Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 46

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

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

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Kidnappers Seize Five Persons in Ekiti

Kidnappers, November 5, abducted five persons traveling along the Ikere-Ise Ekiti road in Ekiti State. The victims include a Pastor, simply referred to as Ojo, his driver, Jimoh and three others. They were said to have been seized while traveling in two vehicles at a location along Ise Ekiti road, in Ise/Orun LGA of Ekiti state. The motive for the abduction was not immediately known. Police spokesperson, Alberto Adeyemi, said that two of the abducted persons had been rescued while his men were on the trail of the hoodlums towards securing safe release of the three others. He warned criminals to immediately give up their evil tendencies or relocate from the state in their own interest, saying the day of their nemesis is near if they fail to turn over a new leaf.

Kidnapped Akwa Ibom Politician, Wife Regain Freedom

The abducted businessman and former Chairman of Ikot-Abasi LGA of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Amaete Ntuk, and his wife have regained their freedom. The couple that was kidnapped on November 5 in Oruk Anam LGA was freed on November 8. It was not confirmed if the N1.5 million ransom demanded by his abductors was paid. The released victims are reportedly undergoing medical treatment following injuries sustained during the kidnap. The kidnappers had initially demanded N50 Million naira as ransom, which was later reduced to N1.5million. The Public Relations Officer of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, Cordelia Nwawe, confirmed the incident, but declined to give further details of the kidnap.

NSCDC Rescue 3 from Kidnappers, Ritualist in Abia

The Abia State command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has rescued three children from the hands of kidnappers and ritualist in the state. Spokesman of the NSCDC, Uchenwa Oliver, November 7, disclosed that the command had followed a tip-off and rescued the victims around Aba and Obingwa axis of the state. Oliver pointed out that the criminals would station themselves as scavengers at various refuse dump sites at Aba and Obingwa areas of the state and swoop on children coming to dump refuse in the areas, tie them with iron binders in uncompleted buildings in anticipation of ransoms and their would-be buyers. The state commandant, in view of the ugly trend in the state, warned the general public, particularly parents, to be wary of the activities of these criminal elements as they send their children and wards on errands.

Gunmen Abduct Two in FESTAC Town

Yet-to-be identified gunmen, November 3, invaded the E1 Close, 7th Avenue in the FESTAC Town area of Lagos State and abducted two residents. The victims are a 26-year-old married woman, Oluchi Jovita, and a 45-year-old man, Remigus Igwe. It was gathered that four men in military uniform, went to the area in a speedboat around 10pm on November 3 and dragged the victims out of their respective apartments. The abductors, who were said to have sneaked into E1 Close through an opening created in a fence and took them away through a bush path before escaping in a speedboat through the river beside the FESTAC Town link road. The incident was reported to the police and later transferred to the State Department of Criminal Intelligence and Investigation, Yaba. Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident.

Woman Steals One-Month-Old Girl

The Police in Akwa Ibom State, November 8, said it had recovered a one-month-old baby girl from a 30-year-old woman, Peace Chukwuemeka, who stole the baby after allegedly drugging her mother. The police also rescued a four-year-old boy from a young man, who had snatched him from his mother at gunpoint. The Commissioner of Police, Murtala Mani, said Peace Chukwuemeka was arrested by officers of its Family Unit following useful information. Chukwuemeka, who lived in the same compound with the parents of the baby girl had been married for about 10 years without a baby. The suspect, who confessed to the crime, denied drugging the mother before stealing the baby.

Robbery

Mob Beats Suspected Motorcycle Thief to Death

An angry mob, November 5, lynched a motorcycle operator, Francis Uroh, for allegedly stealing a motorcycle in Afikpo North LGA of Ebonyi State. The deceased had conveyed a passenger to Ehugbo community, when someone raised the alarm that he had seen his stolen motorcycle which immediately prompted the youths of the area to beat Uroh to death. Confirming the incident, the caretaker committee chairman of Afikpo North LGA, Chief Oko Enyum, said the youths of Amasiri had mobilised for reprisal attack but for his urgent intervention, which averted their plan. The member representing Afikpo North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Iduma Igariwey, condemned the killing. He regretted that the youths took the law into their hands and blamed them for not reporting to the law enforcement agents.

Police Arrest Two ATM Robbers in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two armed robbery suspects, Ishola Dauda and Segun Idowu, who attacked some Automated Teller Machine users in the Apapa area of the state on November 1. It was learnt that the robbery suspects, who came on a motorcycle, had a Beretta pistol with number, M1911A167, containing five rounds of 0.9mm live ammunition. The suspects, who struck at the ATM point on Liverpool Road, arrested by a police patrol team while they were attempting to dispossess a man of N300,000. The police spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the arrest, adding that investigation was in progress.

