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Week 1 Security Report

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

52 Killed In Renewed Ebonyi Communal Clash

At least 52 persons have been killed in a resurgence of the Ezza/Ezillo inter-communal strife in Ebonyi State on Saturday. Most of those who allegedly lost their lives in the latest incidence were children under the ages of two and three years, old women and middle-aged persons, including a divisional crime officer attached to the Ezillo police station in Ishielu council area of the state. The Ezza people claim that their Ezillo neighbours farming on their land that was deserted after the government ordered them to relocate to another place provoked the crisis on Saturday. Eyewitness said some unknown persons, armed with lethal weapons, allegedly sneaked into Ezillo at about 5:30am and started shooting and setting buildings ablaze. Meanwhile, the state police command has sent for reinforcement from the Zone 6 command, to restore normalcy in the area.

Robbers Kill Traffic Officials in PH

Three persons, including two traffic officials, were on Thursday killed by suspected armed robbers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The hoodlums, who were suspected to be fleeing after raiding a yet-to-be-identified area, shot sporadically, killing two officials of the state-owned Traffic Management Agency known as TIMARIV and a pedestrian. While the pedestrian was killed on Okija Street, the two TIMARIV officials (a man and a woman) were shot on Agudama Road, D-Line in the state capital at about 7.45am. The state commissioner for transport pledged to assist the families of the victims and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book. He urged TIMARIV officials not to be deterred.

Generator Fume Kills Six in Ebonyi

Six members of a family lost their lives after inhaling fumes from a power generating set, while other six persons are currently receiving treatment at the intensive care unit of Presbyterian Joint Hospital, Uburu, Ebonyi State. Giving more details of the incident, a witness said that the incident occurred at night when the family went to bed, adding that they slept without putting off the generator in the passage of their house or shutting the door to their rooms. It was gathered that of the 12 that slept in the room, six were confirmed dead while six others, including their parents, are still in the hospital. The Police Public Relations Officer, Ebonyi State command, Mr. John Eluu who confirmed the incident, said the six survivors were still in critical condition.

Gunmen Abduct Man, Kill Wife

An Abuja based business man, Hyacinth Ibe, was on Wednesday, kidnapped from his hometown of Umuoti Village, in Ikeduru LGA of Imo State. Ibe was abducted by a fiveman- gang that broke into his house, shot his two daughters and killed his wife, Alice. While his two daughters are receiving treatment at the intensive care unit of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owerri, the corpse of his wife has been deposited at the Aladinma Hospital, morgue, Owerri. Ironically, Ibe, who is still in captivity as at the time of filing this report, is not aware that his wife, Alice was killed in the episode, even as the abductors are demanding 10 million as ransom for his release. It was further learnt that Ibe's vehicle was later recovered and now packed at the Police Station in Iho.

Fire Razes Court of Appeal Building in Calabar

The Court of Appeal in Calabar, Cross River State reputed to be the oldest law court in the country was in the early hours of Friday razed by fire. The fire, which sources said started at about 1:00 am, burnt all documents, exhibits, records, past judgements, cash and furniture on the ground and first floors of the wooden building that was prefabricated in Europe in the 19th century and shipped to Calabar, the then capital of the Southern Nigeria Oil Protectorate. One of the security men on duty, now in police net, Effiom Ene, said the fire started from the chamber of the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Garba and spread to other chambers and offices in the complex. He said men of the State Fire Service were alerted of the incident but came when the entire building had been gutted.

Soldiers on Alert in Abia, Imo, Enugu, Port Harcourt

As part of strategy to strengthen security and put troops on alert, soldiers from the 82 Division of Nigerian Army, Enugu, who are currently maintaining security in Abia, Imo and other parts of the South East zone and South/South, Sunday, embarked on show of force. The show of force, which took place in major cities as Aba, Umuahia, Owerri, Enugu and Port Harcourt, amongst others, was carried by the commanders of the troops. According to the Assistant Army Public Relations of 82 Division, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, who confirmed the exercise, the essence was to ensure security in the areas.

