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Latest News: Training and recruitment is ongoing - Wednesday, 02 March 2011 22:54

week 11

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Governor Offers N10 million Bounty for Killers of CP

Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime, has announced a N10 million reward for anyone that volunteers information leading to the arrest of the killers of Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Chinwike Asadu. Asadu was shot dead last weekend by unidentified gunmen close to his private residence at Amorji-Nike in Enugu State. His police orderly, Aloha Olaniyi, and driver, Oliver Omeh, who were also shot during the attack, are receiving treatment. His killing has continued to generate reactions as opposition political parties expressed shock and sadness at his death. The Inspector General of Police (IG), Mohammed Abubakar, has ordered the police to fish out the killers. Chime described the incident as a big embarrassment to not only the police, but to the country at large, adding that no effort would be spared to fish out the culprits.

Pirates Kidnap Three off Coast of Bayelsa

Pirates, on Monday, attacked an oil industry supply vessel off the coast of Bayelsa state, kidnapping three crew members. The captain, chief engineer and second engineer were abducted when gunmen boarded the Malaysia-flagged Armada Tuah 22 around 50 nautical miles (90 km) off the coast of the Brass. One of the sailors kidnapped was Indonesian, sources said. The vessel is a tugboat contracted to supply an offshore oil platform. There has been a surge in piracy attacks off the coast of Bayelsa this year with gangs using more violent tactics.

Son Kills Father in Ebonyi

A 30-year-old man, Okechukwu Ogbonnaya, has been arrested by the Police in Ebonyi state after he beheaded his 60-year-old father, Mr. Ogbonnaya Okereke. Okechukwu was said to have committed the murder, after he allegedly received prophesy from the Pastor of a Pentecostal church, that his father was spiritually manipulating his destiny making it impossible for him to progress in life. State Police spokesman, Sylvester Igbo, who confirmed the incident, said the body of the deceased had since been deposited at the mortuary, while investigation to unravel other motives behind the act was in progress. The killing of Okereke came barely two weeks, after a middle aged woman allegedly killed her two children with a machete in Abakaliki. The woman, Joy Uchaji, has been in police custody.

Bayelsa Urges Residents to Brace For Flood

Bayelsa State government has expressed concern over the 2013 Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) weather forecast, stressing the need for the people of the state to take precautionary measures at preventing a recurrence of the 2012 ugly experience. The NIMET, in its forecast, predicted heavy rains this year higher than the one experienced last year, which rendered some families in some states of the federation homeless, especially in Bayelsa State. Governor Seriake Dickson met with the leaders and members of relevant committees, including Post-Flood Management Committee and Infrastructure Advisory Committee set up in the wake of the crisis to nip in the bud the likely occurrence of such incident in the state. He called on the committees to carry out more technical assessment to identify the flood level, which would assist in ascertaining the foundation’s height of its public infrastructure.

Navy Hands-Over 33 Suspected Pirates to NSCDC

The Nigerian Navy in Port Harcourt has handed over thirty three suspected oil thieves and sea pirates to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) for prosecution. The commanding Officer of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Duja Effeduwa said the suspects were arrested along the water creeks in Bonny. Commodore Effeduwa also said the command has impounded a vessel named Divine Favour used in receiving stolen crude oil and destroyed over fifty illegal bunkering sites and over one hundred and fifty drums load with illegal refined oil in the last one month.

Father Tortures 6-Year-Old Daughter over Witchcraft Accusation

A 42-year-old father, Edet Etok-Akpan, has been arrested by the Cross River State Police Command for torturing his six-year-old daughter, Edidiong. Edidiong was beaten by her father and locked up in a room with her hands, mouth and face bound for four days without food before she was rescued by neighbours. It was learnt that Etok-Akpan started beating her on February 19 after a prophetess told him that Edidiong was the witch responsible for the stagnancy in his life. Luck came her way on February 23, when a neighbour’s child came to their veranda to look for broom discovered her and quickly raised alarm. A lawyer with the Basic Rights Counsel, James Ibor, said, one of the neighbours called him and he in turn informed the police, who broke the door open to rescue the girl. Police spokesman, John Umoh, said Etok-Akpan, would be charged to court.