Police Kill Armed Robbers during Attack on Filling Station

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command, November 8, shot dead two suspected armed robbers after an attack on a filling station at the Isolo area of the state. The incident took place when four armed robbers, on two motorcycles, attacked the YTK filling station and carted away an undisclosed amount of money, while shooting sporadically. Policemen from the Isolo division were said to have mobilised to the area and engaged the robbers in a shootout. Two robbery suspects were reportedly shot dead, while two others escaped on a motorcycle.  Two Beretta pistols and 19 rounds of ammunition, along with one motorcycle were recovered from the dead suspects. The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident, adding that the police were on the trail of the fleeing suspects.

Gang Incidents

Police Arrest Four Suspected Cultists in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command, has arrested four suspected members of Awawa cult group, who terrorise residents of Dopemu and environs. The suspects, Sherif Nahim, Platelet Ismail, Jamiu Amusa and Abel Babatunde, were apprehended on November 7 at Agege. The suspects, who were allegedly hiding in the compound, were said to have sustained varying degrees of injustice. It was gathered that the police received distress call that the cultists were on rampage around Kadiri and were wielding dangerous weapons. Police spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, who confirmed the arrests, said that the suspects had been moved to SARS custody. She added that the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, had directed that the suspects receive medical treatment in custody, while the police search for the other fleeing suspects. The suspects would be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation.

Rivers Police Parade 49 Suspected Cultists with Human Skulls

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command, November 5, paraded 49 persons in connection with different crimes in the state. The suspects, whose offences included cultism, kidnapping and armed robbery were arrested by a combined team of the command’s Tactical Unit and the Inspector General of Police’s Monitoring Unit. Among the suspects were two notorious kidnappers, Alex Obubu and Alaso Igbo, who were said to have carried out different kidnap cases in the state. Meanwhile, two human skulls were also displayed by the police. One of the skulls was identified by one of the suspects, Chika Amadi, as the head of one Ebubedike Wabali, the leader of Degbam cult group in Isiokpo in Ikwerre LGA. Amadi confessed that his gang chopped off the head of Wabali during a cult clash between Degbam and Icelanders cult groups in the area. The State Commissioner of Police in the state, Francis Odesanya, reiterated that the police would remain committed in crime fighting. Odesanya noted that the gangs were smashed during different operations in criminal hideouts in the state by the police.

Police Arrest 4 during Cult Initiation

Men of Ogun State Police Command have arrested four suspected cultists, including three teenagers, during initiation. Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, November 8, said that the suspects, aged between 18 and 25, were arrested at Ota in Ado-Odo LGA while they were being initiated into a cult. According to the PPRO, policemen attached to Onipanu Division, acting on a tip-off from members of the community, were led to the scene by the DPO, Baba Maiyaki, and got the suspects arrested while their kingpin, simply known as Bamboo, escaped. The arrested suspects have all made confessional statements, he added. The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, directed that the suspects be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) for further investigation, while a manhunt for the escaped suspect had been launched.

Police Apprehend Gang leader after Attack on Benue Police Station

A 24-year-old man, Gabriel Ocheme, also known as Embassy, who allegedly led the bloody attack on the Igumale Police Station in Ado LGA of Benue State has been arrested alongside another member of the gang, 25-year-old Okwori Oko. The gang invaded the said police station sometime in the month of October, killed 3 police officers and carted away fire arms. Parading the suspects, Police Commissioner, Bashir Makama, stated that the police were on the trail of other members of the gang. He added that the gang members are also notorious highway robbers in the Benue south area of the state.

Court Sentences Student Cultist to 10 Years’ Imprisonment

A Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin, November 9, sentenced a student of a polytechnic in the state, Fatai Olasile, to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of N50,000 for being a member of a secret cult and for involvement in cult-related activities and for unlawful possession of a locally-made pistol. The convict was arraigned on two counts bordering on belonging to cult “contrary to Section 2 of Secret Cult and Secret Societies Law of Kwara State.” Another person, Mohammed Kehinde, and two others were arraigned on three counts of criminal conspiracy, initiation of new members to secret cult and membership of the secret cult. Olasile was convicted after the prosecution team called three witnesses and tendered exhibits to prove their case. The court, presided over by Justice Sikiru Oyinloye, subsequently found the first and second accused guilty and sentenced them to 10 years’ imprisonment each with a fine of N50,000. The third accused person was, however, discharged and acquitted of the offences.

JTF Busts Cultists Camp in Bayelsa, Kills Kingpin

The Joint Military Task Force in the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe, says it has busted a militants’ camp in Bayelsa State and killed a notorious militant, whose name was given only as Edoboy. Edoboy was said to be one of the notorious kingpins on the wanted list of security agencies that had allegedly been terrorising residents of the Sand-sand Fishing Camp in Bayelsa. The Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre of the ODS, Lt. Col. Olaolu Dauda, November 10, said that troops in conjunction with the Special Forces conducted patrols in the area.