Vigilante Foil Alleged Attempt to Bomb UNN

An attempt to bomb the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, by members of the Boko Haram sect has been foiled by police and the neighbourhood watch, in Udenu LGA of Enugu State on the eve of Christmas. Source said the neighbourhood watch cited a man with strange movement and alien dressing, accosted him for clarification, explaining that he confessed his membership of the Boko Haram sect on a mission to bomb the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The alleged Boko Haram member came out of a forest where he and his accomplices had stayed for several days to buy cigarette but could not locate his way back to the forest before his arrest.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Shell Oil Spills Spread to Communities in Delta State

The crude oil volumes that spilled from Bonga deep-water field has started arriving the coastal communities in Delta state, sparking off a spate of public outcry over the dreaded impact on the fragile environment. The communities have called on the federal government and Shell to take immediate steps to halt the spill to avoid further damage to their land and sources of water. Shell had reported spill of 40, 000 barrels or 6.5 million litres of crude oil from operated Bonga oilfield. Residents of some communities in Burutu LGA of Delta state had complained of a heavy flow of substance suspected to be crude oil into their territory Deputy Director of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Captain Warredi Enisuoh, who led the delegation to one of the communities, urged Shell to rush to the area to contain the spill.

Six Children Hurt as Blast Hits Islamic School in Sapele

A blast hit an Islamic school in Sapele, Delta state on Tuesday, leaving at least six children injured. One adult was said to have also sustained some injuries but no death was reported. A militant group from the Niger Delta claimed responsibility for the attack as reprisal for the deadly Christmas day bombings by Boko Haram. Egbesu Mightier Fraternity said it was ready to retaliate by killing Muslims in Southern Nigeria. An improvised explosive device is thought to have caused the explosion. Unidentified persons in a moving vehicle were suspected to have thrown the device into the compound near the kiosk and sped off. The incident occurred at the Quranic School and Islamic Centre on Urhobo Road close the central mosque where a blast was reported on December 10.

Man Dies in Hotel Room, Another Drowns

The Edo State Police Command have begun investigations into what led to the death of a middle-aged man in a hotel room in Benin City. The man was found dead in the early hours of Monday. He was said to have lodged in the hotel with a lady on Christmas Eve, when the ugly incident occurred. Investigation showed that no injury was on his body as at the time of his death, although sources said some groups, suspected to be secret cult members, had allegedly clashed within the area. Similarly, 16-year-old Eghosa Osagie got drowned in a swimming pool at the Naomi Garden recreation park. Workers on duty at the recreation garden disclosed that the late Osagie made a sudden dive into the deepest part of the swimming pool moments after he arrived at the garden and did not come out.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

NDLEA Nabs South African with 55 Wraps of Narcotics

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 38-year-old South African woman, Nene Fikil, for alleged drug trafficking. The spokesman of the NDLEA, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed that the suspect was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, on December 17. He said Fikil was trying to board an Emirates Airline plane when she developed stomach pain and called for medical assistance. "Under observation, she excreted 55 wraps of a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine, weighing 700 grammes; preliminary investigation revealed that she travelled to Malaysia from South Africa.

Police Detain Mother of Murder Suspect

A middle-age woman (names withheld) has been detained by the police in Akure, Ondo State, over the disappearance of her son who was alleged to have caused the death of a man following an argument over the payment of an outstanding debt said to be owed by the suspect. According to a source, the deceased and the suspect were said to have locked horns over a telephone handset, which was said to have been sold by the suspect to the deceased. Trouble started a few weeks after the deceased discovered that the handset sold to him failed to function, a development, which was said to have led him to seek a refund from the suspect. The suspect was said to have paid part of the money with a promise to pay the balance but later reneged on his promise.

Septuagenarian Kidnapped in Ondo

A 72-year-old retired Navy Capt., Akintade Dumiju, was kidnapped on Wednesday night by five gunmen at his residence in Okitipupa, Ondo State. Elder brother of the victim, Chief Ade Dumiju, expressed shock at the incident. Chief Dumiju said his brother struggled with the gunman before he was eventually over powered by the remaining four armed men. "They took him away in their own car with his two cell phones. When we tried calling the lines, they rang but nobody picked the calls until the phones were switched off.

