Former Benue SSG David Salifu dies after bandits’ attack on Wukari-Makurdi Highway

Former Secretary to the Benue State Government (SSG), Prof. David Onu Salifu, has died from injuries sustained after he was attacked by suspected bandits along the Wukari-Makurdi highway.

Salifu, who served as SSG during the administration of former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and was a lecturer at the Federal University, Wukari, reportedly died in the early hours of Friday at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, where he was receiving treatment.

According to sources, the former government official was travelling from Taraba State to Benue on Thursday when suspected armed bandits intercepted his vehicle near Wukari.

The attackers reportedly forced him out of his

vehicle and attempted to compel him to board a motorcycle. Witnesses said Salifu resisted the instruction, prompting the gunmen to shoot him before fleeing the scene.

He was initially rushed to a hospital in Wukari for emergency treatment. However, due to the severity of his injuries, plans were made to transfer him to Abuja for advanced medical care.

Confirming the incident, David Olofu, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Benue South Senatorial candidate and a close associate of the deceased, said efforts were made to move Salifu to the Federal Capital Territory with the assistance of the Federal University, Wukari.

“He was a member of my campaign council and a confidant. Due to the seriousness of the injury, we spoke to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Wukari, who released an ambulance to convey him to Abuja with a team of doctors. Unfortunately, his condition worsened, and he was taken to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi, where he died early Friday morning,” Olofu said.

The death of the former SSG has renewed concerns over the worsening insecurity along the Wukari-Makurdi highway, a major route linking Benue and Taraba states that has witnessed repeated attacks by bandits and kidnappers in recent years.

Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on the incident. However, investigations are expected to commence as efforts continue to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

The late Prof. Salifu was widely respected for his contributions to public service and academia, having served in government and the university system for many years. His death has drawn condolences from political associates, colleagues and members of the academic community.