Former Benue SSG David Salifu Dies After Gunshot Injuries Sustained in Suspected Bandit Attack
Former Benue State Secretary to the Government, Prof. David Salifu, has died after suffering gunshot injuries in an attack by suspected bandits along the Wukari-Makurdi road, sparking renewed concerns over insecurity in Nigeria's North-Central region.
Former Benue State Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. David Salifu, has died after succumbing to gunshot injuries sustained during an attack by suspected bandits along the Wukari-Makurdi highway, an incident that has once again highlighted the persistent security challenges facing parts of Nigeria's North-Central region.
Salifu, who served under former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam, reportedly died in the early hours of Friday after doctors battled unsuccessfully to save his life at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) in Makurdi. (Punch Newspapers)
His death has drawn tributes from political associates, colleagues in academia, and residents of Benue State, many of whom described him as a dedicated public servant and respected scholar.
Attack Occurred While Travelling to Makurdi
According to sources familiar with the incident, Salifu was travelling from Wukari, Taraba State, to Makurdi on Thursday when armed men intercepted his vehicle near the outskirts of Wukari.
The attackers reportedly forced his vehicle to stop and ordered him to step out. They allegedly instructed him to board a motorcycle, but the situation turned violent after he challenged the gunmen's demands.
The assailants then opened fire, leaving the former SSG with severe gunshot wounds before fleeing the scene. (Punch Newspapers)
The exact motive behind the attack remains unclear, although initial reports suggest it may have been an attempted kidnapping that escalated into violence.
Medical Efforts Could Not Save Him
Following the shooting, Salifu was initially rushed to a hospital in Wukari for emergency treatment.
Given the seriousness of his injuries, efforts were reportedly made to transfer him to Abuja for advanced medical care. According to family associates, the management of the Federal University Wukari, where Salifu lectured, assisted in arranging an ambulance and a medical team for the transfer.
However, for reasons that remain unclear, he was eventually taken to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi instead of Abuja.
Despite emergency treatment by doctors, he succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of Friday.
Associate Confirms Death
The death of the former government official was confirmed by David Olofu, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Benue South Senatorial District and a close associate of the deceased.
Olofu described Salifu as a trusted confidant and an active member of his campaign council.
"He was travelling from Wukari to Benue when he encountered hoodlums who stopped his vehicle. They shot him after forcing him out of the car," Olofu said while confirming the incident.
He added that every effort had been made to secure urgent medical attention, but the injuries ultimately proved fatal.
Distinguished Career in Public Service and Academia
Before his death, Prof. Salifu enjoyed a distinguished career spanning public administration and higher education.
He served as Secretary to the Benue State Government during the administration of former Governor Gabriel Suswam, playing a key role in coordinating government policies and administrative affairs.
Outside politics, he built an academic career at the Federal University Wukari, where he taught Public Administration and was widely respected by colleagues and students alike.
Former associates described him as an accomplished administrator who remained committed to public service even after leaving government office.
Renewed Focus on Highway Insecurity
The incident has renewed concerns over the deteriorating security situation along major highways connecting Benue and Taraba states.
The Wukari-Makurdi route has witnessed several reported cases of armed robbery, kidnappings, and attacks by criminal gangs in recent years, prompting repeated calls for increased security patrols.
Residents and travelers have frequently expressed fears over using the road, particularly during evening hours, citing inadequate security presence in isolated sections of the highway.
Security analysts say the latest attack underscores the continuing threat posed by heavily armed criminal groups operating across parts of Nigeria's North-Central region.
Police Yet to Issue Detailed Statement
As of the time of filing this report, the Taraba State Police Command had not released a comprehensive official statement regarding the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Attempts by journalists to obtain comments from police authorities were reportedly unsuccessful.
Investigators are expected to determine whether the assailants were bandits, kidnappers, or another criminal group operating along the corridor. (Punch Newspapers)
No arrests had been announced, and authorities have not disclosed whether any security operations have been launched to apprehend those responsible.
Tributes Pour In
Following news of his passing, tributes began pouring in from political leaders, academic colleagues, and residents of Benue State.
Many described Salifu as a man of integrity who dedicated much of his life to education and public administration.
His death has also reignited calls for stronger measures to combat violent crime across Nigeria, particularly on highways that have increasingly become targets for kidnappers and armed gangs.
Security experts argue that improved intelligence gathering, sustained patrols, and closer collaboration between federal and state security agencies will be necessary to address the growing insecurity affecting commuters.
Growing Concern Over Security
The killing of another prominent public figure has intensified concerns about the safety of travelers across several parts of the country.
While authorities continue efforts to tackle kidnapping and banditry through military and police operations, many Nigerians remain worried about the frequency of attacks on highways and rural communities.
As family members, colleagues, and political associates mourn Prof. David Salifu, many are hoping that investigators will swiftly identify those responsible and ensure they face justice.
His death marks not only the loss of a respected academic and former senior government official but also serves as another reminder of the urgent need to strengthen security and protect citizens across Nigeria.