Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, was thrown into mourning today, Sunday following the cold-blooded murder of a prominent businessman Alhaji Sani Abdullahi, in the heart of the city. According to eyewitnesses, the attack occurred around 9 p.m. yesterday, after the victim had closed his shop located adjacent to the AEDC office along Makurdi Road. The gunmen trailed him to his home, where they shot him twice — once in the forehead and again in the chest — in a clearly targeted and brutal execution.

This tragic incident adds to the growing list of violent crimes that have plagued Lafia in recent times, raising serious concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the state capital. The murder not only robs the city of a respected entrepreneur but also sends a chilling message to the business community: no one is safe.
Only last week, this newspaper ran an editorial and titled it: “Insecurity in Lafia- Time for Accountability” in which the paper urged governor Abdullahi Sule to go beyond issuing instructions to security agencies but demand accountability from them.

Indeed, the implications of such unchecked violence in Lafia are profound. Beyond the loss of lives, persistent insecurity erodes public confidence in the ability of the state government and security agencies to protect citizens. It disrupts daily life, breeds fear, and most critically, undermines economic development efforts.

Governor Abdullahi Sule has consistently positioned Nasarawa as a viable destination for investment. However, the growing spate of violent crimes threatens to derail this vision. Investors, both local and foreign, are unlikely to commit capital to a state where the rule of law is weak, and personal safety is not guaranteed. The environment must be conducive not only economically but also in terms of security.

While the efforts of security agencies are acknowledged, this latest killing suggests that much more needs to be done. Intelligence gathering, community policing, and quick response mechanisms must be significantly improved. The government must also foster stronger collaboration between local vigilantes, traditional institutions, and the formal security apparatus.

The tragic loss of this businessman is a wake-up call. The lives of Lafia residents and the future of Nasarawa’s economy are on the line. What is needed now is urgent, coordinated, and sustained action to restore peace and protect both lives and livelihoods.