Man Remanded in Prison over Alleged Possession of Explosives

A 30-year-old man, Gambo Abdullahi, has been remanded in prison custody for an alleged possession of explosives. Abdullahi was arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrates' Court, in Osun State, on Wednesday and was charged with alleged conspiracy and possession of explosives. Police prosecutor, Arawole Jimoh, told the court that the accused and one Ismaila Garo, who is now at large, on December 15, conspired to unlawfully possess explosives. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge. Senior Magistrate Olusola Aluko ordered that the accused be remanded in the Ilesa prison and directed the counsel for the accused, Mr Taiwo Awokunle, to file a formal bail application. The case was adjourned to January 24, 2012.

NDLEA Intercepts N100m Drugs at MMIA

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) last weekend foiled two major attempts by suspected drug syndicates to import 4kg of high grade cocaine from Brazil and 5.1kg of heroin from Pakistan. The spectacular seizures with an estimated street value of over N100 million were recorded in two separate operations at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos. Three prime suspects arrested in connection with the illegal importation are currently being quizzed by anti-narcotic officials. A total of 9.800kg of narcotics was intercepted; 4kg of cocaine was hidden inside bed sheets and engine pistons; 700grammes of cocaine was ingested while 5.1kg of heroin was concealed in a false layer of a luggage.

Two Killed In Lagos Crash

Two persons on Friday lost their lives and four others sustained major injuries in an early morning accident that involved two trucks, a 911 and a mini-truck, in Mazamaza area of Amuwo Odofin LGA Lagos. According to an eyewitness, the break of the 911 truck, loaded with cement and heading towards Mazamaza from Mile Two, failed while descending from the Mile Two-Mazamaza bridge. The witness disclosed that in a bid to halt the movement of the truck, the driver drove into the culverts used by a construction firm to demarcate its construction site, crushing some Muslim clerics. Two died on the spot while three others sustained injuries. The truck also rammed into a motorcycle, chopping off one of the legs of the rider.

GENERAL

Jonathan Declares Emergency in Four States

President Goodluck Jonathan, on Saturday, declared a state of emergency in 15 local government areas covering Borno, Yobe, Plateau and Niger States as he vowed to smoke out Boko Haram insurgents and their sponsors to end their audacious attacks. Jonathan, who declared emergency rule in the four states during a visit to St. Theresa's Catholic Church, Madalla, where over 40 persons were killed in a bomb attack on Christmas day, said he was poised to end the reign of terror in the country. He Jonathan directed the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector General of Police to take measures to protect the lives and property of residents in the affected parts of the country. The Senate and other prominent Nigerians have supported this move.

Muslim Leaders Condemn Christmas Day Bombings

The umbrella Islamic body for Muslims in the North, the Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI), on Monday, condemned the Christmas day bombing of St. Theresa's Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State and another church in Jos, Plateau State, saying it is not in a religious war against Christians. Both incidents claimed the lives of over 40 persons. But the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and FCT warned that the attacks may spark a religious war. Secretary General of JNI, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, while reacting to the bombings, tasked security agencies to fish out the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

Blast Kills Four in Maiduguri Mosque

Five days after a number of bombs targeted Christian churches, the ugly spectre switched to a mosque with an explosion killing four in Maiduguri after Friday prayers. The incident happened as Muslim faithful left a mosque after Friday prayers, the military and residents said. A spokesman for a military task force in the region confirmed the blast but could not immediately provide details. Nigerian army spokesman, Brig Gen Isa blamed the Islamist group, Boko Haram. The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) had foiled attempts to bomb some churches within Maiduguri metropolis earlier in the week.

FRSC Prosecutes 600 Traffic Offenders

The Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC) has arrested and arraigned 600 motorists before mobile courts between December 20 and 23 for contravening various traffic rules and regulations. This was contained in a statement by Mr. Nseobong Akpabio, FRSC's Public Education Officer, in Abuja. The statement quoted the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the commission, Mr. Osita Chidoka, as saying that the exercise was part of efforts to ensure free flow of traffic during the festivities.

