Benue mourns as ex-SSG shot by kidnappers dies

Benue State is mourning the loss of former Secretary to the State Government, Prof. David Salifu, who succumbed to gunshot injuries inflicted by kidnappers. The incident occurred on Friday, casting a shadow over the state.

Salifu was reportedly shot on the outskirts of Wukari while traveling to Makurdi on Thursday. Sources indicate that the kidnappers flagged down his vehicle, intending to abduct him. The attack escalated when Salifu resisted, leading to him being shot.

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He (Salifu) was a member of my campaign council and a confidant. I learnt that he left Wukari and was coming to Benue when he encountered hoodlums on the outskirts of Wukari. They stopped his car and asked him to come down, but the bandits thereafter shot him.

He was a lecturer at the Federal University, Wukari, in Taraba State, and had previously served as SSG under the administration of Gabriel Suswam. A close confidant, David Olofu, confirmed Salifu's death, stating he passed away early Friday at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi.

In a condolence message, the Secretary to the State Government, Deborah Aber, praised Salifu's service to the state, highlighting his diligence, integrity, and intellectual distinction. His contributions to public administration and human capital development earned him widespread respect. The David Olofu Campaign Organisation has suspended all political activities to honor the former SSG.

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Salifu’s contributions to public administration, scholarship and human capital development earned him widespread respect and left an enduring legacy that would continue to inspire generations.