Shell Threatens to Shut Down Nembe Creek Trunk Line over Oil Theft

The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) has threatened to shut down the entire Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL) following increasing incidents of pipeline vandalism and crude theft. It said the Joint (Military) Task Force (JTF) appeared to have been overwhelmed by the activities of the vandals, a claim the force has also denied. The NCTL is a major pipeline of 6,000 kilometres that runs from Nembe in Bayelsa through the Niger Delta region to Bonny Island in Rivers State and is a major conveyor of crude from about 12 flow stations spread across the two states. The Managing Director of SPDC, Mutiu Sunmonu, called on the JTF to step up its activities in the area. He said the company loses about 60,000 barrels daily to the activities of the criminals.

Eight Houses Sink in Bayelsa

Eight houses got swallowed up in holes that caved in last weekend in Okoloba community in Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA of Bayelsa State. Most indigenes of the community led by the paramount ruler, Chief Orumobiri Woyergikuro, attributed the landslide disaster to the activities of River Nun which continues to encroach in the community's land. They were particularly angry at the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) which they accused of refusing to commence work on the Shore Protection Work awarded the Dredging Atlantic Company in 2008. But a staff of the Dredging Atlantic Company said the legal hurdles placed before the company by some members of the community over the demand for N50 million as compensation for dredged sand in the area stopped work on the project in 2009.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Fire Destroys 10 Houses in Warri
…Fire Razes N200m Worth Property In Asaba

At least 10 houses were razed by fire, last weekend, at Iyara in Warri South LGA of Delta State. The fire, was not immediately ascertained, utterly razed the buildings beyond recognition. The Warri Fire Service called in to extinguish the inferno could not get to the place due because the road was inaccessible. Though no life was lost, owners of the destroyed properties, youths and sympathizers made frantic efforts to put out the inferno to no avail. Similarly, a midnight fire outbreak consumed property worth N200milion at Cable-point quarters, Asaba, Delta State. The incident which occurred on Sunday night gutted the three-bed room apartment of a family and destroyed various goods in six stores in the building.

Police Rescue Kidnapped Spaniard in Benin

A Spaniard, Jose Anthronio Murili Turrillo, who was kidnapped and held captive in a hotel room in Benin City, the Edo State capital, last weekend, was on Wednesday, rescued by Policemen. The victim was said to have been lured from Spain by his lover, Okafor Ada Joy, 28. Joy, alongside one Kenny Oyemwina, 25, allegedly took Turrillo hostage and dispossessed him all the money he had. The state Commissioner of Police, Folusho Adebanjo, disclosed that investigation revealed that when they discovered that their victim had no money on him and in his account again, they forced him to call his sister in Spain to send 2000 Euros to them before he will be allowed to go back to Spain. But his sister contacted the International Police (INTERPOL), who alerted the Edo State Command. Adebanjo disclosed that the two suspects have been arrested and would be charged to court. Meanwhile two suspects, Iyen Osahon (19), and Esochukwu Okorie (22) have been arrested by the police for drugging and raping a 16-year-old girl in a hotel room.

16 Arrested as Police Recover Bomb in Kwale

Delta State police command said it has arrested 16 persons and recovered an Improvised Explosive Device, IED, following two days of constant raid at criminal hideouts in Kwale, Ndokwa West LGA. State Police spokesman, Famous Ijieh, confirmed the arrests, adding that the suspects made useful statements. Also, two teenage brothers, aged 17 and 19, of same parents have been arrested in Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South-West LGA over the death of their six- year-old step sister. Reports said that the two boys were secretly having carnal knowledge with the six-year-old girl until the girl started to develop protruded stomach, and later died in hospital.

Police Nab Alleged Murderer

Almost three years after a man was reported to have killed his father-in-law and escaped, the police have finally arrested the suspect, Oejmeri Agiboye, 22. According to the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Folusho Adebanjo, the suspect who had been on the run since 2010 was arrested on February 26 this year. He said the suspect would be charged to court at the end of police investigation. In a related development, a 20 year-old Fulani herdsman, Isah Ibrahim Mohammed is now cooling off his feet in police custody for allegedly killing one Idirisa Jubril, a co-herdsman. The suspect was said to have conspired with one Ali, now at large to kill Idirisa after which they stole his father’s cows. The Police also paraded 12 suspects for various crimes ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and rape with assorted arms and ammunition recovered.

Police Arrest 8 Suspected Kidnappers

Police in Delta State, Thursday, stormed the hideout of a kidnap gang and arrested eight suspected kidnappers. Delta State Commissioner of Police, Ikechukwu Aduba, who confirmed the development, said the suspects were undergoing interrogation and had confessed to the kidnap of the wife of a retired permanent secretary and one Mr. Ibe Chibuzor, both in Ogwashi-Uku. The raid was made possible after a victim escaped from their hideout, which is between Ogwashi-Uku and Ubulu-Uku, and he gave the police detailed information of the location.