Security Agencies Beef Up Security at HQs

Security agencies, including the Defence Headquarters, Nigeria Police Force and the State Security Service on Monday introduced enhanced measures to contain attacks by the violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram. Analysts say the heightening of security may have been the authorities' response to the Christmas Day multiple bombings in Niger, Yobe and Plateau states in which about 40 people were killed and many others wounded. There were speculations that the numbers of casualties in the bombings of the church early on Sunday as parishioners were celebrating the Nativity Mass could be more than the authorities announced. Also on Monday, the Senate President, David Mark, described the bombings as a declaration of war against the people of the country.

US, France Pledge to Join Battle against Boko Haram

The United States and France have pledged to support the Nigerian government to battle the menace of the Boko Haram sect. The US made the pledge on Monday as it condemned the Christmas Day terrorist attacks on St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Madalla, near Suleja which led to the death of several people and injury to many others. The U.S. promised to help Nigeria find those responsible for the Christmas Day bombings. John Campbell, a former U.S. ambassador to Nigeria, says Boko Haram has given voice to what he calls "a cloud of inchoate rage shaped by Islam" that has brewed among northerners. The spokesman of the French ministry of foreign affairs, Bernard Valero, said that his country would hold discussions with Nigeria to identify the best means of helping it fight any form of terrorism and see to compliance with law and order.

FG Seeks Support of Neighbouring Countries to Tackle Boko Haram

President Goodluck Jonathan has called on neighbouring countries to cooperate with Nigeria in the effort to stop Boko Haram, because "the perpetrators pass through borders at will". This is even as he has again given assurance that federal government will fight Boko Haram. He gave the assurance when he had audience with the Deputy Prime Minister of Niger Republic, Mr. Mohammed Bazoum, who brought a condolence message for the Christmas day bombings and solidarity message from President Issoufou Mahamadou.

Six Die In Taraba Communal Clash

Six people have been killed and property worth millions of naira razed in an on-going communal clash between the Tiv community and the Fulani in Chanchangi Ward of Takum Local Council of Taraba State. Demavea Village, which is one of the settlements of the Tiv people in the community, has become a ghost town as all houses in it have been burnt down. The crisis, which broke out in the early hours of Monday, was allegedly caused by members of one of the communities who raised a false alarm on the sudden disappearance of one of their kinsmen and pointed accusing fingers at a neighbouring community for the disappearance. Sources said that the rampaging herdsmen invaded the Tiv settlement, shooting indiscriminately, burning down houses, huts and farm produce of their victims.

7 Killed as Cholera Breaks Out in Katsina

Katsina State has been hit by a cholera outbreak with no fewer than seven lives lost so far. The Director of Epidiology and Disease Control in the state Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. A.T Hamza, said on Friday that about 77 others, infected with the disease, were receiving treatment in the hospital. He attributed the outbreak to poor sanitation and drinking of contaminated water. The Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Danladi Nasidi, urged residents of rural areas to desist from drinking contaminated water.

Gunmen Raid Kogi Lawmaker's Residence

Armed men in police uniform attacked the people of Odolu community in Igalamala/Odolu LGA of Kogi State, on Christmas day. It was gathered that the armed men, numbering 65, shot sporadically forcing residents to run for cover as they moved to the residence of a lawmaker in the Kogi State House of Assembly, Honourable Friday Makama. While the lawmaker escaped through the back door, the gunmen ransacked the house and assaulted his aged father and members of his family before carting away items, including N5million constituency funds and destroyed property worth several millions naira. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Smart Adeyemi, has formally written Inspector General of Police (IGP), Hafiz Ringim over breakdown of law and order in Kogi West Senatorial District. The breakdown of law and order, according to him, is due to disarming of policemen in the area by armed robbers.

Police Arrest 4 in Jos over Attempted Bombing

Following attempt to bomb the Mountain of Fire and Miracle Church in Jos, residents of Gad Biu area of the city were on Monday thrown into confusion, as news went round that a man had been arrested while trying to plant a bomb to blow up a bridge. Meanwhile, the state police Commissioner, Mr. Dipo Ayeni, disclosed that four persons arrested in connection with the attempt to bomb the Mountain of Fire and Miracle Church on Murtala Muhammed Way by the men of the Special Task Force on Jos crisis have been handed over to the state police command for further investigations.

