Villeworth Security Services Ltd

Week 4

SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY

S/N	CATEGORY	MAJOR INCIDENTS
1	Kidnap/Hostage	11
2	Robbery	4
3	Drugs	2
4	Militancy/Maritime Incidents	2
5	Terrorism	6
6	Political/Government Agencies	1
7	Murder/Assassination	23
8	Rape Incidents	4
9	Others	2

Kidnap/Hostage Incidents

Police Intercept Two Trucks with 145 Children in Jos

The Plateau State Police Command, January 15, disclosed that it had intercepted two trucks conveying 145 children from Bauchi and Jigawa States. The Police Public Relations Officer, Terna Tyopev, revealed that the children, aged between four and eight years, all “were to be shared to Plateau, Kaduna and Nasarawa States”. He added that the police were liaising with the Plateau chapter of Jama’atu Nasril Islam and other critical stakeholders, to establish contact with the two state governments of Bauchi and Jigawa for the return of the children to their parents. He promised that the police would arrest those behind the act and charge them to court to serve as a deterrent to others. He urged the public to be more vigilant and report the presence of strange children in their environment. It also urged members of the public to continue to cooperate with the force to rid the society of such negative acts.

Kidnappers Demand N1.2bn to Release Abducted NTIC Students, Staff

The kidnappers of staff and students of the Nigerian Turkish International College (NTIC) have demanded for N1.2bn for their release. Unidentified gunmen, had January 13, stormed the NTIC in Ogun State and abducted five staff and three students of the school. The kidnappers were said to have placed N300million ransom on each of the two Turkish nationals and then N100million each on the six other abductees. According to family sources, the kidnappers have been using one of the victims’ phone number to call the respective families.  It was said that each time the families tried to renegotiate the huge sum, the kidnappers would pick offence and end the call. CCTV footages obtained by the school showed the kidnappers wearing masks to cover their faces, thus making it difficult to identify them. The kidnappers reportedly dug through the fence and entered the facility through a back door.

DSS, Army Kill 3 Kidnappers, Rescue 4 Oil Workers in Port Harcourt

Operatives of Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army, January 13, killed three members of a kidnap gang in Port Harcourt, Rivers State during the rescue of four kidnapped oil workers. The oil workers were rescued from the gang led by one Emmanuel Eyo at White House Estate, Rumukwurushi. The DSS in a statement by its Spokesperson, Tony Opuiyo, said the leader of the gang, Emmanuel Eyo had earlier been arrested for a similar offence.

Village Head, Brother Kidnapped in Jigawa

About 30 suspected kidnappers, January 17, abducted a village head and his brother in Basirka village of Gwaram LGA of Jigawa State. The kidnappers arrived the village in the wee hours of the day and kidnapped the village head, Malam Garba Mamuda and his brother, Dauda Mamuda. Police spokesman, Abdul Jinjiri, confirmed the incident and stated that the Commissioner of Police, Rasheed Akintunde, had directed immediate action over the incident. A resident of the village told journalists under condition anonymity that the villagers suspected that the kidnappers were cattle rustlers who were terrorising the village.

4-Year-Old Girl Sold for N350,000 in Enugu, Recovered in Abia

A four-year-old girl, who was allegedly stolen by her mother’s younger sister and her boyfriend, from Enugu State and sold to one Florence Nwokocha in Abia State for N350,000, has been recovered by operatives of the Abia State Police Command. The Enugu State Police Command Command’s spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, said report of the missing girl was made to the police on December 15, 2016. In the course of investigation and following intelligence report, one Miss Chinedu Chukwu, who was later discovered to be the immediate younger sister to the mother of the victim, was nabbed, alongside her accomplice, Osunkwo Chinonso, was also nabbed. The suspects had conspired and proceeded to the girl’s school from where they whisked her to Umuahia, Abia State, where the child was allegedly sold to one Florence Nwokocha. Police detectives trailed and arrested Nwokocha, who assisted the police to recover the girl on January 16 from where she was kept at Faulks Road in Aba, Abia State, awaiting another buyer.

Anambra Police Confirms Rescue of Kidnapped Lady

The Anambra Police Command has confirmed a failed attempt to kidnap a 25-year-old lady and advised residents to be mindful of strangers among them. Police Public Relations Officer, Nkiru Nwode, disclosed this in Awka on January 18. Nwode urged residents to volunteer useful information to the police at all times to assist the police in curbing crimes in the state. Nwode said intelligence reports showed that criminals were now adopting new methods of either offering unsolicited services or disguising as strangers and mobile artisans while stalking their unsuspecting victims. The PPRO, while confirming the failed kidnap said detectives from the command had commenced manhunt for the fleeing criminals. Two men allegedly abducted the young lady on her way to work and attempted to drive her away in gold-coloured Camry car with registration no ASB310AH. Eyewitnesses said the lady’s cries attracted passers-by who ran after the car. They said the abductors later pushed the lady out of the car and sped away.

Gunmen Abduct Medical Worker in Sokoto

Unknown gunmen, January 16, kidnapped an ex-officio member of the Sokoto State chapter of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Alhaji Bello Arzika. The Chairman of the union, Alhaji Abdullahi Aliyu, disclosed that Arzika was kidnapped along Marnona while on his way to Isa LGA of the State for the conduct of the statewide verification exercise of Local Government workers. Arzika and his driver were reportedly attacked by a group of some armed men at Gidan Sala village and they took only Arzika into the Gundumi forest. Police Public Relations Officer, Al-Mustapha Sani, said that the command would provide more details later.