Hoodlums Rape Housewives in Asaba

Hoodlums operating within Asaba and its environs, Thursday, ran amok and allegedly raped housewives during a house-to-house raid in around Ogbeke Square in Ogbeosowa Quarters. Victims, who said that the hoodlums did not collect their money, raped the married women without using condoms. It was gathered that the operation started at about 2:30am after the criminals fired several gunshots into the air to scare away security agents who have been patrolling the area in recent times. Checks revealed that Ogbeke Square in Ogbeosowe Quarters is known for cult related activities.

Oshiomhole Commends Military over Fight against Kidnappers

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has commended the military for its role in the fight against kidnapping and other social vices in the state. Oshiomhole gave the commendation, on Thursday, when he received the General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigeria Army, Maj.-Gen Ahmed Jibrin at Government House, Benin. Oshiomhole assures the GOC of the commitment of the people of the state to cooperate with the Nigeria Army under his command and that his government would assist the military in any way possible.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Missing Toddlers Found Dead

Two toddlers that went missing since January 25th in Ketu, Lagos State, have been found dead in an abandoned vehicle on the premises of a neighbouring building. The children, Toheeb Adedokun and Tajudeen Falilu, are both three years old. Their families and the police had suspected that they were kidnapped before the discovery of their remains on Monday. Their remains were recovered after a bank loan recovery team went to secure the vehicle, which was used as collateral for a loan. But a police source said the children may have gotten trapped inside the vehicle when they went inside to play, causing them to suffocate. State Police spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, said the corpses were discovered by bank officials, who had gone to redeem the vehicle. However, residents of the street alleged foul play and seek proper investigation.

Army Boss Charges Soldiers to Abstain from Civil Matters

Men of the Nigerian Army have been reminded to avoid interference in civilian issues to enable them carry out their constitutional duties professionally. This reminder came as the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2nd Division, Nigerian Army Headquarters, Ibadan, Major-General Ahmed Jibrin, warned oil thieves to be ready for more determined and well-motivated troops who will flush them out of the creeks. Jibrin gave the warning during an inspection tour of 3rd Battalion, Nigerian Army, Effurun, Delta State, on Thursday. The GOC, who expressed satisfaction at the morale and enthusiasm of the battalion,  warned them to be wary of issues that might consume them, adding that they should raise their heads high, be brave and be good representatives of the Chief of Army Staff in their conducts.

Smugglers Die Face-Off with Customs at Border

There was a face-off between some customs officers and irate youths in Seme border on Wednesday after chase led to the death of two smugglers. Confirming the development, Public Relations officer of the Command, Ernest Olotta, said that there was a protest by some youths in the Gbagi area of Seme over the death of one their colleagues suspected to be a smuggler. The deceased suspect was coming from across the border carrying poultry products, but on sighting a team of anti-smuggling officers around Gbagi, he drove into the bush, which necessitated a chase by the officers. The Command spokesman explained that it was in the course of the chase, the suspected smuggler ran into some objects that led to his death. He stated that both the products and the vehicle have been taken to the Seme border for further investigation. The death of the smugglers however led to an attack on the officers by youths of the area.

Ex-Vigilate Member Arrested for Robbery

The Ilemba Police Division, on Tuesday, said it has arrested a suspected armed robber said to have been terrorizing the residents of Sabo Oniba community of Ojo LGA of Lagos state. The suspect, Christian Umini, 22, said to be a dismissed member of the proscribed vigilante group in the community, “Bakassi”, reportedly used a gun-like object to dispose his victims of their property. Police sources confirmed the arrest, adding that the suspect will soon be charged to court after further investigation.

NDLEA Arrested Suspect with Drugs Concealed in Sandals

Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have discovered cocaine inside sandals and luggage at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos. A press statement by the spokesman of the agency, Mr Mitchel Ofoyeju, stated that 26-year-old suspect, Igwe Williams Ogbonna, concealed 630 grammes of powdery substance which tested positive to cocaine inside his luggage and two pairs of sandals while attempting to board a Kenyan Airways plane to India. The Chairman/ Chief Executive of the agency, Ahmadu Giade, said efforts were being made to arrest other persons connected to the crime. Meanwhile, Justice Okechukwu Okeke of the Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced a 33-year-old trader to three years’ imprisonment, for dealing in illicit drug. Okeke convicted and sentenced Jerry Gaye after he pleaded guilty to dealing in banned substance -Methamphetamine.

