Former Benue SSG Dies In Suspected Bandit Attack as Fresh Details Surface

Former Benue State Secretary to the Government, Prof. David Salifu, has died from gunshot wounds sustained during a suspected bandit attack along the Wukari–Zaki Biam Road in Taraba State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Salifu, who served under former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam, was also a lecturer at the Federal University, Wukari.

He reportedly passed away in the early hours of Friday at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) in Makurdi, where he was receiving treatment.

Speaking to Premium Times, a close associate of the deceased and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Benue South Senatorial District, David Olofu, said Salifu was attacked on Thursday while travelling from Wukari to Makurdi.

According to Olofu, the former government official encountered armed hoodlums on the outskirts of Wukari.

“He was travelling from Wukari to Benue when gunmen intercepted his vehicle. They ordered him out of the car before opening fire on him,” Olofu said.

He explained that Salifu was initially rushed to the Federal Teaching Hospital in Wukari for emergency treatment.

Due to the severity of his injuries, arrangements were reportedly made for his transfer to Abuja after the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Wukari, approved the release of an ambulance and a medical team.

However, he was eventually taken to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Confirming the incident, the Chief Press Secretary to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, Tersoo Kula, said the attackers were suspected kidnappers who attempted to abduct Salifu.

According to Kula, the former SSG managed to escape after being shot but later died despite efforts to save his life.

“He was attacked on the Wukari–Zaki Biam Road by suspected kidnappers. Although he escaped, he sustained serious gunshot injuries and was taken to a hospital in Benue, where he eventually passed away,” Kula said.

In a condolence message, the current Secretary to the Benue State Government, Deborah Serumun, paid tribute to Salifu, describing him as an outstanding public servant, respected academic and accomplished administrator.

She said his contributions to public service and higher education would be remembered for years to come, adding that his death represents a significant loss to Benue State, the academic community and everyone who had the opportunity to work with him.