Director of Finance, 3 Others Kidnapped in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Abdulkadir, January 18, confirmed the kidnap of the Director of Finance of Isa LGA and three others in the state. Abdulkadir said that the victims were kidnapped by some unknown gunmen along Sokoto-Isa road on January 16. He added that the gunmen were holding the victims captive in the Gundumi forest, located in Goronyo Local Government Area of the state. The Police boss added that the command had since deployed a team of police officers in uniforms and plain clothes to the forest in search of the victims. Abdulkadir appealed to the people of the state to offer useful and intelligence reports to the security agencies to facilitate the release of the victims. The kidnappers have reportedly demanded for N250m ransom for their release.

Police Nab Woman with 16 Children in Jos

The Police in Plateau has intercepted a 27-year-old woman for allegedly being in possession of 16 children at Gada Biyu Motor Park in Jos. The command’s spokesman, Terna Tyopev, disclosed that the woman was arrested on January 17. According to him, the woman, identified as Rifkatu Bello, was conveying the children from Bauchi to Anambra. She was arrest and detained for investigation to ascertain the purpose for which she was taking the children, he said. Tyopev disclosed that the children were between the ages 13 years and 15 years, adding that they were 15 males and one female. The spokesman, who said that the woman’s action was suspected to be human trafficking, warned residents of Plateau to be vigilant and report any suspected movement in and around their vicinity.

Mob Attacks Motorcyclist over Abduction Toddler Twins in Lagos

A commercial motorcyclist caused panic on Alubarika Street, in the Bariga area of Lagos State after he fled with three-year-old twin brothers, Joseph and Joel Osinaike. The mother of the victims had taken them to a bus stop in the community to get a motorcycle that would take them to school. A motorcycle rider, identified as Awaliu Yunusa, who stopped to pick the school children and their mother, however sped off immediately he had the children on the bike, leaving their mother, who was about to get on the bike herself, behind. But as the woman immediately raised the alarm, other motorcycle operators chased after the suspect and caught the suspect. A mob quickly gathered and almost lynched him before he was rescused by the police. Police Public Relations Officer in Lagos, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident.

Principal Arrested for Child Trafficking in Ebonyi

The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested a female principal for allegedly buying two female babies from a suspected child trafficking syndicate. The principal was apprehended in Uburu community, in the Ohaozara LGA of the state. It was gathered that the principal was arrested after the police smashed the syndicate, which specialised in buying and selling of babies. The Desk Officer of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and other related offences (NAPTIP) in Ebonyi State, Florence Onwa, said the suspect was arrested following a tip-off. The Director, Child Trafficking Department, Ebonyi State Ministry of Women Development, Igwe Godwin, advised parents to protect their children.

Robbery

Court Convicts, Sentences Armed Robber to Death

An Akure High Court, January 17, sentenced a man, Femi Aseye, to death by hanging for armed robbery. The convict was found guilty of robbing one Adegoke Adeniran and Rasheed Abiola of their possessions which included blackberry phone, Techno phone, and a wrist watch at Akungba Akoko, Akoko South West LGA of the state in August 2012. During the trial, the accused person was also alleged to have assaulted a witness, Abiola, who is also one of the complainants. Abiola, who was also arrested by the security agents, some days later for involving in a riot, was remanded in the same cell where the Aseye was remanded in Olokuta Prison, Akure.

Police Arrest Armed Robbery Suspects in Osun State

Men of the Osun State Police Command have arrested suspected armed robbers, including a notorious motorcycle snatcher. The State Commissioner of Police, Fimihan Adeoye, who paraded the suspected motorcycle snatcher, who was nabbed with a cutlass, said the suspect and his gang beat up the rider and seized the motorcycle on January 1. But luck ran out on the suspect as the rider quickly reported his ordeal to some members of a vigilante group on a patrol. The men were said to have chased the suspect and his cohorts. He was arrested, while members of his gang escaped. The CP said a cult member, who was already in custody, identified the suspect to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity. The CP said also disclosed the arrest of 14 other suspects allegedly involved in armed robbery and snatching of motorcycles. He stated that a locally-made gun; one pair of handcuffs; saw blades, cutlasses and one Honda Accord, were recovered from the suspects.

Delta Police Raid Black Spots, Arrest 37 Suspects

The Delta State Police Command recently stormed suspected cultists’ dens in the state, arresting no fewer than 37 persons. The State Police Commissioner, Zanna Ibrahim, January 16, confirmed the arrests, disclosing that the suspects were arrested on a tip-off and subsequent raid of their hideouts in Asaba and its environs. Apart from the alleged cult members, suspected armed robbers and kidnappers were nabbed by operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad (SAKS) on routine patrol in Warri. One Ogheneware Benson, who was driving the suspects, confessed that he snatched the vehicle from its owner, one Maryann Ugberase in Effurun. It was learnt that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Oghara Police Division also arrested some suspects who abducted and killed one Prince Onovirighose in January 2016. Items recovered from the suspects include one locally-made cut to size single barrel gun and live cartridges.