Student Shot Dead by Suspected Cultists

A student of the Lagos State University (LASU), simply identified as Kabiru, was last weekend, killed by suspected cultists. Another student of the university, Damilola Damochie, a musician, was on February 28 shot dead by suspected cultists at the institution's main gate. Sources alleged that the killing of Kabiru was a reprisal to the murder of Damochie. The Lagos State Police Spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, confirmed the death of Kabiru. Braide also confirmed that more than 20 persons have been arrested over the killing of Damochie.

3 Arraigned over Rape Of 4 Ladies

Three unemployed youths on Monday appeared before an Igbosere Magistrates' Court in Lagos for alleged rape of four ladies after a birthday party. The accused persons are Ade Doyin, Awolabi Mohammed, and Adeleke Atanda, all aged 23 years. They are standing trial on eight-count charges of conspiracy, rape, theft and malicious damage. Prosecutor, Okete Ejime, said that the accused persons detained the ladies, damaged their clothes, raped them and stole their jewellery and money to the tune of N287, 000. The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty. The Magistrate, Mr A.A. Adefulire, granted bail to them in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

11 Arraigned over Theft of Generators Worth N40m

A 50 year old man, Abiodun Ashiru and 10 others, were Tuesday arraigned for allegedly stealing 22 generating sets, belonging to Mantrac Caterpillar company valued at N40 million. The 11 suspects, who were arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court, are facing two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing. The police prosecutor, Inspector Iranus Nnamonu, told the court that Ashiru committed the said offence at Caterpillar Company Oregun Ikeja area of Lagos. Nnamonu said that the defendants, who were casual workers were said to have committed the offence between July 2012 and January 6, 2013. He alleged that they committed the crime while they were still working with the company.

Mother Laments Police Killing of Son

Mother of a 28-year-old, student of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Seyi Fasere, has accused the police over the killing of her son, who was mistaken for an armed robber. The bereaved mother, Florence Fasere, said Seyi was allegedly killed when a vehicle he was travelling in ran into a robbery scene and all the occupants ran into the bush for safety. But the police arrested her son and shot him at the police station the next day. According to her, the fact later came out the following day when one of the robbers who was arrested the next day, cleared Seyi of involvement in the robbery. Also a 72-year-old woman confirmed that Seyi was her co-passenger, and not a member of the robbery gang. But Police spokesman, Victor Babayemi, said that Seyi‘s corpse was discovered in the bush, denying that her was arrested and shot by policemen. He however, insisted that Seyi is still a suspect pending the conclusion of the investigation.

GENERAL

Shekau Disowns Boko Haram’s Ceasefire

Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, has disclaimed a ceasefire offer by another commander of the Islamic sect, Muhammed Abdulazeez Ibn Idris, to the Federal Government. Shekau, according to in a video message, said his group was not involved in any peace talks with the government. The message coincided with the killing of 20 members of his group, last weekend, in a deadly encounter with soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Borno State. Ibn Idris, who claimed to be the commander of the sect in charge of Borno North and South, in January, said that the decision to declare the ceasefire was reached after weeks of intense discussions with the Borno state government. He said he had the authority of Shekau to declare the ceasefire and warned that anybody who broke the ceasefire by continuing terrorist activities would be dealt with. Shekau threatened to Idris kill for declaring the ceasefire.

Jonathan Rejects Calls for Amnesty for Boko Haram

President Goodluck Jonathan, on Thursday, while on a two-day working visit to Borno and Yobe States, responded to the clamour from northerners for a full pardon for members of the Boko Haram terrorist group.  Jonathan, at a town hall meeting with traditional rulers and opinion leaders, ruled out amnesty for now for Boko Haram members, saying that, while his administration was desirous of ending the state of insecurity foisted on the nation by Boko Haram, it was not ready to give official pardon to “ghosts”. The president told the gathering in Damaturu that the Federal Government would not consider amnesty for the insurgents until they come out from the shadows. The clamour for amnesty for the Boko Haram members, championed by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, and others, has drawn criticisms from other interest groups in the country.