Drugs

Customs Makes Huge Seizure of Cocaine

Operatives of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) at the Tincan Island Port, Lagos have seized a large quantity of Cocaine weighing 214.732kg. The seizure, confirmed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), included eight bags with 25 pieces of the substance per bag found in a 20feet container. The NDLEA, after tests, confirmed that the content was Cocaine weighing 214.732kg. The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Comptroller Bashar Yusuf, disclosed this while on a routine visit to the Terminal on November 4.

Drug Peddler Jailed 3 Years

Justice Chika Obiozor of a Federal High Court, Lagos, November 10, sentenced a 38-year-old drug peddler, Rasheed Adekunle, to three years imprisonment, over sale of Cannabis Sativa. Obiozor sentenced the convict after the National Drugs Laws and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) prosecutor, Jeremiah Aernan, reviewed the facts of the charge against the convict. The convict had pleaded guilty to a count charge of unlawful dealing in the banned weed, during his arraignment. The prosecutor informed the court that the convict was arrested by the agency’s operatives on August 17, at Two Boys House, Iba Road, Ibeju-Ajah, Lagos, with 2.1 kilogrammes of Cannabis Sativa, which he was not permitted to carry by law. Justice Obiozor, after listening to the convict’s plea for leniency, sentenced the convict to three years imprisonment. The judge said the jail term commenced from August 17, when he was first arrested.

Militancy/Maritime

NSCDC Arrests Five Vandals of NAOC Pipelines in Bayelsa

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Bayelsa State Command, November 7, arrested five suspected vandals of pipelines belonging to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in the state. The suspects were arrested in Akimoni, Taylor Creek area of Yenagoa LGA following reports by residents. The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Desmond Agu, said the suspects burst the pipeline belonging to NAOC in Taylor Creek and fled the community. Luck ran out on them when operatives of the corps swooped on the community on the day they returned to the community. In a related development, the NSCDC impounded a Sport Utility Vehicle stuffed with over 2,500 litres of illegally refined diesel wrapped in cellophane bags. The vehicle used in conveying the illegal products was abandoned in Nembe area of the state when the suspects sighted operatives of the NSCDC and fled.

Militants Bomb PPMC Pipeline

Niger Delta militants, November 8, blew-up an oil pipeline operated by the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC) in Warri, Delta State. This is the second attack within a week. The pipeline, which was undergoing repair after the previous attack, was billed for commissioning during the week, chairman of Batan community, Dickson Ogugu, disclosed. The pipeline was initially attacked after President Muhammadu Buhari met with representatives of militant groups in the Niger delta to discuss how to end the unrest wracking the region. The PPMC receives crude from the Batan flow station and feeds the Forcados export terminal.

Two Killed as Army Repels Attack by Niger Delta Avengers

The Joint Military Task Force in the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe, November 8, disclosed that it repelled an attack by Niger Delta Avengers at a gas facility in Delta and killed two suspects. Spokesman of the JTF, Lt-Col. Olaolu Daudu, who made this known in Bayelsa, said that the operations were carried out between November 5 and 8. According to him, troops deployed in Delta State while on watch at the Nigeria Gas Company Outpost in Batan/Egwa Area of Warri South West LGA encountered suspected militants, who claimed to be members of Niger Delta Avengers. They came in two 200 Horsepower Speed capacity boats but were subsequently engaged and repelled. Effort is ongoing to apprehend the criminals.

Troops Rescue Passenger Boat from Pirates

Troops of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, Operation Delta State, rescued a Passenger boat from sea pirates at Idoro River in Ojobo Community in Bomadi LGA of Delta State. They were arrested after their boat collided with that of the passenger boat and capsized. Four of the suspected sea pirates were arrested, while their arms, including four locally made double barrel guns, fell into the river. Efforts are ongoing to recover the guns while suspects remain in custody for further investigation, spokesman of the JTF, Lt-Col. Olaolu Daudu, stated on November 8.

Militants Blow up another Forcados Pipeline

The Niger Delta Avengers, a militant group in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, November 9, claimed it had blown up another Trans Forcados Export Pipeline in the creeks of Warri South West LGA of Delta State. The spokesman for Avengers, Mudoch Agbinibo, claimed the attack in series of tweets on his Twitter handle, adding that the attack, which took place on November 8, was to warn oil companies in the Niger Delta region from carrying out repair works on any damaged line. A senior military officer attached to the Joint Task Force in the region confirmed the November 8 attack without giving further details.

JTF Kills Suspected Sea Pirate

The Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre, ODS, Lt. Col. Olaolu Dauda, November 9, said the troops of Sector 2 in the state, while on routine patrol, encountered and engaged a group of suspected sea robbers in Bayelsa State. He said during the operation, one suspect, popularly known as Stainless Gobo, was killed, while others escaped with various degrees of injuries towards Lobia community in the state. The spokesman said the killed suspected sea robber was believed to be affiliated to a wanted militant called VIP. Dauda noted that one AK47, two magazines, 29 rounds of 7.62 millimetre special, 10 empty cases, seven charms, two head warmers and a cutlass were recovered from the scene.