Police Arrest Armed Robbery Gang in Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command has nabbed a three-man armed robbery gang terrorising residents of Enugu metropolis. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, January 16, said that the command’s Anti-Kidnap Unit nabbed the armed robbers following intelligence information. He said that the armed robbers were trailed and arrested on January 12 in their hideout in Ogidi in Anambra State. The command nabbed one Chinedu Okeke alongside his gang members identified as Onyedikachi Isiuwa and Tochukwu Nwodo after a gun duel, which left the suspects gravely injured. Amaraizu said that the police operatives also recovered some of the stolen items.

Drugs

NDLEA Uncovers Cannabis Warehouse in Ondo

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), January 16, uncovered a building stocked with hundreds of bags of cannabis at the Ayedun area of Akure, Ondo State. The discovery was made after a team of NDLEA operatives stormed the building following a tip-off. But the owner had fled before their arrival. The NDLEA men were said to have laid siege at the building for several hours in search of the owner but no person was arrested.

NSCDC Nabs Six for Alleged Illicit Drug Dealings

The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), January 16, paraded six suspects for alleged involvement in illicit drug dealings. The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Pedro Ideba, said the command arrested 50 suspects, adding that after screening, it was discovered that six suspects allegedly had incriminating evidence with them. He later handed over the six suspects to the representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ishola Are. The arrest was made after the NSCDC received series of petition from communities in the Kulende and Sango areas of Ilorin that hoodlums had nearly taken over part of the communities for their nefarious activities, ranging from burglary to rape, among others.

Militancy/Maritime

NPDC Crude Oil Pipeline Set Ablaze in Delta

Unknown persons, January 15, set fire on a crude oil pipeline in Ughelli, Delta state. The pipeline belonging to the Niger Petroleum Development Company (NPDC). It was not certain if the cause of the fire was as a result of an attack or environmental impact, as no group has claimed responsibility. A security source allayed fears that the inferno was as a result of an attack by suspected militants. He stated that the cause of the incident was as a result of bush burning. Someone allegedly set fire on the bush in the area and the pipeline, which had some crude oil spill on it went up in flames.

Two Killed as Soldiers, Armed Gang Engage in Shootout in Bayelsa

A heavy shootout between soldiers and an armed gang on January 16, resulted in the death of two suspects in Bayelsa. The security operatives attached to the Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) killed the two persons suspected to be members of a gun-running gang during an exchange of gunfire at the waterfront of Polaku community in Yenagoa LGA of the state. The gang was allegedly conveying a consignment containing materials suspected to be guns via a boat to Polaku from Igbedi community in neighbouring Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA when the confrontation took place. One of the deceased was the boat driver identified as Mike. Residents believe that the boat driver could not have been a member of the gang as he was hired by the hoodlums to help carry them to Igbedi without the object of their mission disclosed to him. He was said to have initially turned them down when they approached him but only agreed to ferry them to Igbedi after they promised to pay him handsomely.

Terrorism

Suicide Bombers Strike UNIMAID, Kill Professor, 5 Others

Three Boko Haram suicide bombers, January 16, attacked the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) in Maiduguri, Borno State, detonating two explosives and killing six persons including a professor in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aliyu Mani. About 15 other persons were said to have sustained injuries in the attack. While the first was partially thwarted by security operatives, killing the suicide bomber and one other person, the second hit a mosque where Mani and three others, including the bomber were killed. The third was unsuccessful as the security agencies took out the bomber before she could detonate her suicide vest. Police spokesman, Victor Isuku, disclosed that a police mobile force personnel on duty near Gate 4 at the back of the University, gunned down a female suicide bomber of about 12 years old and the IED strapped to her body exploded killing her instantly. The second bomber was sighted by villagers who promptly alerted the military. She was gunned down, while EOD personnel of the command secured and rendered safe the unexploded IED vest.

Hunters Kill Seven Boko Haram Insurgents in Shootout

Hunters and vigilante members, January 14, repelled an attack from Boko Haram insurgents on Sabongari village in Madagali LGA of Adamawa State by killing seven of the insurgents. The insurgents had two days earlier attacked Madagali town killing 11 people with several others sustaining various degrees of injuries. An eyewitness disclosed that the vigilante members also seized a machine gun in Sabongari village belonging to the insurgents. A member of the vigilantes, who confirmed the attack, said the Boko Haram insurgents thronged the village, but were repelled by the hunters and vigilantes in a shootout which ultimately led to the insurgents fleeing the village after seven of them had been killed.

11 Killed in Madagali Triple Bomb Blast

Madagali town in Adamawa State was, January 13, hit by triple bomb blasts, which claimed the lives of 11 people and injured 14 others. An eyewitness said three female suicide bombers blew up themselves as they approached a checkpoint, where local vigilantes screen persons entering the town. The bombers blew up themselves after they were intercepted by local vigilantes stationed at the checkpoint. Two vigilante members lost their lives in the incident. The state coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Saad Bello said 14 people were injured in the bomb blast but that one of them died before reaching the hospital.

Troops Rescue 58 People in 2 days

Nigerian troops battling to flush out terrorist from the north-east have rescued 58 people, including 35 women and 23 children, abducted by terrorists between January 13 and 14. The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, January 15, disclosed that the victims were rescued during raids carried out by 112 Task Force Battalion of 22 Brigade of the Operation Lafiya Dole. Usman said the raids and clearance operations were carried out by the troops in conjunction with civilian JTF in villages and towns in Dikwa LGA of Borno. He identified those villages as Awada, Sinbaya, Agutari, Kirinari, Gubdori and Yale, Kajeri and Boskoro. Usman also said that during the period 13 insurgents were neutralised by troops, adding that two terrorists were arrested. He said a total of seven vehicles and three motorcycles, five pump action guns, two pumping machines, eight vehicle tyres and one battery were recovered from the insurgents.