Islamist Groups Kills Kidnapped Europeans, Others in Nigeria

Britain, Italy and Greece have admitted that a claim by Ansaru Islamist group that it had killed seven foreign hostages appeared to be true. The Ansaru group, at the weekend, announced the deaths of all the expatriates abducted from a construction site of Setraco on February 16 in Bauchi state. The group stated that the attempts by the British and Nigerian governments to rescue the hostages, and their alleged arrest and killing of people, forced it to carry out the execution". The hostages were four Lebanese, one Briton, a Greek citizen and an Italian. British Foreign Secretary William Hague said no military intervention to free the hostages was ever attempted by the interested governments, adding that the killings were "the aberrant expression of a hateful and intolerable fanaticism." Ansaru said the motives behind the kidnapping were “the transgressions and atrocities done to the religion of Allah by the European countries in many places such as Afghanistan and Mali".

DPO, 9 Others Killed
…As Boko Haram Members Torch Police Station, Bank

Gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect in Borno State attacked the Gwoza Divisional Police Station and Mainstreet Bank, killing the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Abubakar Digire Ahamdu, his deputy; and eight civilians caught up in the crossfire on Monday. According to residents, the attackers used Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, and petrol-bombs in torching the police station and the bank, before carting away undisclosed amount of money from the bank. A top security official, who spoke to journalists in Maiduguri on condition of anonymity, said the incident occurred but was immediately brought under control by policemen who repelled the attackers by chasing them into the bush.

Gunmen Kill Police Chief, Others

Gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram, in separate operations penultimate Sunday evening, attacked Baderi Village in Mafa Council of Borno state, killing its traditional ruler, Lawan Kafu; a Mobile Police Training Camp (PMTC) Commandant, Umaru Ali Jenga and a traffic warden in Gwange area of Maiduguri. The commandant, according to an eyewitness, was killed at his residence by three armed men in a tricycle, who immediately fled the scene towards Bama road where they also killed a traffic warden. The state Police Command Spokesman, Gideon Jibrin, confirmed the incident, adding that no arrests had been made.

Nasarawa Deploys 230 Policemen to Crises Areas -CP

The Police Command in Nasarawa State on Wednesday said it had deployed 230 policemen to crises-prone areas of the state to restore peace. The State’s Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Akeremale, said that the deployment would help government in its effort to restore peace in the affected areas. Due to the distance between the state capital and the affected areas, the command has deployed its men to Udeni, Magagi, Agbashi, Bassa and Rutu, among others. The commissioner called on the people to support the police to execute their duties and stop taking the law into their hands. He also urged them to always channel their grievances to the appropriate quarters for proper action.

Army Recovers Cache Of Arms in Kaduna

The Nigerian Army on Wednesday said it has recovered a cache of arms buried underground at a house in Kaduna. The Commander, Internal Security Force of 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Tagbo Ude, who disclosed this, said several other weapons and explosives hidden in the house were also recovered, after a raid on Tuesday evening following intelligence report. The commander said nine people, including two men; two women and five children were arrested at the house belonging to one Hussaini Dei-Dei, an Abuja-based politician. Some of the items recovered include 1,098 rounds of various ammunitions, six AK 47 rifles, 125 pieces of detonators, one light machine gun and one tear gas launcher. Others are one FN rifle magazine, five sub-machine gun magazines, four pistols, one loaded light-machine gun magazine, and two reels of detonating cords. He reiterated the commitment of security agencies towards ensuring the safety of lives and property of all citizens.

Measles Kills 12 Children in Katsina, Jigawa

The Katsina State government has confirmed the death of nine children following the outbreak of measles in the state, just as three children reportedly died of the disease and 250 others were also affected in Jigawa State. The Katsina State commissioner for health, Alhaji Usaini Yanmama, said that about 1,260 children were affected by the disease, which he attributed to the refusal of parents to take their children for routine immunisation. Already, government has provided enough drugs and vaccines to general hospitals and primary health centres to curtail the spread of the disease, Yanmama explained. He appealed to parents to always take their children to hospital for routine immunisation.

FG Fires Maina as Customs Pension Director, Appoints Jaji

The Federal Government has removed the embattled former Chairman of Federal Pension Reform Task Team as the Acting Director of Customs, Immigration & Prisons Pension Office (CIPPO). Mrs Olabisi Bolanle Jaji was appointed as the new Head and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of CIPPO. Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, formally presented the new Head of CIPPO to the officers and men in a ceremony held in their Gwagwalada Office. Moro told the new head that her appointment called for renewed vigour and commitment, adding that the office, being responsible for the prompt payment of pensions and death benefits of retired officers and men of the Customs, Immigration & Prisons services. In her acceptance of the appointment, Mrs. Jaji thanked the Head of Service, Minister and Permanent Secretary for the confidence reposed in her to function in that office.