Shell Claims Oil Leak Largely Dispersed

Days after about 40,000 barrels of crude oil leaked during a routine operation to transfer oil from Bonga's Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel to an oil tanker, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) weekend confirmed that the leak had largely dispersed. Minister of Environment, Hajia Hadiza Ibrahim Mailafia, had stated that the clean-up of the environment, which was undertaken by various local and international experts, would be completed within the next six weeks. But in a statement Sunday night, the Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, stated that "SNEPCo's robust response and the natural weathering process have helped bring a swift end to this incident.

Supreme Court Affirms Jonathan's Victory

The Supreme Court has put a judicial seal of approval on President Goodluck Jonathan's victory at the April 16, 2011 presidential polls. In affirming Jonathan as the validly elected President, the apex court on Wednesday dismissed the appeal by the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) for failing to prove that its claims of non-compliance with the 2010 Electoral Act by the electoral umpire substantially affected the outcome of the polls. Although the CPC was without its presidential candidate, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, in the bid to nullify Jonathan's victory following his pledge not to challenge the outcome in court, he however deplored the apex court's ruling.

Road Accidents Claim 143 in Katsina

No fewer than 143 people have died and 424 others injured in motor accidents in Katsina State since January, according to the Sector Command of Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC), Alhaji Habu Dauda. Dauda said in spite of the reduction in the number of accidents during the year, there were 27 more deaths compared to the 116 persons who died the year before. Dauda attributed most of the accidents to recklessness among road users and expressed concern over the activities of commercial motorcyclists whom he blamed for most accidents in urban areas.

96 People Affected In Madalla Bomb Blast

The Federal Government, on Wednesday, gave the figure of those who were affected in Christmas day bombing at Madalla by the Boko Haram as 96, while 34 out of the victims were confirmed dead. The Federal Government also declared that it would pay the medical bills of the victims, irrespective of the degree of their injuries. Besides, a committee has been set up to provide support and counselling for the relatives of those who survived. Minister of Heath, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, expressed satisfaction at the level of care being received by the victims, saying that the patients were doing very well. No fewer than 10,000 people marched in Zonkwa, headquarters of Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State denouncing and condemning the Christmas Day bombing of a church in Madalla, near Suleja, Niger State, where about 30 people were killed and several others injured. The protesters called for a united action against terrorism.

Boko Haram Gives Reason for Xmas Day Bombings

The Boko Haram Islamist sect has claimed responsibility for the Christmas Day bombings that killed about 40 people at a church in Madalla, Niger State. Spokesman of the sect, Abul-Qaqa on Tuesday said his group was responsible for all the attacks that took place in some parts of the country on Christmas Day, adding that the attacks were carried out to avenge the alleged killings of some Muslims in Jos during the Islamic festival, Eid-el Fitr. Abul-Qaqa said the attacks were meant to prove that no amount of surveillance by security agents would deter his members from doing whatever they planned to do. Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said about 10, 000 persons in Yobe State might have been displaced by the Boko Haram onslaught.

Malaysia-Bound Flights Placed on NDLEA Watch List

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Ahmadu Giade has placed all Malaysia-bound flights on alert. The drastic measure, according to the NDLEA boss, is necessitated by the increasing number of arrests made on the route and the need to prevent obstinate drug traffickers from smuggling drugs to Malaysia where drug offences attract capital punishment. Giade also called for the understanding of airlines and passengers travelling to Malaysia to submit to security screening which had been intensified on the Nigeria-Malaysia route.

3 Killed in Benue Cult Clashes

Bloody clashes by rival cult groups on Benue state, Tuesday, left no fewer than four persons dead in Makurdi. Crisis broke out at the Wadata area of the town when members of the groups engaged themselves in a heated argument over a lady. According to our source, the argument culminated in the use of gun and other dangerous weapons leading to the instant death of two members of the cult groups. A similar scenario played out at Wurukum area of the town on Christmas Eve, leading to the death of another young man. The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Ejike Alaribe, confirmed the incident.

