TRAGIC PHOTOS: Scenes of terror and grief at the US primary school shooting

In what is being described as the worst school shooting tragedy in America, yesterday, a lone gunman identified as 20-year-old, Adam Lanza, entered a US primary school, Sandy Hook Elemetary School on a rampage killing 26 people before turning the gun on himself. 20 of his victims were children. This tragedy has brought America, its President, and the world to tears.

See tragic photos below from the scene of the crimes courtesy NY Daily News.

This satellite image provided by Google shows the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

The cars of parents rushing to pick up their children and media vans pack the street outside Sandy Hook Elementary School after news broke of the shooting on Dec. 14, 2012.

State Police swarmed the scene at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14, 2012. Newtown, Conn. is a small town about 60 miles northeast of New York City.

Family members embrace each other outside Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14, 2012.

Gov. Dan P. Malloy (r.) talks with officials at a staging area following the shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14, 2012. The Governor has been described as "horrified" by the morning's events.

A young girl is comforted by family and ambulance workers outside the Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14, 2012.

Three guns have already been associated with the shooter, who died at the scene. Witnesses said the shooter was masked. The mass murderer has been described as a 20-year-old man.

Dad Stephen Delgiadice said his 8-year-old daughter, who escaped unharmed, reported hearing two big bangs before teachers told her to get in a corner. "It's alarming, especially in Newtown, Connecticut, which we always thought was the safest place in America," he said. Here, a parent picks up his child from Sandy Hook Elementary School after the shooting.

Emergency personnel set up a temporary workstation in the school's parking lot following the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut on Dec. 14, 2012.

A man mourns nearby Sandy Hook Elementary School where a gunman opened fire on school children and staff on Dec. 14, 2012.

Relatives react to the scene of the shooting outside Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14, 2012.

Cops and State Police swarmed the scene looking for the shooter on Dec. 14, 2012. The police presence at the elementary school was described as a "platoon" of state troopers.

A building in Newtown, Conn. has already been set up to counsel family members affected by the shooting on Dec. 14, 2012. Here, a woman is consoled as she weeps outside this building.

Students were sent to a nearby firehouse as a safe place after the shooting. Grieving parents rushed in to pick up their children after the shooting.

Sandy Hook Elementary School was filled with emotion, tears and horror as family members rushed to the scene of the crime after learning of the shooting on Dec. 14, 2012.

Family members and local residents mourn together at a local firehouse that was set up as a safe house following the shooting on the morning of Dec. 14, 2012.

A young boy is comforted outside Sandy Hook Elementary School, the scene of a shooting on Dec. 14, 2012 that has already claimed 28 lives.

A sign in Newtown, Conn. outside a local deli reads "Say a Prayer" on Dec. 14, 2012.

A local boy weeps as he is told what happened at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14, 2012. This boy was picked up from another local school, Reed Intermediate School. All schools in town were put on lockdown as details from the shooting emerged.

The terror experienced inside the Sandy Hook school weighs not only on the children, but also on the devastated family members who rushed to the scene to find their young children and family members who worked at the school.

Twenty children were killed by the rampage; 18 were found deceased at the scene, 2 died at local hospitals. President Obama spoke to the nation and through his tears, he hit on the fact that while many children survived the attack, their innocence has been taken away from them far too early.

Terrified children told news reporters they heard the gunshots as their teachers hustled them to safety. Amazing stories of courage and bravery from the elementary school staff are emerging as more children recount their terrifying morning inside the school.

President Obama addressed the nation in an emotional press conference on Dec. 14, 2012. As he usually does, the President spoke as an American and a parent. "They had their entire lives ahead of them – birthdays, graduations, weddings, kids of their own," he said as he fought back tears. "I know there's not a parent in America who doesn't feel the same overwhelming grief that I do."

The shooting has claimed the lives of close to 30 children and teachers, making it one of the deadliest mass shootings in the history of the United States.

A woman waits to hear about her sister, a teacher inside Sandy Hook Elementary School, outside the school on Dec. 14, 2012. The gunman opened fire around 9:40 a.m. inside the school's main office. The shooting was said to have been contained in one section of the school building, including two classrooms as well as the front office.

The school was first locked down and once it was deemed secure, all children and staff were evacuated to a staging area outside the building. Here, children are safely evacuated from Sandy Hook Elementary School by State Police after a masked gunman entered the building and opened fire the morning of Dec. 14, 2012.

The victims were robbed of their lives, while the rest of their classmates were robbed of their innocence. Here, two young children console each other as they wait outside Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Mastermind Of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala's Mother Kidnap Shot Dead

The mother of the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who was abducted from her home in Ogwashi-Ukwu in Delta State on Dec. 9, 2012, has been released.

IT was gathered that the kidnap victim, 82-year-old Prof. Kamene Okonjo, was dropped off near her home at about 10 am on Friday after spending five days in the kidnappers’ den.