Int’l Women Day: UNFPA Director Seeks End To Gender-based Violence

The Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr BabatundeOsotimehin, has called for strengthened and expanded efforts by the global community to bring to an end, gender-based violence. In a statement to mark the 2013 International Women’s Day on March 8, he said that Gender-based violence remains a major health and human rights concern and no human development can be achieved as long as women and girls continue to suffer from violence or live in fear of it.

Senate Okays PIB for Second Reading

Northern and southern senators, on Thursday, had to sheath their swords and unanimously endorsed the controversial Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) for a second reading. Some senators had argued for the passage of the PIB, saying it was for the country’s benefits, while others said there were grey areas that needed review. Senate President, David Mark, cautioned   that the bill should not be seen as North versus South, noting that what is good for one part of the country is equally good for the other. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives Thursday moved to grant constitutional immunity to members of legislative Houses in Nigeria. The House also passed for second reading a Bill to provide for the establishment of a National Commission against the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in the country.

Israel Issues Travel Warning for Nigeria

Nigeria was listed among the nations that the Israeli authorities warned its citizens to avoid during the Passover holidays at the end of March for fear of attacks. PM News Wednesday quoted an Israeli public radio which announced that the Israeli government also warned its citizens to avoid travel to Egypt’s Sinai resorts and several African states. It warned of “the dangers of attacks” in the Sinai - scene of anti-Israeli attacks both before and since Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak’s 2011 ouster - and in Kenya, Mali, Morocco and Tunisia. Indian Kashmir and southern Thailand were also on the list of destinations for Israeli holidaymakers to avoid.

Air Force Chief Seeks Proactive Measures on Insecurity

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Alex Badeh, Wednesday stressed the need for collaborative and proactive efforts by the 36 states of the federation in addressing the challenges of insecurity in the country.  Badeh said the issue became imperative because the safety of lives and property was no longer safe in the country. The Air Force boss, who said the need to be proactive had become imperative, advocated for innovative technology in the issue of the nation’s security which he said was key to his vision in the Air Force. Badeh assured Nigerians that the Air Force was committed to the sustenance of democracy. Earlier, Ahmed had said the state government would always complement the efforts of the Federal Government on security matters, stating that the Federal Government cannot do it all alone.

INTERNATIONAL

Pakistani City Bomb Blast Kills Dozens

At least 45 people have been killed by a bomb explosion in the Pakistani city of Karachi. The blast in the mainly Shia Muslim area of Abbas Town destroyed several buildings and set others on fire. Some reports spoke of a second explosion. No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing, which went off near a mosque as worshippers left evening prayers. Pakistan's Shia minority are the target of frequent sectarian attacks from Sunni militant groups. Karachi, where this latest anti-Shia bombing has taken place, is notorious for violence of various kinds. Political and religious leaders were quick to condemn the Karachi attack and promise help to the victims. Rescuers have been struggling to reach people trapped under the rubble.

Rebels Seize Syria Police Academy

Rebels have captured large parts of a Syrian police academy near Aleppo, after a fierce battle resulting in heavy loss of life, activists say. Almost 200 fighters had been killed on both sides over eight days, according to UK-based group, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). The rebels took control of much of the police academy site at dawn on Sunday, the activist group said. They had been targeting the Khan al-Assal complex outside Aleppo for some time. Almost 200 fighters and soldiers had been killed in the eight-day battle for the site, including 120 troops and police, Rami Abdel Rahman of SOHR said.

Five Dead after Police Fight Protesters in Egypt

Two members of Egypt's security forces and three civilians were, killed and hundreds injured when shooting broke out during clashes, last weekend, between protesters and police in the Suez Canal city of Port Said, security and medical sources said on Monday. Violence erupted as hundreds of people demonstrated against the detention of dozens of people in connection with a soccer riot last year when 70 died. The Health Ministry said that 404 people had been injured. The Interior Ministry said in a statement that two of its personnel had died of bullet wounds to the neck and head.

Warplanes Bomb Raqqa after Rebel Overrun Town

Syrian warplanes have bombed the northern city of Raqqa, hours after reports said rebels had overrun it, activists and residents say. Activists said at least 20 rebels and a civilian, and an unconfirmed number of troops, were killed in air strikes and in fresh fighting there, reports indicate. Rebels captured the provincial governor when they routed regime forces in the city on Monday. If the city falls it would mark a significant victory for the rebels. Government forces had been sent to retake the city, Sharif Shihada, a member of the Syrian parliament, said.  Rebels had taken control of most of Raqqa but there were still pockets of resistance, including inside the intelligence building in the city, activists said.

