Ortom condemns killing of ex-Benue SSG, demands arrest of attackers

Former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has strongly condemned the killing of Professor David Salifu, the former Secretary to the Benue State Government (SSG). Ortom characterized the incident as a tragic and clear indicator of the escalating insecurity plaguing Benue and its neighboring states.

Ortom expressed deep shock and sadness upon learning of Salifu's death, which resulted from an attack by suspected terrorists on the Wukari-Makurdi Road. The former SSG was en route to Makurdi when the attack occurred. The former governor lamented the loss, stating it was a devastating blow not only to Salifu's family and colleagues but also to Benue State and Nigeria's academic sector, recognizing Salifu's significant contributions as SSG and his role as a lecturer at the Federal University, Wukari.

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The killing of Prof. Salifu is not only a devastating loss to his family, friends and associates, but also a tragic blow to Benue State and the academic community.

"The persistent killing of innocent Nigerians on highways, in communities and on farmlands has become a national tragedy that calls for all hands on deck to tackle," Ortom stated. He emphasized that each life lost to terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes inflicts immeasurable pain and trauma on bereaved families.

Demanding immediate action, Ortom implored security agencies to swiftly track down, arrest, and prosecute the individuals responsible for Salifu's murder and other recent attacks. He extended his condolences to Salifu's family, members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benue State, and the deceased's former colleagues and friends. Ortom also offered sympathy to families affected by recent incidents across Benue and surrounding states, praying for comfort for the bereaved and recovery for the injured.

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The persistent killing of innocent Nigerians on highways, in communities and on farmlands has become a national tragedy that calls for all hands on deck to tackle. Every life lost to terrorism, banditry and other forms of violent criminality throws bereaved families into trauma and irreparable pain.