Army Kills 13 Boko Haram Suspects in Clearance Operations

The Nigerian Army troops, January 13 and 14, killed 13 suspected Boko Haram members during clearance operations in Bomboshe and Sinbaya in Dikwa LGA of Borno. The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, January 15, disclosed that the troops also discovered and destroyed the insurgents’ night market at Boboshe and neutralised five terrorists. As part of the clearance operations of remnants and fleeing Boko Haram terrorists in the North East, troops have continually carried out raids, patrols and cordon operations. Usman reminded members of the public to always pass information on suspicious persons to security agencies.

Army Kills 10 Terrorists in Reprisal Attack

The Military says it has successfully repelled attack by the Boko Haram terrorists at Kangarwa in Kukawa LGA of Borno. The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, said that the operation was carried out on January 14 with the assistance of the Nigerian Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance planes. He added that attack by the terrorists group from the shores of the Lake Chad in the evening, lasted till midnight. But the resilient troops repelled the incursion and in the process killed 10 insurgents and wounded several others. Usman said the troops recovered one Pulemyot Kalashnkova Machine (PKM) gun with 67 rounds of ammunition, one AK-47 Riffle with 18 rounds of ammunition, two AK-Rifle top covers and three Dane guns with one cartridge. Other items recovered include one rocket propelled grenade tube with three bombs, one rocket propelled grenade charger and smoke grenade, one handheld (HH) Motorola radio and antenna. He sadly noted that three soldiers died in the course of the encounter, while 27 others sustained injuries.

Political/Government Agencies

90 Killed, 200 Injured As Airforce Jet Bombs Settlements in Error

A Nigerian Airforce fighter jet, January 17, mistakenly dropped bombs on some settlements, believed to also harbour Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs), in Rann, Kala Balge LGA of Borno State, killing over 90 persons. About 200 others, including humanitarian aid workers of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). The MSF confirmed that at least 50 person were killed and more than 100 injured in the accident. The Theater Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major-General Lucky Irabor, who confirmed the incident, explained that they had received a report about the gathering of Boko Haram terrorists around Kala Balge area of Maiduguri, and that he coordinated and directed that the air component of the operation should go and address the problem. The strike was conducted but it turned out that other civilians were somewhere around the area and they were affected. He apologized for the civilian casualties in the operation. The military sent helicopters to evacuate those that were critically wounded, including some wounded soldiers. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) described the incident as unfortunate and highly regrettable.

Murder/Assassinations

Three Killed in Fresh Kaduna Attack

Gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, January 17, invaded a market in Samaru Kataf, Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna state, killing three poeple. The gunmen were said to have arrived at the market at about 6pm when people were leaving for their homes and opened fire. According to reports, the herdsmen had, a couple of weeks ago, threatened the community. The community elders, allegedly lodged reported the threat to the police. The leadership of the Catholic and Anglican churches in Kafanchan have expressed concerns over the recent killings in some villages. The church leaders had also called on the the security agencies to flush out the herdsmen from their hide outs. Following the attack, the government retored the earlier relaxed 24-hours curfew on the area. The Special Assistant to Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, disclosed this.

Six Arrested over Army Colonel’s Death

Nigeria Army has arrested six people over the alleged murder of former Commandant of the Command Secondary School, Apata Ibadan, Colonel Anthony Ekor Okeyim. The Nigerian Army 2 Division, Odogbo Cantonment, January18, paraded the six-man gang that allegedly killed the Army officer. The suspects, who were paraded at the 2 Division headquarters, were believed to have played varying roles in the killing of the late senior officers in his residence The lifeless body of the late commandant was found in the premises of Command Secondary School on the December 12, 2016 after some suspected assailant had visited the premises stealing some personal belongings of the deceased Commandant including his cell phone. Parading the suspects, Deputy Director, Public Relations, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Colonel Timothy Antigha in company of the Commander, 2 Division Provost Group, Colonel Abdullahi Ibrahim said the stolen phone Samsung X4 helped greatly in apprehending the killers as the phone was later found in the possession of first suspect.

Police Inspector Arrested for Allegedly Killing Timber Merchant

A police inspector has been arrested for allegedly shooting a timber merchant, Imafidon Ogbebor, to death at Igbobor village in Ovia North East LGA of Edo State. The police inspector was said to have shot Imafidon after policemen chased some suspects into the community. Eyewitnesses said Imafidon was standing with a pastor who queried the police for driving dangerously into the community. According to one of the witnesses, the police Inspector was not putting on uniform when he shot his victim. Consequently, residents of the community took to the highway to protest against the killing, demanding the immediate arrest of the policeman and release of the victim’s corpse. The state police commissioner, Haliru Gwandu, January 18, said the suspect had been arrested and he is facing interrogation. The police boss warned that his command would not condone extra-judicial killing.

Meat Seller Stabs Colleague to Death over Cow Leg

A young meat seller, Akinola Saheed, January 18, was stabbed to death by a co-meat seller, Aladi Abiodun, during a scuffle over the purchase of a cow leg at the Abraka market in Asaba, Delta State. Saheed was killed at the abattoir when he went to buy meat to sell along with his friend, Abiodun. An eyewitness account said that trouble started when a disagreement arose between the two traders over who would buy the cow leg from a common customer. The state police spokesman, Andrew Aniamaka, who confirmed the incident, said that the corpse of the deceased had been deposited at the morgue, while the suspect has been arrested for further investigation.