A few hours after Okonjo reunited with her family at the palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Ukwu, the police in Delta State shed light on the circumstances that led to her release.

Related Article: How Okonjo-Iweala’s Mother Was Released - Gov. Uduaghan

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, said there had been a bloody shootout between his men and the kidnappers in Asaba, the state capital, which had resulted in the rescue of the kidnap victim.

During the encounter, a suspected kidnap kingpin, Mr. Nwazor Nwose, aka Bolaji, believed to have masterminded the abduction, was shot dead by security agents.

In a meeting with journalists in Asaba, Aduba described Nwose as a notorious kidnapper who had been arraigned in court on a previous kidnap charge in Delta State and granted bail.

The CP said, “Nwose was arrested a few months ago, investigated and arraigned in court for kidnapping and was released on bail by the court. But he returned to Asaba and continued his nefarious activities.

“This time, he met his Waterloo. Combined detectives from the IGP taskforce and that of the State Police Command swung into action and invaded his hideout. Immediately he sighted the police he jumped a very high fence. Our men had no option; we had to obey the rule of engagement and opened fire on him.

“He continued, but eventually we got him by trailing the blood stain. We rushed him to Federal Medical Centre, Asaba where he gave up the ghost.

“Notwithstanding, four members of the gang were picked up. Two have been indicted so far. Another notorious criminal called Bright is in our custody. The names of the other gang members are Hard Rock, Tse-tse fly, and Tipper Boy.”

Saturday PUNCH learnt that Nwose had previously been involved in the abduction and murder of an oil magnate in Asaba in 2011.

Aduba said the operation to rescue the queen began on Dec. 13, stressing that it was concluded in the early hours of Dec. 14.

He said the police refrained from attacking the hideout of the kidnappers in Kwale, Ndokwa West LGA on account of the frail and advanced age of the victim.

Aduba said Prof. Okonjo was brought to the palace on a motorcycle early yesterday morning hale and hearty.

“We knew the victim was in Kwale, but we were very cautious not to invade the town so that she would not be harmed. We waited patiently and continued to monitor the area. Mama was brought in this morning by a motorcycle,” he said, adding that the two vehicles used in the abduction of Okonjo, a Toyota minibus with registration number KPP 64 XA and a grey Volkswagen Golf car registration number ASB 697 AA, had been impounded.

Tragedy: Five Siblings Burnt Alive In Lagos After Parents Locked Them In (Photos)

Five children between the ages of four and 12 were killed in an inferno in the Kirikiri area of Lagos State on Thursday.

It was learnt that the five children, Emeka 12, Ifeanyi 10, Chinasa eight, Joy six, and Bright four, who are of the same parents, were burnt alive at their home located at 29 Comfort Oboh Street, Kirikiri.

The parents of the victims were identified as Ogbonna and Margaret Igwuagwu.

Our correspondent learnt that although over 30 people live in the compound, which was completely consumed by the fire, only the five children died.

Sympathisers were said to have surrounded the premises crying and wailing over the incident, while charred remains of the victims were being evacuated.

According to residents, the fire started at about 11.30 pm in the room where the five children were sleeping and later spread to other rooms all made of wood.

The parents of the children were said to have locked them inside the room and lit a candle for them as there was no electricity supply.

Neighbours said it was the usual habit of the parents to lock the children inside the room whenever they were going to their shop in the evening.

It was learnt that the children slept off while the candle fell, thereby spreading the fire to other parts of the room. Woken by the heat, they were said to have shouted for help while the fire raged, but neighbours were too busy saving themselves.

One of the neighbours said the eldest son, Emeka, had begged his parents not to lock them in but allow them to spend sometime outside but their mother refused.

“I can vividly remember when Mama Emeka ordered her children to go and sleep, saying that she needed to go back to attend to customers who were waiting for her. Emeka, the eldest, pleaded that they should be allowed to stay outside for a while.

“She insisted that they should go to bed since they were to travel the following day.  I believe that it was in a bid to prevent them from running out of the house that she locked them inside and went away with the key,” she said.

Some neighbours told journalists that they heard the wailing of the children when the fire was raging, but could not break through to rescue them due to a hard burglar proof that was used at the entrance of the room.

According to residents who witnessed the incident,  firefighters were informed but could not get to the scene  due to bad roads in Kirirkiri.

A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “The road is not passable and there is always traffic congestion in that area. Men of the Naval Fire Service got here first, but they could not help the situation because the damage had already been done.”

One of the tenants, Udoh Bassey, whose room was also burnt, told journalists that no one could say exactly what caused the fire.

“It started at about 11.30 pm when some of us were still awake. It was the cry from that room that attracted my attention. The entire compound was razed down before help could come our way. I was able to save a few of my property because my room was located far away from the source of the fire.

