MAKURDI, Benue State — Benue State is in mourning following the death of former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. David Salifu, who died on Thursday night from gunshot injuries sustained during a kidnapping attempt along the Wukari–Makurdi road.
The attack occurred on Thursday as Prof. Salifu was travelling from Wukari in Taraba State to Makurdi, the Benue State capital. Reports indicated that suspected kidnappers intercepted his vehicle in an attempt to abduct him. Although the former top government official reportedly escaped from the assailants, he sustained multiple gunshot wounds during the encounter.
He was immediately rushed to a hospital in Makurdi, where doctors battled to save his life, but he was later confirmed dead on Thursday night. A close associate of the deceased, David Olofu, confirmed that Salifu died at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.
Prof. Salifu served as Secretary to the Benue State Government during the administration of former Governor Samuel Ortom. The circumstances surrounding the attack remain unclear, as security agencies have yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Efforts to obtain confirmation from the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The death of Prof. Salifu has sent shockwaves through the state, with many mourning the loss of a respected academic and public servant. The incident also underscores the growing security challenges in the region, particularly along the Wukari-Makurdi corridor, where kidnappings and banditry have become increasingly prevalent. Community leaders have called on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect travellers and residents from such attacks.