77-Year-Old Itsekiri Community Leader Killed

A prominent Itsekiri community leader, Chief Sandys Omadeli-Uvoh (77), was, January 17, killed by suspected assassins at his residence in Enerhen, Delta State. Omadeli-Uvoh was said to have been killed at about 5am by 10 persons that visited under the guise of being from Ugborodo, an oil rich Itsekiri community in Warri South West LGA of the state. It was gathered that the suspected assassins walked into his residence, locked up family members including his wife before entering Omadeli-Uvoh’s bedroom to suffocate him to death. Hundreds of Itsekiri people have been trooping to his residence in Enerhen, near Warri to mourn him. The oil-rich Itsekiri community, perhaps one of the richest in the country, had been embroiled in leadership tussle over the control of the community’s affairs and by extension multi-billion naira patronage and royalties. The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the incident, saying that efforts had commenced to track down the perpetrators.

Nine Killed, Thousands Displaced in Gbagyi, Fulani Clash in Niger

The Chairman of Bosso Local Government Area in Niger State, Alhaji Isa Wakili, January 15, alleged that at least nine lives were lost and 6,000 people displaced in the recent clash between Gbagys; and herdsmen in the Sabon- daga village of the local government area. Wakili said nine bodies were recovered while search for those missing was still on. The council boss made the disclosure when he led members of the National Assembly representing the area led by Senator David Umaru to the scene of the disturbance. Wakili said a Police Inspector and an Assistant Superintendent Officer of the NSCDC were also killed in the attack. More bodies are still being recovered from nearby bushes, he added. According to him, almost all the houses in the villages, including yam and corn barns, were completely burnt in the attack estimating the loss at N700million. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Bala Elkana, said more security men had been dispatched to the troubled areas.

Four Suspected Land-Grabbers Arrested for Alleged Murder

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested four land-grabbers, who were allegedly involved in the murder of a 52-year-old woman. Sidikatu Onasanya. Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, January 19, explained that the arrest was made following a report from one of the children of the deceased, Wasiu Onasanya, who complained that he was in the village when the suspected land-grabbers came and attacked him with dangerous weapons. The deceased had attempted to prevent them from taking her son away when they pushedtaking him, but they pushed her. She fell and died. Following the complaint by her son, the DPO, Ogijo Division, Tijani Muhammed, led a team of policemen to the scene. On sighting the policemen, the hoodlums opened fire and the officers responded. At the end of the operation, the four suspects were arrested, while others escaped into the bush. Recovered from them are 23 expended and two live cartridges. A manhunt has been launched for the fleeing gang members.

3 Suspected Rustlers Arrested in Delta over Murder of Herdsman

The Police in Delta State have arrested three persons at Umuseti community in Ndokwa West LGA of the State in connection with the murder of a herdsman, Haruna Mohammed. Haruna was reportedly shot dead at Emu-Ebendo community in the council area on December 22, 2016 by cattle rustlers, who dumped his body in a fish pond. The assailants also slaughtered two cows belonging to the herdsman behind an uncompleted petrol station in the community. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Aniamaka, said the suspects were apprehended at Umuseti after a sustained intelligence gathering by a combined team of the police at Abbi Division and men of the local vigilante team. The case is under investigation and the suspects would be arraigned in court, he added.

Police Arrest Inspector for Alleged Extra-Judicial Killing

The Edo Commissioner of Police, Haliru Gwandu, January 17, said the command would recommend a serving Inspector being investigated for extra-judicial killing for `discharge’ from service if found guilty. He also disclosed that the command had in the last seven days, arrested 27 suspected criminals from their various hideouts in the state. He listed some of the arms and ammunition recovered from them to include cut-to-size guns, cartridges, pistols, locally made shotguns, double barreled gun and pump action gun. He restated the command’s preparedness to combat crime in the state and stressed that Edo was no longer a safe haven for criminals. Gwandu enjoined all residents of the state to be law abiding and cooperate with the Police by volunteering useful information that would assist the command in taming criminal elements. He said all the suspects would be arraigned in court after investigations.

5 Killed in Resumed Hostilities between A-Ibom, C-River Communities

The age-long boundary dispute between two communities, Ikot Offiong, in Odukpani LGA of Cross River State and Oku Iboku in Itu LGA of Akwa Ibom State has claimed five lives in recent hostilities. A youth from Oku Iboku stated that the lingering communal war had led to the displacement of many of people from his community. A resident confirmed that the police and military had been drafted to the affected areas. However, Police Public Relations Officer, Cordelia Nwawe, said she had not been informed that anyone died in the crisis, adding that police have been deployed to the area.

Osun Varsity Student Allegedly Kills Colleague—Police

The Osun Police Command said a 300 Level Civil Engineering student of the Osun State University, Kazeem Ige, was allegedly stabbed to death by a 400 level Physics Electronic student of the institution, Adekunle, in Osogbo. Police spokesperson, Folashade Odoro, disclosed that the 24-year-old Ige was allegedly killed during a fight around the school hostel on January 16. The PPRO said Ige was confirmed dead at a nearby hospital, adding that the body had been deposited at Asubiaro Hospital, Osogbo, for autopsy. She said the state Commissioner of Police, Fimihan Adeoye, had directed the arrest of the suspect and a diligent investigation into the matter.