“The children died because their parents locked them inside the house and went back to their shops close by. We tried but before we could reach them, there was an explosion from one room to the other as all the other rooms were razed down.”

When contacted, spokesperson for the state police command, Ngozi Braide, said the parents of the victims had suffered shock and were rushed to hospital.

“At about 11.20pm, police received a call that a house in Kirikiri was on fire. The house was made of wood and corrugated iron sheets and the fire engulfed it. Five children died in the fire,” she said.

‘A Bouncer Slapped Me At Smirnoff Party’ – Karen Igho

Karen Igho is in pains.

The former BBA winner says she was slapped while attending a ‘Smirnoff 3D Disco’ event held on Friday, December 14, 2012 at the Landmark Events centre, Lagos.

The 27-year-old narrated her sordid ordeal on Twitter hours later after the show.

Karen says she had gone to attend the event to show support for her friend popular Channel O VJ Derenle Edun who played host but was surprised when a security guard slapped when she refused to give him money after he demanded for her to do so.

‘Wow I got slapped at a Smirnoff party, by a security guard!!! is it because I’m a woman?. He loaded his gun and put it to my face at the car park, Said he will shoot me if I don’t give him money..I said I didn’t have’, Karen said.

Karen says she landed on the floor and hit her head on the ground. ‘Even my father has never slapped me like this and the loading of the gun to shoot me wow am in shock’, she continued lamenting.

The 2011 BBA winner might be pressing charges as she says she has already contacted her lawyers.

But who will Karen be suing? An insider with the organizers of the Smirnoff bash says bouncers could not have carried guns because they are only allowed tasers.

‘If Karen says someone attacked her, she might be telling the truth but it’s not from us because it happened outside the venue. A police officer can’t also do that so it must be a hooligan’, one insider who pleaded anonymity told NET.

The event was attended by a host of celebrities with appearance-performances from rappers Ice Prince, Vector, Olamide and Eva.

I know I have a good heart but I won’t let this go with out fighting for justice cos he might do it to someone else

40 minutes ago via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@Karen_Igho

@karenigho

Even my father has never slapped me like this and the loading of the gun to shoot me wow am in shock

41 minutes ago via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@Karen_Igho

@karenigho

Called my lawyer

46 minutes ago via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@Karen_Igho

@karenigho

The slap sent me landing on the floor and hitting my head

48 minutes ago via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@Karen_Igho

@karenigho

PHOTOS: President Jonathan Kneels For Blessings

Photos from the Holy Ghost Night at the Redeemed Church Camp, Kilometre 30, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Friday, President Goodluck Jonathan came with a retinue of aides; Olusegun Mimiko, Ondo state governor, also took part with his wife.

The Holy Ghost Night boasts of attracting one million worshippers in the yearly event.

Below are some scenes, as captured by State House Cameraman, Kola Oshiyemi:

President Goodluck being welcome to the event

Jonathan kneels down for blessings from Pastor Enoch Adeboye at the Holy Ghost Festival Friday night

Mama Adeboye dancing during the session

A cross-section of Pastors at the event

The large choir band at the Holy Ghost Night

Head of Redeemed Church, Pastor Adeboye, Jonathan, Folu Adeboye, Obioma

VIDEO: Bizarre Graduation Party at Kogi State University

Graduands in Kogi state University are literally flogged, dragged on bare floor, and bathed with dirtiest and most stinking waste water - sometimes saved for the party - by schoolmates.

SSS Says Senator Ndume Contacted Boko-Haram Leader 73 Times In One Month.

Mr. Ndume was arrested late 2011 by the State Security Service, SSS, and accused of sponsoring the Islamist sect.
Mr. Ndume claims his contact with the group was necessitated by his membership of the Presidential Committee mandated to help restore peace to the troubled North East of the country.
Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for series of bombings and gun attacks that have plagued Northern Nigeria resulting in more than a thousand deaths.
The SSS said Mr. Ndume, who is from Borno State, the hotbed of the crisis, was constantly in touch with an alleged spokesperson of the group, Mohammed Konduga.
Mr. Konduga was convicted and is currently serving a three-year jail term.

Mr. Ndume’s phone call history is central to establishing his relationship with the sect; and on Tuesday, a Federal High Court in Abuja brushed aside the senator’s objection to admit the phone call logs as key evidence in the case.
The SSS told the court that the senator’s call log showed that he spoke with Mr. Konduga 73 times in October 2011.
At the resumed hearing of the case, Aliyu Usman, a forensic expert with the SSS, while giving evidence said the history of the communication contacts was contained in the two mobile telephones obtained from Mr. Ndume and Mr. Konduga.
Mr. Usman said the communication between the two persons took place between October 3, 2011 and November 3, 2011, adding that they were in the form of text messages and voice calls.
The telephone lines used were those of MTN mobile network, and the details of the communication were obtained from the network, he added.
Mr. Usman said adequate forensic analyses were carried out on the data extracted from the two phones before storing them on three DVDs.