Venezuela Mourns Chavez

Venezuela has announced seven days of mourning for Hugo Chavez, who has died aged 58, after 14 years as president. Thousands of Chavez's supporters took to the streets of Caracas to express their grief. Chavez had been seriously ill with cancer for more than a year. A self-proclaimed revolutionary, Hugo Chavez was a controversial figure in Venezuela and on the world stage. A staunch critic of the US, he inspired a left-wing revival across Latin America. Latin American leaders have begun arriving in Caracas to pay their respects. Chavez's illness prevented him from taking the oath of office after he was re-elected for a fourth term in October. Announcing the death on Tuesday, Vice-President Nicolas Maduro called on the nation to close ranks after its leader's demise. Vice-President Maduro will assume the presidency until an election is called within 30 days. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon paid tribute to Chavez's work on behalf of his country's poor and his support of Colombia's peace process.

S’African Policemen to Face Murder Charges in Death of Arrested Driver

Eight South African policemen have been arrested on suspicion of murder after dragging a man tied to the back of a police truck through a busy Johannesburg street in an incident broadcast around the world, a government watchdog said on Friday. The video-recorded treatment of the Mozambican taxi driver has further damaged the reputation of the police force in South Africa where more than 1,200 people a year die in police custody. They will answer to a charge of murder when they appear in court on Monday, Moses Dlamini, spokesman for the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), said. Mido Macia, 27, was found dead in detention with signs of head injuries and internal bleeding, according to an initial post-mortem report released by the IPID. President Jacob Zuma and opposition politicians have condemned the incident, which was broadcast nationwide on Thursday.

Yemen Executes 15 Child Offenders in 5 Years – Rights Group

Yemen has executed at least 15 young male and female offenders, all under the age of 18, when they committed offences, in the last five years. Human Rights Watch (HRW), on Monday, urged the government to halt such executions in future. The group also called on President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to reverse the execution orders on three juveniles on death row, whose appeals have been exhausted. Sending child offenders before firing squads is hardly the way for Yemen to show that it respects human rights,’ said Priyanka Motaparthy, children's rights researcher at HRW. HRW cited the case of Hind al-Barti, executed by a government firing squad in Sanaa on murder charges. The group said the young woman's birth certificate showed she was 15 at the time of the alleged murder. Barti told HRW in March 2012 that she had made a false confession after police officers beat her and threatened her with rape.

16 Nations Agree To Fight Piracy, in Gulf of Guinea

A special multinational sea exercise, which involved 16 nations, came to a close at the weekend, with the participating countries unanimously endorsing a joint fight against piracy and other illicit businesses on the sea. The exercise focused on countering piracy and maritime security operations in the Gulf of Guinea. Camerounian government, in the city of Douala, hosted the three-day exercise. The operation provided Africa, Europe and other partnering maritime nations the opportunity to work together, share information and refine methods of tackling issues of security in the Gulf of Guinea for better monitoring and enforcement of the rules on territorial waters and the exclusive economic zone.

Youths Ambush, Kill Policemen Kenya’s Election

Kenyatta Uhuru, was at the weekend, declared winner of Kenya’s presidential election. Votes counting began in earnest in Kenya Monday after a peaceful election that observers describe as the most important in the country’s history despite a deadly police ambush that left four policemen killed. Earlier, there was violence near the port town of Mombasa, with about six policemen killed in two separate attacks, including an ambush by some 200 youths armed with guns and bows and arrows, hours before the opening of polling stations. Kenyan police chief, David Kimaiyo, said the Mombasa attackers were suspected members of the secessionist Mombasa Republican Council (MRC), and that 400 officers were sent to beef up security in the popular tourist region. The tense elections are seen as a crucial test for Kenya, with leaders vowing to avoid a repeat of the bloody 2007-8 post-poll violence in which over 1,100 people were killed.