Terrorism

Troops Kill 40 Insurgents, Free 85 Captives in Borno

Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed 40 members of Boko Haram in two different operations in Borno State. The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, November 6, said that the troops also set free 85 captives, comprising women and children from Boko Haram. Usman said the captives were rescued during a clearance operation led by the General Officer Commanding, 7 Division, Brig. Gen. Victor Ezugwu, at Chukungudu between November 4 and November 5, 2016. He said the troops of the 3 Battalion of 22 Brigade successfully cleared Geram, Bulankassa and Chukungudu, which were believed to be strongholds of insurgents in the areas. According to Usman, the troops killed five of the insurgents in the operation in which five soldiers were wounded and a member of the local vigilante killed. The acting Army spokesman added that the ‘troops recovered four rounds of rocket-propelled grenade bombs, one double barrelled gun, 349  packets of various rounds of ammunition, three magazines, a link belt of machine gun ammunition and one AK-47 rifle magazine from the fleeing insurgents. He stated that the troops further discovered an improvised explosive device-making factory at Geram, where they found several primed suicide bomber vests.

Another Chibok Girl Rescued

Troops of 121 Battalion, Nigerian Army, deployed at Pulka, Gwoza LGA of Borno State, November 5, rescued one of the kidnapped Chibok girls. Col. Sani Usman, who confirmed the rescue, said the girl was discovered while the troops were screening some escapees from Boko Haram terrorists’ hideout in Sambisa forest. Usman gave the name of the rescued girl as Maryam Ali Maiyanga. She was discovered to be carrying a 10-month-old son, named Ali. She has been taken to the unit’s medical facility for proper medical check-up, he stated.

Lt. Colonel, Four Soldiers Killed in Boko Haram Ambush

The Commanding Officer, 272 battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Abu Ali, and four of his soldiers were killed while four soldiers sustained gunshot injuries in a surprise Boko Haram attack on their location in Borno State on November 4. But troops of the 119 Battalion, which position was attacked, fought back and killed 14 of the Boko Haram terrorists. Army spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman, who confirmed the death of the officer and soldiers, disclosed that suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked a 119 Battalion Nigerian Army location at Mallam Fatori, northern Borno State, but that the troops fought gallantly and repelled the attack, killing 14 of the Boko Haram terrorists. The Army spokesman described the late senior officer as exceptionally brave and gallant.

Troops Kill 37 Terrorists, Rescue 1 Female Sex Slave

Troops of 27 Task Force Brigade, Nigerian Army have killed 37 terrorists in Borno south during a clearance operation on November 4. The troops also captured one Boko Haram terrorist named Musa Jubril and one female believed to be a sex slave in captivity. The troops also recovered eight motorcycles, stored raw foodstuffs and beddings.  Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, November 5, said that the troops carried out the operation in suspected Boko Haram terrorists’ hideouts at Ajigin, Golgore, Njibulla, Doksa 1, 2 and 3 villages. Usman said that three AK47 rifles were recovered from the terrorists at Ajigin. A member of a vigilante group lost his life, while six soldiers were wounded during the clearance operation.

Boko Haram Razes Borno Village, Kill 2 Soldiers

Boko Haram terrorists, November 5, killed two soldiers and razed a village in Borno State, locals revealed on November 6. A group of Boko Haram gunmen arrived in Akwada village and set fire to homes after looting food supplies. The gunmen attacked the village at about 7pm, shooting sporadically and hurling explosives. Two soldiers lost their lives and another was injured. Troops patrolling the area engaged the Islamists in a shootout, allowing residents to flee the village unhurt, a resident disclosed. Soldiers had been deployed in the village following incessant attacks in the area in recent months.

Army Releases 1,271 Detainees in Maiduguri

The Nigerian Army, November 7, said that it had so far released about 1,271 detainees after clearing them of any link with the Boko Haram terrorists group. Brig.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, disclosed this, adding that most of those released were women and children. According to him, the Nigerian Army gives utmost priority to the rights of detainees especially women and children, and assured that the military would always try to fast track investigation to determine their fate, while those found innocent would be released without delay. Ezugwu stated that the release of the detainees was done in 5 batched between February and October this year.

Soldier, 13 Terrorists Killed as Army, Air Force Repel Attack

A Nigerian soldier was, November 8, killed and three others wounded when the Boko Haram insurgents attacked the troops’ location in the northern Borno town of Kangarwa. The troops also killed 13 of the attacking terrorists in a battle, which lasted for several hours. The intense battle was supported by the Nigerian Air Force, which deployed a fighter jet and a surveillance aircraft with which the terrorists were subdued. It was learned that many of the terrorists escaped with bullet wounds from the ground and air assault. Army spokesman, Col Sani Usman, said that troops of 119 Task Force Battalion, 8 Division Nigerian Army, deployed at Kangarwa, Kukawa LGA of Borno State, neutralised 13 Boko Haram terrorists in a counter-attack carried out by the troops. He also confirmed that one soldier paid the supreme price during the encounter, while three others were wounded in action.