Mr. Ndume’s lawyer, Rickey Tarfa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, again objected to the tendering of the DVDs as evidence on Wednesday arguing that they were secondary evidence and should have been accompanied by a statement.
He argued that the items were in violation of the Evidence Act.

Pope Posts First Set Of Tweets

About a week ago, I informed you that the Head of the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI  officially joined twitter as @Pontifex.
The 78 year old christian leader has now officially posted his first set of tweets,even though it is unknown if the septuagenarian posted the tweets himself or had some help.
His first ever tweet read:

“Dear Friends, I am pleased to get in touch with you through Twitter. Thank you for your generous response. I bless all of you from my heart”.

 Its really good to see that christian leaders are moving with the times and becoming more technology compliant.

Another Girl Posts Pic Of Herself With Davido On Social Media

The pictures above have been circulating on social media, reportedly posted by yet another groupie who Davido apparently "spent some time with."
I don't understand why Davido keeps hanging out with cheap girls who cant keep his private business PRIVATE. Seriously?

A$AP Rocky Pleads Guilty From Arrest

A$AP’s attempted robbery and second degree assault charge was dropped today in exchange for pleading guilty to attempted larceny. This stemmed for allegedly attacking two photographers in NY back in July. He was slapped with a $250 fine along with three days of community service and is due back in court February.

Premiere: D’banj – Top Of The World

D’banj decided to join the crew by releasing a new music today. Off his Upcoming album, we have top of the world . Listen Up and enjoy

TOP OF THE WORLD” is the first single to be released through Sony Music’s RCA Africa label and DB Records Nigeria since D’Banj signed his groundbreaking multi-album deal with Sony Music Entertainment Africa.

“TOP OF THE WORLD” is already impacting Pan Africa on DStv as the official SuperSport anthem for the Africa Cup of Nations 2013 (AFCON) in South Africa and is a first taste of what’s to come from D’Banj’s partnership with Sony Music Africa leading up to several scheduled releases dropping in the weeks and months to come including D’Banj’s new album DKM scheduled for release early in the new year.

D¹Banj is signed to a Pan African multi-album deal with Sony Music¹s RCA Records. He has also concluded an exclusive management deal with Sony Music and strategic partner ROCKSTAR4000 for the continent

Download

NYPD fires accused pimp cop

Officer Monty Green, charged with promoting prostitution, has been fired by the NYPD.

The Brooklyn cop accused of moonlighting as a pimp has been fired by the NYPD.

Officer Monty Green was booted from the force by Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly after a departmental trial, sources confirmed Tuesday.

But Green, who had been on modified duty and assigned to Fleet Services, is not going down without a fight. He denies doing anything wrong.

“He’s going to sue in federal court,” Green’s lawyer, Eric Sanders, told The Daily News. “The dismissal is baseless.

“You can’t base it on stereotypes and inuendo,” he added.

The Internal Affairs Bureau’s case against Green “was all speculation.”

“You don’t terminate people on speculation,” he said.

Sanders said Green, who was officially sacked last week, will be suing the city and the IAB investigators who built the case against him.

There was no immediate response from the NYPD.

Green is now out of a job, but he has not been charged with a crime.

Police investigators presented their case to the Brooklyn District Attorney's office in 2009. But the DA declined to file criminal charges because several hookers were afraid to testify against Green, sources said.

Green landed in hot water three years ago after he was caught trying to pimp out a woman named Candy who turned out to be an undercover cop, sources told The Daily News.

“You looking for a daddy?” Green was heard saying on secretly-recorded wiretaps.

The News also reported that Green allegedly took other women to a Brooklyn lounge that doubled as a brothel.

IAB first became suspicious of Green in 2009, when he was caught on a wiretap talking to pimp Jason "China" Marshalleck "about pimping prostitutes," NYPD prosecutor Vivian Joo said at Green’s departmental trial.

Also, Internal Affairs Sgt. Michael Rothenbucher testified that IAB officers tailing Green spotted him having sex on a Bushwick street with a woman on Dec. 13, 2009.

Rothenbucher said they spotted Green and another man leave Rockwell's Bar & Lounge in downtown Brooklyn, pick up the woman, and head to Bushwick.

Sanders said Green was guilty of harmless flirting and accused IAB of entrapping the officer. “They can’t prove anything,” he said.

In addition to promoting prostitution, Green was also charged with menacing for an unrelated July 2009 incident where he allegedly pulled a gun on a woman who spurned his advances.

Sanders said the woman, Shara Whorley, is a criminal looking to get Green in trouble. He also suggested Green was trying to cultivate her as an informant.