Several Killed in DR Congo’s Fighting and Plane Crash

United Nations (UN) officials have reported that a rebel militia in the Democratic Republic of Congo has seized control of the eastern town of Kitchanga after days of fighting that have left more than 80 people dead. The Alliance of Patriots for a Free and Sovereign Congo, or APCLS, took the town in North Kivu province Sunday and the situation there remains very tense, said deputy UN spokesman, Eduardo Buey. Besides the fatalities, he added that approximately 100 people have been wounded in the clashes. More than 300 displaced persons have sought refuge near a UN peacekeeping base, he added. Also, dozens of people were killed on Monday when a twin-propeller plane crashed as it tried to land in bad weather in the eastern Congolese town of Goma. It was not immediately clear how many people were on board the Fokker 50, which was operated by domestic airline CAA. A government spokesman said that, as the plane was loaded with cargo, it was not carrying its full capacity of 50 passengers. Local authorities said at least three people survived the crash.

More People Killed as Protests Spread in Guinea

Two more people were killed in clashes between government and opposition supporters in Guinea, officials said on Tuesday, as election protests fuelled by ethnic rivalries spread to more towns. The toll from the protests has reached at least eight dead and some 220 injured since the opposition took to the streets on Wednesday saying the government was attempting to steal legislative elections scheduled for May. Guinea's main human rights watchdog, OGDH, said that one protester had been shot dead when security forces opened fire in the capital. On Tuesday, OGDH President Thierno Maadjou Sow said another victim killed by a gunshot had been discovered. Witnesses in Conakry accuse security forces of carrying out reprisals against opposition supporters. Police spokesman Mamadou Alpha Barry said some officers may have made errors. Gunfire broke out on Monday shortly after Guinea's main opposition leaders boycotted a meeting called by President Alpha Conde to discuss preparations for May's vote, meant to complete a transition to civilian rule after the 2008 coup.

UN Golan Team Held in Syria

About 20 UN observers have been detained by about 30 armed fighters in the Golan Heights on the Syria-Israel border, the UN has confirmed. The UN said the observers were monitoring a ceasefire between Syria and Israel. A team is being despatched from the UN mission to assess the situation. UN deputy spokesman Eduardo del Buey said the observers were on "a regular supply mission" when they were stopped near Observation Post 58 by the armed men. He said the post had sustained damage and was evacuated over the past weekend following "heavy combat in close proximity". The UN has had its monitors in the area since the 1974 ceasefire between Israel and Syria. Israel has occupied the Golan Heights since 1967 and later annexed the territory - in a move that is not internationally recognised.

Dozens of Militants Killed in Mali

Dozens of Islamist militants in Mali have been reportedly killed in the bloodiest phase of the conflict, according to French and Chadian authorities. French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said his country and Chadian troops were now involved in a “pincer movement” against rebels based in the Ametettai valley. Le Drian warned that the high-risk operation in the rugged terrain was likely to go on for some time because of the need to secure neighbouring valleys. Also, French officials said their operation in the Ifoghas, during which troops have seized more than 50 weapons caches, has already confirmed their worst fears regarding the “industrial” scale of AQIM and its allies’ operation in Mali. Meanwhile, the head of the EU training mission in Mali announced that a first battalion of Malian troops trained by EU instructors should be operational by July. This is as Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), on Monday, confirmed the death of another prominent militant, Abdelhamid Abou Zeid, but insisted that Belmokhtar was still alive and fighting.

North Korea Ends Peace Pacts with South Korea

North Korea says it is scrapping all non-aggression pacts with South Korea, closing its hotline with Seoul and shutting their shared border point. This follows a fresh round of UN sanctions as punishment for its nuclear test in February. The hotline, installed in 1971, is intended as a means of direct communication at a time of high tension, but is also used to co-ordinate the passage of people and goods through the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone. Seoul's defence ministry spokesman, Kim Min-seok, warned that in response to any provocation from the North, it would immediately turn the US-South Korean military drills currently being conducted "into a punishment mode. US ambassador to the UN Susan Rice said the sanctions would "further constrain" North Korea's ability to develop its nuclear programme. She warned that the UN would "take further significant actions" if the North carried out another nuclear test.

Al Qaeda Spokesman, Abu Ghaith, Arrested

A man described as a spokesman for Osama Bin Laden has been arrested and will be tried in New York City, the US has confirmed. Sulaiman Abu Ghaith was captured penultimate week in Jordan. Abu Ghaith is Bin Laden's son-in-law and played a role in plotting the attacks of 9/11, US officials said. A teacher and mosque preacher in Kuwait, Abu Ghaith was stripped of his Kuwaiti citizenship after 9/11. US Justice Department officials say Abu Ghaith served alongside Bin Laden from May 2001 to 2002, speaking on behalf of al-Qaeda and warning that attacks similar to 9/11 would continue.