Three Killed as Hoodlums Invade Plateau Village

Three members of a family in Wereng community in Riyom Council of Plateau State were on Tuesday night killed as suspected bandits invaded the village. The mother of the deceased, Mrs. Mary Pam, in an emotion-laden voice, said that around 11:00 pm she heard gunshots and had to escape through the window to the nearest community to raise alarm and because of the alarm, many people woke up and the attackers could not do much harm but had to run away. And the people thereafter mobilised and saw that three people were already gunned down. According to the victims' father, Mr. Francis Pam, the deceased were his son, his wife and his granddaughter.

Eight Injured as Farmers, Herdsmen Clash

A gang of cattle-rearers has clashed with farmers in Lemu and Dabu villages in Gwoza Council area of Borno State over pastures and the alleged failure of the farmers to evacuate crops on their farmlands on Wednesday. The herdsmen, who allegedly wielded bows, arrows and spears, attacked the farmers, injuring eight people as the farmers tried to drive away the cattle destroying crops from their farmlands. The Borno State Police Commissioner, Simeon Midenda, confirmed the clashes.

Azazi Admits Difficulty in Policing Nigeria

National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Andrew Azazi, has admitted that it was absolutely difficult to man every point in the country when there are security problems. Gen Azazi, while assuring that the security operatives were working to ensure they are ahead of the situation, regretted that it was difficult to police all trouble spots. Azazi added that there is the need for public participation so that there must be co-operation between security and the society for us to make progress". He said that changes in the leadership of the nation's security agencies were no solution to the spate of violence in the country.

Suspected Herdsmen Kill 4 in Adamawa

Tragedy struck in Adamawa State on Monday, when the Chairman of Miyetti Allah, an umbrella organisation of Fulani herdsmen in the state, Ardo Idi Kawu Malabu, was shot dead alongside three others by unknown assailants. The death of the four herdsmen, however, coincided with a pledge by Zamfara State Government that it had resolved to purchase bullet proof patrol vehicles to enhance security operations in the 14 LGAs of the state. The state Secretary of the Miyetti Allah group, Mallam Umar Dawa, said Malabu was killed alongside three other Fulani chiefs at Farang with arrows, while four of their members serving as vigilante where taken to an unknown destination. Dawa explained that the assailants appear to be foreign Fulani herdsmen.

15 Injured as Hoodlums Attack Gombe Hotel

No fewer than 15 people were injured in an explosion that occurred at a hotel located in the outskirts of Gombe. The hotel's manager, Mr. Ojiego Nelson, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Gombe on Thursday that three persons came to the hotel at about 10.13p.m on Wednesday to detonate a device. Nelson said he was at the gate of the hotel when the men, who were carrying guns, started manhandling the security man. When he asked what was happening, they started shooting sporadically. The manager said that as soon as the incident happened, all the customers vacated their rooms in the hotel. He said the incident was immediately reported to the Divisional Police Officer in Tumfure, Mr. Hassan Bappa, who came to the scene with his men.

Suspect Dies in Kano Police Custody

Twenty two-year-old suspected drug user, Naziru Shehu, has died in mysterious circumstances under police custody Kano state. Shehu was arrested alongside few others at a football field after the police raided the area called Yammata in Bachirawa area. He had been in Police custody for three days before his corpse was deposited at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital last Saturday. According to the deceased's father Mallam Shehu Usman, when all efforts to trace him were unsuccessful until a neighbour advised them to check with hospitals as he heard that one of those who escaped the arrest, was hit and sustained injuries. It was there they found his body.

INTERNATIONAL

Ethiopia Jails Swedish Journalist on Charges of Terrorism

A court in Ethiopia on Tuesday sentenced two Swedish journalists to 11 years in prison on charges of supporting terrorism after the two illegally entered the country with an ethnic Somali rebel group in a case that has been criticized by media rights groups. Judge Shemsu Sirgaga ruled that the two freelance journalists — Johan Persson and Martin Schibbye — will serve "rigorous imprisonment" following their convictions last week. Ethiopian troops had captured Persson and Schibbye six months ago during a clash with rebels in eastern Ethiopia's restive Somali region, a no-go area for reporters. Ethiopia considers the rebel group a terrorist organization, and it is very difficult for journalists to gain access to the region. The judge has accused the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) of organizing the Swedes' journey starting in London.

