving troops of the ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ several terrorists were killed and their camps destroyed, while arms and ammunition of various calibres were recovered. UNICEF resumed humanitarian operations in the north-east after a brief suspension following an attack on its convoy.

We continue to urge you to remain law abiding and be security conscious. It remains the responsibility of everyone to be a neighbourhood watch.