10 Dead as C-River Communities go to War over Human Head Hunting

An alleged beheading of a young man by a chief hunter, purportedly for the burial ceremony of a high chief, January 14, led to hostilities between two neighbouring communities in Obubra LGA of Cross River State, leaving over 10 people dead and many houses razed. The conflict between the people of Ogwurude and their Oyidah neighbours began when head hunters from Oyidah community allegedly harvested the head of a young man from Ogwurude, which they intended to use in the burial ceremony of a chief in their community. A resident, Clement Ekpe, reported that some head hunters had chased a commercial bike rider, who was returning from Oyidah Market with a lady and caught up with him at Ogwurude Junction. They asked the lady to run into the bush, killed the man and cut off his head. When the lady got home and narrated what happened, some Ogwurude youths found the headless body of the victim and followed the blood trail to Oyidah community, where they demanded that the village head bring out and hand the perpetrators over to the police. However, the Village Head could not produce the perpetrators and that led to a reprisal attack that night from the Ogwurude people.

Benue Police Launch Manhunt for Killers of 10 C-JTF Members

Benue State Police Command has commenced manhunt for the masterminds of the January 15 killing of 10 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (C-JTF) by gunmen at Abaji in Katsina-Ala LGA of the state. Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, disclosed that several persons had been arrested in connection with the attack. Yamu said that policemen were on ground to ensure that the perpetrators were apprehended. He further assured that the police had made progress with the investigations. The police spokesman disclosed that the State Commissioner of Police, Bashir Makama, had drafted more police personnel to the area to check further escalation of the crisis.

One Dead as Youths Clash with Police over Man Caught with Human Head

Some youths, January 16, attacked policemen, who had gone to rescue a man allegedly caught with a human head at Olomi area of Ibadan, Oyo State. The crisis led to the death of one person, while a police van that conveyed some policemen to the scene was vandalised by the angry youths. The police eventually arrested 27 suspects for their involvement in the crisis. The youths allegedly saw telephone numbers of four divisional police officers on the phone of the suspect, when they got angry. The suspect, who was reportedly caught with the human head, attempted to call some policemen on phone after he was apprehended. Thinking the suspect had some relationship with security agents, they reportedly thought that the suspect could be let off the hook. Some policemen were said to have stormed the scene and attempted to dislodge the crowd with tear gas. The mob confronted the policemen, resulting in use of dangerous weapons, such as stones and irons. In the ensuing crisis, a stray bullet reportedly killed a man. Police Public Relations Officer, Adekunle Ajisebutu, confirmed the incident, adding police have the responsibility to ensure that jungle justice is not passed on anybody.

Police Arrest Members of Gang that Killed Aged Couple

The police in kwara state have arrested members of a gang that robbed and killed an aged couple at their residence in December 2016. One of the suspects, Timothy Ajayi, January 13, admitted that his gang robbed and killed the couple, Micheal Akhigbe (65) and his wife, Juana (60), at the Fate Area of Ilorin. Ajayi, who also owned up to raping the woman, added that other gang members later killed the couple. Ajayi and his accomplices were paraded on January 13 for conspiracy, rape, armed robbery and culpable homicide. One of the suspects, Adeyemi Aderinkomi, confessed that they robbed the family after they were informed that the couple had important documents in their possession. The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Olusola Amore, said a family member of the deceased had reported the crime on December 21, 2016.

Gunmen Kill Lagos Community Leader, Togolese, Abduct Caterer

Some gunmen, January 17, attacked the Fagbile Phase 3 Estate, White Sand, in the Ijegun area of Lagos State, killing two residents and abducting a teenager, Uloma Igwe. Those killed were identified as the Chairman of the Harmony Community Development Association, Malam Ibrahim Omatar, and a Togolese, identified simply as Job. Omatar was reportedly killed after he saw the gunmen taking Igwe away. The 47-year-old reportedly raised the alarm in order to mobilise the local vigilance group and alert other residents. The gunmen were said to have shot him in the head and chest, killing him on the spot. Job, a block molder, was reportedly killed some distance away. Igwe was kidnapped while heading home from work. A cleric in the community appealed to the state and federal governments to deploy military personnel in Ijegun and its environs.

Man Kills Wife over Sex in Ogun

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man, Matthew Oguntade, for allegedly killing his 20-year-old wife, Mary, over her refusal to allow him make love to her. It was gathered that the incident occurred on January 13 when the suspect invited his wife to come and collect money to prepare food for the family. The husband attempted to forcefully have sex with her and while they were struggling, she got strangled. The couple had stopped living together because the wife disliked their stay in the husband’s mother’s house. Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, who confirmed the incident, said Mary’s death occurred as a result of a fight between the couple due to a minor disagreement. The suspect was apprehended and the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, had directed that the suspect be transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, CIID, Eleweran, Abeokuta.

Man Beats Wife to Death

An official of the Western Naval Command, Apapa, Lagos, Omojoye Ayodele, has been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly killing his wife, Mary Egbailo, on January 17. Ayodele allegedly beat up the victim till she died at their residence. It was gathered that the 30-year-old suspect had gone to bring back his wife from the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in the area, where she had been for two days. An argument reportedly ensued between the couple, which led to a fight. The man allegedly beat his 29-year-old wife till she became weak and died. The husband claimed she took a local insecticide, Sniper. The victim would have been taken to her hometown for burial, but for the insistence of the landlady, who maintained that Egbailo did not take Sniper, but was a victim of domestic violence. The case was said to have been reported at the Igando Police Division, leading to the arrest of Ayodele for allegedly beating the victim to death. The landlady alleged that Ayodele had been assaulting his wife since 2016. She explained that on the morning of her death, Egbailo did not show any sign of depression. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, said the corpse had been deposited in a mortuary for autopsy. The case is under investigation.