North Korea Declares Kim Jong-Un Military Chief

North Korea said Saturday its new leader Kim Jong-Un has formally been appointed supreme commander of the 1.2 million-strong military. Jong-Un had already been declared "supreme leader" of the country during memorial ceremonies for his late father Kim Jong- Il on Thursday, as the nation ended 13 days of mourning. Jong-Un, in his late 20s, was made a four-star general in September 2010 and given important party posts as his father groomed him for the country's second dynastic succession. He was swiftly proclaimed "great successor" after Kim senior died of a heart attack on December 17 at the age of 69. Saturday's statement was the first official confirmation of his accession to the role.

Car Bomb Kills Eight in Pakistan

A car bomb Friday killed eight Pakistanis in the southwest city of Quetta, which is the capital of Baluchistan province neighbouring Afghanistan and Iran, police said. The car exploded in front of the house of the son of a former federal minister, Naseer Mengal, causing the deaths of eight people and wounding at least 18 others. The police officials said that it was unclear whether the driver was inside the car or left it after parking. Police said that the majority of the people killed in the blast were passers-by. Baluchistan is gripped by a regional insurgency for self-determination. It is also a flashpoint for Taliban and sectarian violence.

Cyclone Kills 16 in India

A severe cyclone packing winds tore into India's south-eastern coast on Friday, killing at least 16 people. Cyclone Thane lashed the coast between Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu state and the territory of Pondicherry on Friday, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The damage and loss of life in these two places was mainly caused by strong winds, heavy rainfall and storm surges that led to the collapse of old, rickety buildings. Indian meteorological officials predicted "heavy to very heavy" rainfall over places in Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Kerala and Karnataka during the next 24 hours.

Soldiers on Rampage in Guinea-Bissau over Pay

A military coup led by renegade troops was foiled on Monday in Guinea-Bissau, the head of the army said. "A small group of soldiers" tried to "topple the top brass of the army and the government," but failed, General Antonio Indjai said. Soldiers demanding better pay attacked the headquarters of the armed forces and fanned out across the streets of the former Portuguese colony's capital. The country's president Malam Bacai Sanha is undergoing treatment in France. General Indjai was inside the headquarters compound in the central district of Bissau Velho when the renegade soldiers attacked but spoke to journalists from a military base in Bissalanca near the airport. Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President Goodluck Jonathan, has warned dissident soldiers, against unconstitutional change of government for whatever reason they may advance.

Pirates Attack Italian Tanker off Oman Coast

An Italian tanker with 18 people on board was hijacked off the coast of Oman, officials said Tuesday. The chemical product tanker, Enrico Ievoli, was on its way from the United Arab Emirates to the Mediterranean Sea when it was seized, according to the company that owns the ship. It was carrying caustic soda. Of the 18 people on board, six are Italian nationals, five are Ukrainian and seven are Indian, the company said.

Syrian Forces Kill 13 Protesters

Regime forces fired on protesters at a protest hub near Damascus and killed at least 13 people around Syria on Thursday, even as peace monitors spread out across the country, activists said. At least four demonstrators were killed and more than 20 others wounded in Douma, the protest centre just north of the capital, when security forces sprayed protesters with bullets outside a mosque, a rights group said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the shooting broke out as Arab League observers arrived at Douma's city hall, on the third day of a mission designed to halt a lethal government crackdown on dissent. Five members of the security forces were also killed in a shooting in the city of Homs, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Assad, 46, has signed up to an Arab League plan for a verifiable withdrawal of his troops from cities.

