Catholic Priest, Seminarian kidnapped by suspected gunmen, Policemen begin manhunt
Catholic Priest, Seminarian kidnapped by suspected gunmen, Policemen begin manhunt
The Police Command in Edo has launched a manhunt for suspected herdsmen who allegedly abducted a Catholic Priest and a Seminarian from St. Peter Catholic Church, Ivukwa community, in Etsako East Local Government.
In a statement in Benin on Tuesday, the command’s Spokesman, CSP Moses Yamu, said the incident occurred about 11:30 p.m. on Monday, when armed men stormed the church and kidnapped Rev. Father Philip Ekeli and Seminarian Peter Andrew.
According to him, a swift response by the police, in collaboration with vigilantes and hunters under Operation Rescue, led to a gun battle with the attackers.
“One of the suspects, whose identity remains unknown, was neutralised during the operation, and his corpse has been deposited at the General Hospital, Agenebode,” Yamu stated.
Yamu noted that items recovered from the suspect included a Tecno button phone with two SIM cards, a power bank, a dagger jacket, a bag containing biscuits and Nescafé beverage, and the sum of N168,850.
The police spokesperson asserted that four suspects, names withheld, were arrested during the operation.
He said that the Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin, had ordered reinforcements from the anti-kidnapping unit and Police Mobile Force, working alongside the military, to secure the victims’ unconditional release and capture the remaining abductors.
Yamu urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to aid ongoing rescue efforts. (NAN)
According to the police, the late NIS boss was found dead in a chair in his hotel room after receiving a female guest.
Mr. Parradang was discovered a day after he checked into the hotel by a concerned friend, a military officer, who, along with hotel staff, traced him to his room.
In a statement titled “FCT Police Respond to Misreported Death of Retired Comptroller General David Parradang,” the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, clarified the circumstances surrounding his death.
It reads, “In light of the recent reports alleging that retired Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, David Shikfu Parradang, was kidnapped and subsequently killed, we wish to clarify the facts surrounding this incident to ensure accurate information is disseminated to the public.
“On March 3, 2025, at approximately 12 pm Mr. Parradang arrived at Joy House Hotel, Area 3 Junction, driving a black Mercedes Benz.
“He checked into the hotel, paying a sum of Twenty-two thousand naira (N22,000) for one night’s stay.
“Shortly thereafter, he directed the hotel room attendant to escort a female guest who had come to visit to his room.
“This lady left the hotel premises around 4 pm of the same day.
“Mr. Parradang did not exit his room after the lady left.
“Around 4:00 am on 4th March 2025, a friend who is a military officer, concerned for his wellbeing, traced him to the hotel.
Upon arrival, the hotel receptionist and the officer proceeded to his room, where Mr. Parradang was found deceased, seated in a chair.
“The Durumi Police Station was notified and officers promptly arrived at the scene, secured the area, took photographs, and collected all relevant evidence to preserve the integrity of the crime scene.
“The body has been transferred to the National Hospital for necessary procedures.
“The Hotel staff are currently cooperating with the Police investigations.
“Effort is in top gear to effect the arrest of the lady.
“We urge the public and media outlets to refrain from spreading unverified information, including claims of kidnapping, that may incite fear or panic.
“The FCT Police Command is committed to conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding Mr. Parradang’s death.
“We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to ensure justice is served.
“For any further inquiries, please contact the FCT Police Public Relations Office.”
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JUST IN; 140 Civil Defence personnel acquire new houses
JUST IN; 140 Civil Defence personnel acquire new houses
No fewer than 140 personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have acquired new houses in Abuja under the corps’ Cooperative Society scheme.
NSCDC Commandant-General (CG), Ahmed Audi, on Tuesday in Abuja, handed over the keys to the houses which comprised of one, two and three bedroom flats as well as award letters to the beneficiaries.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the houses also comprised of 80 units at Grand Luvu Estate in Masaka, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa and 60 units in Deidei area of the FCT.
Audi, while distributing the keys to the cooperative members, reiterated his commitment to an all inclusive welfare package for personnel to enhance effective livelihood and sustainability.
He noted that housing deficit was a challenge for both officers and men of the corps, and assured that more avenues would be explored to make available, affordable houses to personnel.
The CG admonished the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunities of owning houses of their own by doubling their efforts in their service to the nation.
Audi also performed a ground breaking and foundation laying ceremony of another 102 additional units of two and three bedrooms flats in Good Homes Estate in the Kuje area of the FCT.
The NSCDC Cooperative Society President, Assistant-Commandant Isa Yusuf, said that the houses acquisition was in pursuance to the CG’s charge of a better housing scheme for personnel.
Yusuf said that the cooperative executives would continue to work hard to adopt a more robust approach that would bring about more comfortable and affordable houses for its members with the best available equity.(NAN)
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BREAKING; Ex- Nigerian Immigration Comptroller-General killed by gunmen
BREAKING; Ex- Nigerian Immigration Comptroller-General killed by gunmen
David Shikfu Parradang, the former Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), has tragically been murdered by kidnappers in Abuja.
Counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, revealed that Parradang was abducted early Tuesday morning in the Area 1 area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to reports, Parradang was trailed by his assailants after withdrawing money from a bank. The kidnappers reportedly seized the cash before ultimately taking his life.
The incident has sparked renewed concern over the rising trend of kidnappings and targeted attacks within Abuja.
Parradang, who had a distinguished 30-year career in the Nigerian Immigration Service, held various key positions across Nigeria, including serving as the Comptroller General. His career spanned several states, including Kano, Lagos, Kwara, Enugu, and the Federal Capital Territory.
He was also a graduate of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and was honored with the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) for his services.
The Nigerian Immigration Service has yet to issue an official statement confirming the tragic news.