Political/Government Agencies

Buhari Swears in Onnoghen as Acting CJN

President Muhammadu Buhari, November 10, swore in Walter Samuel Onnoghen from Cross River State, as Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). Onnoghen would take over from Justice Mahmud Mohammed, who has just proceeded on retirement leave having reached the mandatory retirement age of 70. Performing the ritual at the Council Chamber of State House, President Buhari sought the cooperation of the judiciary in the fight against corruption and insecurity as a way of boosting the economy. The acting CJN, Walter Onnoghen, promised to assist in the fight against corruption.

Buratai Calls for Intensified Effort against Terrorism

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has called for intensified onslaught against the Boko Haram insurgents in the country. Buratai, who described the recent killing of a Nigerian Army officer, Lt. Col. Muhammad Abu Ali, as one loss too many, said it was imperative to find a national and indeed a global solution to the terrorism challenge in the country. The Army Chief observed that the insurgents were getting clandestine support from some elements within the society and from other bodies like the ISIS. Buratai who called for the cooperation of Nigerians in the fight against insurgency said the deceased Commanding Officer of the 272 Task Force Battalion, Ali, would not die in vain. The late commander reputed for extraordinary acts of bravery who was on deployment in Mallam Fatori after an earlier attack on troops’ location was buried at the military cemetery on November 7.

Police Ordered to Pay Family N200m over Man’s Disappearance in Ikorodu

A Lagos Federal High Court, November 4, ordered the Nigerian Police Force to pay N200 million to the family of late Waheed Kabiru, who was allegedly killed by the men of Igbogbo Police Division in Ikorodu, Lagos in 2015. The court presided over by Justice Mohammed Idris also gave an order directing Police to publicly apologise in three Nigerian dailies for the unlawful killing of the deceased, and to release the deceased’s corpse to his family for decent burial. Justice Idris declared that the sudden disappearance, killing and extra-judicial murder of the deceased by the men of Igbogbo Police Division was Illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional and gross violation of his constitutional rights. The judge further declared that the arrest, torture, and detention of the deceased’s brother, Ibrahim Kabiru, at Igbogbo Police Station, since November 20, 2015, was wrongful, illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional and gross violation of his constitutional rights. The judge gave a perpetual injunction restraining the police from harassing, intimidating, inviting, arresting or detaining the deceased brother and his family members in connection with the matter.

Murder/Assassinations

Gunmen Kill 36 Miners in Zamfara

Gunmen believed to be cattle rustlers have killed 36 miners in Zamfara State. Gunmen riding on motorcycle struck on November 8 at a goldmine outside Bindin village in northern Zamfara state, shooting miners and gold merchants. The government said an investigation had been launched, while local residents said it was just the latest deadly raid by cattle thieves on herding communities in the state. A local chief said the gunmen entered the mine tunnels, shooting the miners dead after killing traders standing at the surface. One of the survivors stated that the gunmen attacked the miners while they were working at the mining site. According to him, the gunmen numbering over hundred surrounded the mining site around 6pm on November 7 while hundreds of miners were busy at the mining site. Police Public Relations Officer, Shehu Muhammad, said the command had already deployed men to the affected village to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators and the restoration of law and order.

Cult Members Kill TASUED Student over Girlfriend

Suspected cult members, November 5, unleashed mayhem in the Ijagun, Ijebu Ode area of Ogun State, during which they killed a final-year student of the Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun. It was learnt that the cult members, who were armed with cutlasses and guns, at about 12pm invaded Abapawa – an area off the campus – and chased students, during which the victim, Ganiyu Oloyede, was hacked to death. Oloyede was reportedly hacked to death by the cult members because he had challenged an assault on his girlfriend by one of the cult members. An eyewitness said Oloyede was killed by cult members, who came on a reprisal to attack a rival cult member. Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the killing.Suspected Ritualists Kill 3 in Taraba

Suspected ritualists beheaded three children ages 10, 7 and 6 in Dobeli village in Gossal LGA of Taraba State on November 3. Confirming the incident, the Taraba State Police Public Relations Officer, David Misal, said their lifeless bodies were found by the bank of a river in Dobeli Village where the children had gone to take their bath. He explained that the three children belonged to the same parents. He assured that the command was ready to harness all available resources to fetch out criminals in the state.

Herdsmen Kill Colleague over Cattle

Officers from Ogun State Police Command have arrested two Fulani herdsmen for allegedly killing another herdsman, whose cattle they were trying to steal at Itadodo area of Ofada in Obafemi-Owode LGA of the state. Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, disclosed that the two men, Abdulahi Anaruwa and Mohammed Suleiman, met the deceased, Garuba Mohammed, while he was grazing his cattle with two of his kinsmen, and lured him into a nearby bush, where they hacked him to death with machetes on October 28. Luck ran against them when a motorcyclist saw them and alerted the people of the area, who in turn called the police.