Turkish Air Strikes Kill 35 Kurdish Villagers

Turkish air strikes killed 35 Kurdish villagers in the southeast near the Iraqi border early Thursday, an official of the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) said. Provincial officials found 35 bodies at Ortasu village in Sirnak province, Councillor Ertan Eris said from the bombing site. Local security sources said the group was smuggling gas and sugar into Turkey from northern Iraq and may have been mistaken for Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) rebels. The PKK, which took up arms in Kurdish-majority south-eastern Turkey in 1984, sparking a conflict that has claimed about 45,000 lives, is labelled a terrorist organisation by Ankara and much of the international community.

Warehouse Blast Kills 17 in Myanmar

A large pre-dawn explosion at a warehouse in Myanmar's biggest city Yangon on Thursday killed at least 17 people and injured dozens but was not caused by a bomb, an official said. At least 17 people, including four fire-fighters, had died, while 79 people were injured, including around 30 firemen, another government official told AFP. Fire-fighters battled for hours to douse the flames and finally succeeded in extinguishing the massive fire at around 6:45am, leaving behind a scene of utter devastation. The second government official said the blast had created a large crater and damaged several warehouses and around 50 houses in the area, most of them wooden dwellings.

China Police Kill Suspected Hostage-Takers

China said Thursday a police operation to free hostages in the restive Xinjiang region had left seven "terrorists" dead. The incident is the latest reported violent confrontation in the region. The Xinjiang government said that a "violent terrorist group" kidnapped two people in the north-western region's Pishan County late Wednesday night, prompting a stand-off with police. During the stand-off in the county in southern Xinjiang, the kidnappers killed one police officer and wounded another. Police opened fire and killed seven of the suspects, and wounded and arrested four others, it added. The two hostages were subsequently rescued, it said, without providing further details. But Dilxat Raxit, spokesman for the World Uighur Congress, an exile group, described the incident as a protest by local Uighurs prompted by mounting discontent over a police crackdown and religious repression in the area. He said seven Uighurs were "publicly" shot dead.

Wanted Drug Traffickers Arrested

Federal police say one of the United States' most-wanted drug traffickers has been arrested at Mexico City's airport. U.S. authorities offered a reward of up to $5 million for Luis Rodriguez Olivera, or "Whitey." Olivera and his brother Esteban are accused of smuggling tons of cocaine and methamphetamine into Europe and the U.S. Luis Olivera was indicted in U.S. federal court in 2009 on cocaine-smuggling conspiracy and related charges. Federal police said in a statement that the 39-year-old was arrested Tuesday.

Gunman Kills Aid Worker in Mogadishu

A gunman on Thursday killed a Western aid worker and seriously wounded his Indonesian colleague when he opened fire at the Doctors without Borders' compound in Mogadishu. It was not immediately clear what motivated the attack. Doctors without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres - MSF) confirmed that such an incident took place inside its compound in the Somali capital but was unable to comment on casualties. Witnesses said an argument broke out in the compound and the gunman started shooting. It was not clear whether he was detained or managed to escape.

Syria Releases 755 Protesters Detained

Syrian authorities have released 755 people detained during the nine-month-old uprising against President Bashar al-Assad. According to the state media, the prisoners had been involved "in recent incidents" but their "hands were not stained with blood." However, the UN said more than 14,000 people are in detention and 5,000 have been killed as a result of the state's crackdown. Under a peace plan of the Arab League, all detained protesters must be freed. Meanwhile, the head of the Arab League observer mission earlier described the situation in the restive central city of Homs as "reassuring". Syria's troops suspended days of punishing attacks on the restive city of Homs and began withdrawing its tanks yesterday just as Arab League monitors visited the area and met with local leaders, according to activists and officials.

Iran Threatens to Block Oil Route over Sanctions

A warning has been issued by Iran that it might close a vital oil-trade route if the West imposes more sanctions over its controversial nuclear programme. The reports quoted Vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi as warning that "not a drop of oil will pass through the Strait of Hormuz" if sanctions are widened. The United States (U.S.) and its allies believe Iran is trying to develop a nuclear weapon, Iran insists its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes. Western nations recently unveiled new sanctions against Iran following a UN report that said Iran had carried out tests related to "development of a nuclear device". Further measures being considered to target Iran's oil and financial sectors have brought a furious response from Iran.