Benue State Government Grieves Ex-SSG's Death Following Bandit Ambush

The Benue State Government has expressed profound sorrow over the demise of Professor David Salifu, a former Secretary to the State Government. Prof. Salifu succumbed to gunshot wounds he sustained during an assault by suspected bandits on the Wukari-Makurdi highway. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday, when Professor Salifu was reportedly ambushed on the outskirts of Wukari while en route to Makurdi. He passed away from his injuries in the early hours of Friday.

In an official statement released on Friday, the current Secretary to the State Government, Deborah Aber, eulogized the late Professor Salifu as a devoted public servant whose significant contributions to governance and the educational sector left an indelible mark on Benue State. The statement, issued under the authority of Governor Hyacinth Alia, highlighted that Prof. Salifu rendered his services to the state with "uncommon diligence, integrity and intellectual distinction."

The government's message further underscored his impact on public administration, academic scholarship, and the advancement of human capital, which garnered him extensive admiration and established a lasting legacy. The statement conveyed, in part: “On behalf of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Governor of Benue State, the Government and the good people of Benue State, the Secretary to the Government of the State, Dcns. Serumun Deborah Aber extends heartfelt condolences to the Salifu family over this painful loss. The Government of Benue State joins the family, friends, the academic community, and all who knew him in mourning this illustrious son of Benue.”

Concluding the statement, the government offered prayers for divine strength for the grieving family to endure their loss and for the peaceful repose of the deceased's soul.