One Killed in Violent Abia PDP Council Primaries

One person was killed and three persons injured in Isiala Ngwa North LGA of Abia State after some aggrieved persons torched the office of the chairman following grievances arising from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries to select chairmanship candidates for the December 17 local government elections in the state. The deceased was a staff of the council attached to the Office of Chairman. The police has arrested four suspects in connection with the fire incident. State Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, November 9, said they would be charged to court for arson, while promising to fish out their sponsors.

2 Killed as Rival Cults Clash in Yenagoa

The battle for supremacy between suspected rival cult groups have claimed two lives in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. It was gathered that the incident occurred on November 9 at the Ekeki and Kpansia suburbs of Yenagoa. According to eyewitnesses, four armed youths accosted a 32-year-old man at the Ekeki park junction and shot him dead. The victim, identified as Otoko, popularly known as Oracle, is believed to be a member of a rival cult. Also at the Kpansia area, some suspected cultists, were reported to have stormed a barbecue spot, lured their victim before shooting him at close range. The victim was said to have died while being rushed to the hospital.

Police Arrest 2 after Mob Lynches Robbery Suspect

Two men were, November 10, arrested by the police in Lagos State for alleged complicity in the death of a robbery suspect in Ajegunle Alakuko area of the state. The robbery suspect was said to have been lynched by an angry mob after he was caught jumping out of an apartment. A resident reported to the police that an unidentified man was seen jumping out of his apartment and was caught and beaten to a pulp by the mob that gathered. He was later taken to the General Hospital Sango-Ota in Ogun State, where he was confirmed dead. Items recovered from the deceased suspect include an HP laptop, one iPhone 5, two DVD players, airtime cards, power bank, Rolex wristwatch and unspecified amount of money, which were alleged to have been stolen. Lagos Police spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident.

One Dead in Delta Communal Clash

A young man, Obruche Sunday, of Ayama, an outpost of Aladja in Udu LGA of Delta State, was, November 10, shot dead by men from neighbouring Isaba in Warri South West LGA of the State. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Warri Area Command, Mohammed Mu’Azu, who confirmed the incident, further disclosed that another unidentified Ayama indigene was still missing over the conflict. It was gathered that Isaba people were coming with a boat containing stolen oil products to the disdain of Ayama people, who had reportedly warned the Isaba against passing through their community with the illegal products. The Isaba people used a speedboat to capsize the canoe the Ayama came with, and one person reportedly got missing. This provoked the anger of the Ayama people, who mobilised to attack the speedboat and the people carrying the stolen products. Thus leading to a confrontation during which the Isaba people shot and killed Obruche.

Hunchback Hunters Invade Delta Community, Kill one

Suspected ritual killers have invaded the Kokori community and environs in Delta State, searching for persons with hunchback to harvest. The corpse of one of such victims, simply identified as Odiriverere, was found on November 8 with his hunch ripped off, while the buried corpse of another was exhumed and the hunch ripped off. Residents have reportedly alerted the police to the new trend of criminality. Confirming the incident, a senior police officer at the Isiokolo Police Division, who condemned the act, stated that investigation into the incident was on-going. He added that the division would do everything within its power to bring the perpetrators to book.

2 Suspects Arrested over Naval Officers’ Death

The Delta State Police Command has paraded two suspected militants, Okorotie Jakpany (31) and Jerome Fiye (21), over alleged involvement in the murder of some naval officers. The state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zanna, said the suspects were arrested by operatives of Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad. The police boss, who also paraded other suspects arrested for various crimes, said seven of the suspects were arrested for allegedly vandalising pipelines at Obi-Ayaga village in Ughelli South LGA of the state.

23-Year-Old Killed after Gate-crashing Birthday Party

A 23-year-old man, Akeem Tajudeen, was, November 7, stabbed to death in Ilaje Otumara, in the Iponri area of Lagos State by some hoodlums, who accused him of gate-crashing their party. Akeem was stabbed with a knife by one Abeeb, who allegedly claimed that Akeem came to a birthday party on November 5 when he was not invited. It was gathered that the hoodlums trailed the deceased to his house and killed him before fleeing the community. The matter was said to have been reported at the Iponri Police Division and a manhunt had been launched by the police for the suspect. Two other youths were injured by the suspect.

Court Sets Alleged Killers of 74-Year-Old Woman Free

The Kano State Ministry of Justice has ordered the release of five persons who were standing trial before a Chief Magistrates’ Court over the killing of 74-year-old Mrs Bridget Agbahime in the state. Agbahime was killed for allegedly blaspheming Prophet Mohammed. The alleged killers of the woman were arraigned before the Chief Magistrates’ Court 20 sitting at Audu Bako court complex on a four-count charge. The trial of the accused persons which lasted six months was terminated on the advice which emanated from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution, which stated that the state had no case against the accused persons and they were discharged accordingly. The suspected killers had denied the allegations slammed against them.