Man Stabs Driver to Death over Woman

A man, identified only as Asunmo, has been detained at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba, Lagos State, for allegedly killing a driver, Sodiq Fatai. Asunmo stabbed Fatai to death with a knife at the White Sand area of Ijora Badia, during a scuffle over a woman. The suspect was said to have challenged the victim over his relationship with the lady, whom he (Asunmo) was dating. Asunmo was alleged to have attacked the victim and fled the area before he was arrested. Asunmo had suspected that Fatai was dating his girlfriend and he confronted him. Although the man denied, he attacked and killed him.

Bayelsa Couple Torture Son to Death over Alleged Witchcraft

The police in Bayelsa State have started investigation into the alleged torture and death of a seven-year-old boy, Joshua, by his father, Zikeme Ideisy, and stepmother, Eunice Ideisy. Joshua was alleged to have been tortured to death by the duo at their home in Yenagoa over alleged wizardry. It was gathered that Joshua was admitted in the children ward of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, on January 15 after he sustained multiple injuries all over his body during what appeared like a routine torture. The hospital management was said to have confirmed him dead and referred the case to the police at the Azikoro division, Yenagoa. The suspects have been arrested by the police. Zikeme and his wife, Eunice, had taken Joshua from his grandmother, whom he had been living with since he was a baby. The couple had allegedly accused the boy of being a wizard and started inflicitng injuries on him. Erueke John, the mother of boy, cried that the allegation of wizardry by the suspects was based on a revelation from a church based in Yenagoa. She said her son was tied to a stake and savagely brutalised to death.

Assailants Kill 22-Year-Old with Mortar Pestle in Lagos

A 22-year-old graduate, Korede Adeyanju, was, January 13, killed by some assailants in the Ibeshe, Ikorodu area of Lagos State. It was gathered that a group of men broke into his apartment on Ayodele Raji Street and smashed a mortar on his head. The yound man was said to have been rushed to the Ikorodu General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead and the case was immediately reported at the Ipakodo Police Division. The victim’s uncle, Kehinde Adeyanju, said the assailants were suspected to be members of the Badoo cult, a group which had been terrorising Ikorodu residents and leaving their trademark mortar pestle behind. The victim’s brother, Olayinka, added that the group made away with Korede’s phones and laptop. Police spokeswoman, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident, adding that investigations had begun.

Gunmen Kill American Returnee

Yet-to-be identified gunmen, January 12, kidnapped and killed an America-based Nigerian, Chuks Okebata, in Imo State. The same group, January 14, struck again and abducted a Malaysia-based Nigerian. While Okebata was kidnapped in Mbieri town, in the Mbaitoli LGA of the state, the Malaysia-based Nigerian was kidnapped in Akokwa town, in the Ideato North LGA. Okebata was reportedly taken to Atta Junction in the Ikeduru LGA, where he was shot dead. The Malaysia-based man was relaxing with his brothers when the suspected kidnappers struck. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Enwerem, only confirmed the killing of Okebata, adding that the command had commenced investigation into the incident to bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Assassins Kill Health Coordinator in Kogi State

Unidentified gunmen, January 18, shot and killed the Kogi State coordinator of Roll Back Malaria Project, Jonathan Ochimana, in Ajaokuta while he was returning from an advocacy visit to Idah. He died of gunshot wounds after his official Toyota Hilux vehicle was attacked by the assailants. The vehicle, which was also conveying three other workers of the ministry of health, ran into the ambush just after exiting the vicinity of the Ajaokuta Steel complex. The state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Chafe, who confirmed the incident, however, blamed the team for late reporting.

Rape

Man, 22, Docked for Defiling, Impregnating 14-Year-Old Girl

A 22-year-old man, Bright Uwalaka, who allegedly defiled a 14-year-old girl and impregnated her, was, January 20, docked before a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos. The Prosecutor, Sergeant Anthonia Osayande, told the court that the accused committed the offence at his residence in October 2016.‎ Osayande said the accused, who was living in the same area with the girl, called her to his parents apartment and had unlawful sexual intercourse with her and impregnated her.‎ Uwalaka, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge of defilement. The Chief Magistrate, Ipaye Nwachukwu, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum. The case was adjourned to March 14, pending advice from the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP).

