A former Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), David Parradang, was killed by unidentified gunmen in Abuja today.
The tragic incident has raised renewed concerns over the worsening security situation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), particularly regarding kidnappings and targeted attacks.
A source within the NIS confirmed Parradang’s death to newsmen, noting that plans were being made to visit his family for a condolence visit. “I don’t know exactly how he died, but we are planning to visit his family to offer our condolences,” the source stated.
According to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the assailants trailed Parradang from a bank where he had withdrawn money, robbed him of the cash, and subsequently killed him. The incident reportedly occurred in the Area 1 axis of Abuja in the early hours of Tuesday.
Neither the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, Josephine Adeh, nor the spokesperson for the Nigerian Immigration Service, A.S. Akinlabi, has officially commented on the circumstances surrounding his death as of the time of this report.
Both officials had assured newsmen of their intention to provide more details but had yet to do so.
The killing of Parradang has sparked fresh anxiety among residents and security experts regarding the safety of individuals in Abuja. The FCT has witnessed a surge in criminal activities in recent months, including abductions and violent robberies. Experts have called for urgent measures to curb the insecurity in the nation’s capital and ensure the safety of residents.
David Parradang served in the Nigerian Immigration Service for over 30 years, holding various strategic positions before being appointed Comptroller-General. His tenure was marked by efforts to improve border security and enhance immigration processes in the country.
Rising Insecurity: A Growing National Concern
The murder of the former Comptroller-General adds to the growing list of high-profile killings and violent crimes in Nigeria, underscoring the increasing insecurity nationwide. In recent years, Nigeria has battled escalating threats from armed bandits, insurgents, and kidnappers, leading to widespread fear among citizens. The FCT, once considered relatively safer than other parts of the country, has now become a hotspot for criminal activities, with rising cases of abductions and targeted killings.
Security experts warn that the ease with which criminals operate in Abuja reflects a broader failure of intelligence gathering and law enforcement efforts. The killing of a former high-ranking security official within the capital city raises serious questions about the effectiveness of security agencies in tackling crime and protecting lives and property.
Many Nigerians have expressed frustration over the slow response of security agencies in addressing these threats. Reports indicate that criminals operate with impunity, often evading capture even after committing heinous crimes. There have been repeated calls for the government to overhaul the nation’s security architecture, increase funding for law enforcement, and implement community-based security strategies to curb rising crime rates.
Furthermore, public confidence in the government’s ability to provide security has dwindled, as kidnappings for ransom and assassinations continue unchecked. The murder of David Parradang has once again highlighted the urgent need for decisive action to restore law and order across the country.
As investigations into his killing continue, there are growing calls for the government and security agencies to intensify efforts in tackling insecurity, particularly in Abuja, which houses the nation’s key government institutions.
The Nigerian public awaits concrete steps from the authorities to not only bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice but also to create lasting solutions to the country’s security challenges.