Police Nab Suspected Killer of NYSC Member

The Kaduna State Police Command, November 5, said it had arrested the suspected killer of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in the state. Police Public Relations Officer, Aliyu Usman, disclosed that the suspect, Adamu Jibrin (22), was arrested on November 2, and had made useful statement to the police on the crime. Usman added that the police recovered six loaded cartridges, two knives, two cutlass, a double barrel and one Samsung phone from the suspect’s residence. The late NYSC member, Lawal Kontagora, was killed on the October 17, and two suspects were arrested on October 20 and charged to court.

Four Drown, Hundreds Displaced as Yoruba, Egun clash in Lagos

Over 200 structures in Otodogbami Community, Ikate, Lekki Phase1, Lagos were burnt and hundreds of residents displaced when Yoruba and Egun ethnic groups clashed within the community. Residents disclosed that that four persons, including a child drowned while trying to escape through the river behind the community during the clash. But Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos said that no death was recorded. The clash followed a misunderstanding between two men from the clashing ethnic groups after a resident of Egun extraction was said to have assaulted a Yoruba indigene for beating up his fiancé. This drew the ire of the Yoruba, who, armed with machetes and other weapons, allegedly attacked the community, vandalizing the community shrine and setting fire to structures. The Police spokeswoman, November 9 said that peace had returned to the community following the prompt intervention of the police.

Rape

Septuagenarian Rapes 8-Year-Old Deaf and Dumb Girl in Ogun State

Men of Ogun State Police Command have arrested a 70-year-old man, Gabriel Akindele, for allegedly raping an eight-year-old deaf and dumb girl in a toilet. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, November 9, confirmed the arrest of the suspect, who allegedly lured the girl to the toilet, where he raped her. According to Oyeyemi, the suspect was arrested following a complaint from the mother of the girl, who noticed an unusual behaviour from the girl after the incident and used sign language to inquire from her daughter. The girl informed her mother of the incident, which prompted the mother to report the matter to police. The DPO of Sango Ota, SP Akinsola Ogunwale, detailed detectives to the scene and the randy old man was subsequently arrested. On interrogation, he confessed to committing the crime.

Male School Teacher Rapes 10-yr-old Boy

A 20-year-old primary school teacher has been arrested for allegedly raping a 10-year-old boy in Ibadan, Oyo State. The suspect, Collins Obi, was caught after having anal sex with the boy. Police Public Relations Officer, Adekunle Ajisebutu, said the bubble burst when the mother of the boy reported the matter after her son confided in her and related what happened between him and his teacher. The suspect, who was also a private teacher to the victim, committed the crime on November 7, after he lured the boy to a house at the Itamaya area of Ibadan. During interrogation, the police claimed that the suspect confessed to the crime. The victim was taken to the hospital for medical attention. According to him, Adegbuyi had directed immediate arraignment of the suspect in court.

Pastor Impregnates Church Member’s Daughter

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested the founder of El-Bethel Parish of the Celestial Church of Christ, Itaaka, Abeokuta, Michael Adeniran, for allegedly impregnating a 15-year-old girl. Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, disclosed that the suspect was arrested on November 5 following a complaint from the mother of the girl, who was the suspect’s lover and a member of the church. Trouble started when the complainant noticed that her daughter was pregnant and the girl opened up. The Divisional Police Officer, Adigbe division, Onatufeh Omoh, detailed detectives to arrest the randy pastor. He added that the victim told the police that the suspect allegedly lured her into his car on the day she marked her birthday and forcefully deflowered her. The victim alleged that the suspect had been having sex with her since then.

Others

NAOC Pipeline Leak Pollutes Bayelsa Community

An oil leak from Tebidaba-Ogboinbiri crude line operated by Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) has discharged massive volume of crude into the surrounding environment, the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria said on November 7. The report said that officials of NAOC had commenced recovery of spilled crude from Ikienghenbiri community in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State. The report signed by the Head of Field Operations at ERA/FoEN, Mr. Alagoa Morris, said that more than 30 plastic tanks of 2,000 litres of crude have already been recovered by officials of NAOC. ERA/FoEN regretted that a Joint Investigative Visit was yet to be conducted to ascertain the cause of the leak. Community sources at Ikienghenbiri said the development had crippled economic activities in the predominant fishing and farming coastal settlement.

Police Nab Fake Officer in Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested one Udoh Samuel who was posing as a police officer in Abakpa community, near Enugu. The command recovered police uniform and fabricated gun-like metal from the suspect. The command’s spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, November 5, said that the suspect was nabbed by the police through information from members of the public on November 3. The suspect, Udoh Samuel, had been presenting himself as a serving police officer in Ugboghe-Abakpa community and its environs. He said the suspect confessed to the crime. Amaraizu said that the suspect had been helping the police in its investigation.