19-Year-Old Arraigned over Rape of 7-Year-Old Girl

A 19-year-old rape suspect, Opeyemi Yekini, was on January 20 arraigned before a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly defiling a seven-year-old girl. Yekini was arrested after the girl told her parents he put something in her vagina. ‎The prosecutor, Sergeant Anthonia Osayande, told the court that ‎ the accused committed the offence sometime in November 2016.‎ ‎She said the accused, who resided in the same compound with the parents of the victim was playing with her and eventually took her to his apartment where he raped her.‎ Osayande alleged that it was when the girl got home that she told her parents that the accused put something in her vagina. However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.‎ ‎The Senior Chief Magistrate, Mrs Ipaye Nwachukwu, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.‎ ‎She adjourned the case till March.7, pending the advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Banker Allegedly Rapes Girlfriend’s Housemaid

A 35-year-old man, Adedoyin Odukoya, was on January 19, arraigned before an Ikeja magistrate’s court for allegedly raping his girlfriend’s 19-year-old housemaid. Odukoya, who pleaded not guilty to a charge of rape, was admitted to a N500,000 bail. The magistrate, Y.R. Pinheir, who gave the ruling, ordered the accused to produce two sureties in like sum. The prosecutor, Inspector Matthew Akhaluode, told the court that the accused committed the offence on November 9, 2016 at Olayinwola Street, Agege. The complainant said she was at home when Odukoya came and told her that his girlfriend, who was her boss, had instructed him to drop a letter with her. The victim claimed that she expected Odukoya to leave after dropping the letter, but instead he stayed back. She further alleged that the accused later approached and dragged her to the sitting room, where he forcefully had sexual intercourse with her. She explained that after the incident, she immediately called her boss on phone and told her everything.

Man Lures, Rapes 4 Boys

A Kano Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Audu Bako Secretariat, January 16, on Monday ordered the remand of a 27-year-old man, Aliyu Muhammad for allegedly defiling four boys through their anus after luring them to his room. Muhammad of Bichi Local Government Area of Kano State, was charged with unnatural offence, punishable under Section 284 of the Penal Code. Magistrate Muhammad Jibril, ordered the remand of the accused in prison custody and adjourned the case till February 9, for mention. Earlier, the prosecutor, Rufa’I Inusa, told the court that Ado Mu’azu, Musa Nura and Mati Isa, all of Bichi Local Government Area, jointly reported the case at Bichi Police Division, in November 2016. The accused allegedly deceived and lured the complainants’ 11-year-old, 8-year-old, 11-year-old and 10-year-old sons to his room and had unnatural carnal knowledge of them on different occasions. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Others

Navy Discovers Illegal Training School in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has said it has uncovered an illegal naval training school based at Wiiyaakara Community, Khana LGA of Rivers State used by criminals to defraud members of the public.  The Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship Jubilee, Calabar, Commodore Saidu Garba, made the declaration while parading six illegal operators of the school and four trainees at the base of the illegal school in Wiiyaakara community, Khana local government area of Rivers. He gave the name of the illegal training school as the Nigerian Merchant Navy Coastal Defence Force. According to him, the school paraded itself as an affiliate naval training centre which specialised in recruitment and training of trainees for direct entry into the Nigerian Navy. The facility was discovered on January 9 during a routine patrol by troops of NNS Jubilee. The troops arrested 10 suspects on the scene including six operators of the training school and four trainees.

Navy Arrests Commander for Running Illegal Training Camp

Operatives of the Nigerian Navy in Badagry, have smashed a camp in Ijanikin, Lagos, which was being used for recruiting and training unsuspecting members of the public. The suspected fraudsters collected sums ranging between N50,000 and N150,000 from their victims across the country under the guise of recruiting them into the navy. After paying the sums, the aspiring naval officials were taken to the training camp, only to discover that they were being enrolled in Nigerian Merchant Navy Coastal Defence Force, whose operations have not been approved by the Federal Government. Sixteen recruits, three trainers, and one Commander Adewale Oluwaseun, who allegedly coordinated the training, were paraded at the Western Naval Command, Apapa on January 13. It was gathered that some of the trainees had not returned to the camp from the Yuletide holiday. The camp was uncovered by naval operatives attached to the Forward Operation Base, Badagry.

Review/Analysis

Murder and assassination remained high on the crime index as the spate of killing remains alarming. A 26-year-old man was arrested by the police for killing his wife over her denial to allow him make love to her. In a similar story, a meat seller, stabbed his colleague to death during a fight over the purchase of a cow leg. In another case a health coordinator was assassination by unknown gunmen in his vehicle. Other incidents include cult wars, communal clash, invasion by herdsmen, some lone killings in feats of rage by contract men. This was recorded in various regions of the country.

Kidnap and hostage also stood tall on the index as very sad stories of abductions were recorded. Investigations revealed that there is a high rate in the kidnap of children as they have gradually become soft targets for kidnappers. This was evident in the kidnap of five staff and three students of Nigerian Turkish International College (NTIC) by kidnappers. It was reported that the kidnappers were said to have placed a N1.2bn ransom on the abductees. Investigations is in full gear as search teams have been strategically placed to fish out the kidnappers. In a related event, all cheers was accorded the Plateau State Police Command as they successfully intercepted two trucks conveying 145 children from Bauchi and Jigawa States. The children, aged between four and eight years were said to have been kidnapped and were to be shared to Plateau, Kaduna, and Nasarawa States. There was notable arrest of kidnap suspects as some were killed in gun fights with the authorities. The north central and south east recorded more of this heinous crimes.

Terrorism took a nose dive as shades of attacks were carried out by the notorious boko haram sect’. It was reported that about three boko haram suicide bombers, attacked the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) in Borno State, detonating two explosives and killing six persons including a professor while 15 others were said to have sustained severe injuries during the attack. Further investigations revealed that all suicide bombers were killed separately by their bombs while one was killed by security operatives who responded quickly on alert. The north –east witnessed more

There is a persistent call on all to remain vigilante, as you can stop a crime by being observant taking preventive measures. Report all threats to the appropriate authorities for investigation. You may save a life.

Villeworth urges you to remain law abiding.