Police Arrest Burglary Kingpins in Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested an alleged burglary kingpin. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, November 4, said that the suspect and his gang had been involved in most of the burglary incidents within Enugu Township. He disclosed that the police recovered from the gang, DVD, home theatres, cell-phones and laptops. The Police Public Relations Officer explained that the police also recovered a hammer and a digger used by the members of the gang to break peoples’ homes. The police, in a similar incident, arrested another alleged burglary kingpin, Ibrahim Saad (26), on November 7. Amaraizu confirmed the second arrest on November 8. He said the suspect was arrested by police operative in Golf Estate GRA, Enugu, at about by 2:30am when he was scaling the fence of a residence.

Abia Community Clashes with Herdsmen

About seven persons were reported to have sustained gunshot and machete injuries following a clash between the people of Ndi Okereke Abam in Arochukwu LGA of Abia State and herdsmen on November 4. The leaders of the community accused the herdsmen of not only invading their farms with their cattle, but also uprooting their cassava plants to feed their cattle. The President General of Ndi Okereke Abam Town Union, Chief Chukwuma Okubi, alleged that the herdsmen were in the habit of leading their cattle into farms. According to Okubi, they leave the grasses they normally graze on to destroy the crops on their farms. He said that the community had in the past asked the herdsmen to leave the community due to their destructive activities, but that they later returned with a promise not to destroy the crops, saying that they had kept their promise of living peacefully until the crisis broke out.

Armed Men Invade Police Station, Injure DPO, Four Policemen

Armed men, November 6, attacked the Ogidi Police Station in Idemili North LGA of Anambra State and injured the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Hassan Musa, and four other police officers. It was learnt that the armed men, who were armed with axes and machetes, stormed the station at about 9pm, disarmed the policemen at the gate before proceeding to attack the DPO and others. One of the attackers was shot in the leg and arrested by the policemen. The suspect confessed that they came to look for arms in the police armory.

Review/Analysis

Murder/assassination is at the top of the crime index this week with gory killings witnessed across the country. Suspected cattle rustlers invaded a mining community in Zamfara state, killing over 30 miners in one fell swoop. In another incident, two persons were killed in Yenagoa as suspected cultists engaged in supremacy battle. Other killings include communal and political clashes that claimed lives, while in Delta State, hunchbacks are living in fear as hunchback hunters have begun to prey on them, even to the point of exhuming corpses to rip-out their hunch. These incidents were recorded in various regions of the country.

The activities of Boko Haram terrorists in the north-east, which in recent weeks appeared to have been degraded due to the relentless military onslaught on their locations, has suddenly spiked-up, with the insurgents attacking military bases. A battalion commander, famed for his diligent manning of tanks was killed in an ambush on his camp. He died with four soldiers. Other ambushes and attacks on communities saw residents and soldiers being killed by the terrorists. But these attacks notwithstanding, the military is undeterred and have vowed to continue its onslaught with success. Successes were recorded by the military in some locations as several Boko Haram members were killed and hostages were rescued from the terrorists’ captivity. The north-east, and mostly Borno state, bears the brunt of terrorism.

The activities of Niger Delta militants and the damage of oil facilities continue to take its toll on the economy of the nation. Militants in Delta State attacked oil facilities, while troops killed two suspected militants. Operatives of the JTF also arrested sea pirates after they had robbed a passenger boat. In a bid to check the activities of pipeline vandals, operatives of the NSCDC arrested five suspects in Bayelsa State. The suspects were apprehended following reports by residents of the community. The south-south witnessed all of these incidents.

Kidnap/hostage incidents continued, although with a seeming downward pull. The trend of kidnappers this week, was to take victims in groups. This trend is worrisome as it appears that kidnappers are getting bolder in their activities. A couple was kidnapped in Akwa Ibom but was later set free, while in Ekiti State, five persons were taken at the same time. In Lagos, Kidnappers struck in an estate, taking two neighbours from their individual apartments. But it was cheering as law enforcement agents, acting on a tip-off, rescued three victims from kidnappers/ritualists den, while a month-old baby that was stolen from her mother was rescued. These were recorded in the south-south, south-east and the western regions of the country.

Gang incidents took a leap up the crime index but security agents remained on top of the situation, making various arrests of suspected cultists and gang leaders in the south-south and south-western regions of the country.

Trickles of armed robbery attacks were witnessed in some areas but the authorities remained fearless, making major arrest of suspects and killing a few during gun battles.

Rape incidents was also low on record but with heart-breaking attacks on children. Parents and guardians are continually urged to be protective of the children in their care to prevent them from falling preys to these rampaging rapists.

Citizens and residents in Nigeria are urged to remain vigilante. You can stop a crime by taking preventive measures. Report all threats to the appropriate authorities for investigation. You may save a life.

Villeworth urges you to remain law abiding and help the authorities to secure our lives.