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Former Secretary to the Benue State Government (SSG), Prof. David Salifu, has been killed by suspected armed herders along the Wukari-Makurdi road.
Our correspondent gathered that Prof. Salifu was travelling from Wukari in Taraba State to Makurdi, Benue State, on Thursday, July 2, 2026, when his vehicle came under attack by armed men suspected to be herders.
He was said to have sustained gunshot injuries during the incident and was rushed to a hospital in Makurdi, where he later died.
Meanwhile, former Commissioner for Finance in the state, David Olofu, has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of the former SSG, describing it as tragic.
Olofu, in a statement, said: “Today is a profoundly sad day for Benue State, the Idoma Nation, and the entire people of Benue South Senatorial District as we mourn the passing of one of our finest sons, Professor David Onu Salifu.”
Olofu described Salifu as an exceptional scholar, public administrator, elder statesman, mentor and patriot whose life was devoted to the service of humanity, Benue State and Nigeria.
According to Olofu, Salifu served with distinction as Secretary to the Government of Benue State, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening governance and public administration, adding that his contributions to public service reflected uncommon diligence, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the progress of the state.
He said: “Beyond public service, he distinguished himself in academia as a Professor of Public Administration and a former Dean at the Federal University Wukari. Through decades of teaching, research, and mentorship, he shaped the lives of countless students, academics, and public servants.
“His scholarship on governance, public policy, rural development, peacebuilding, and conflict management enriched national discourse and earned him the respect of colleagues across Nigeria.
“Professor Salifu was also an elder statesman whose wisdom and counsel were valued across political and social divides.”
Olofu, who is contesting the Benue South Senatorial District seat on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said the late Salifu was a committed member of the party who remained steadfast in his belief that Nigeria could be transformed through principled leadership, justice and accountable governance.
He stated: “For many of us, however, he was much more than a respected public figure; he was family. As a distinguished member of the Dr. David Olofu Campaign Advisory Council, he brought not only his wealth of experience but also his fatherly guidance, humility, integrity and unwavering commitment to our shared vision.
“His wise counsel strengthened our convictions, while his life of service inspired younger leaders across Apa Local Government Area, Benue South, and beyond. He showed us, by both word and example, that purposeful leadership is built on sacrifice, character, and service to others.
“The circumstances surrounding his passing make this loss even more painful. It is a sobering reminder of the insecurity that continues to threaten lives across our nation. Nigeria has lost a brilliant intellectual, Benue has lost a distinguished son, and the Idoma Nation has lost one of its most respected voices. At a time when our country desperately needs men and women of wisdom, experience, and integrity, this loss is immeasurable.
“Professor David Onu Salifu leaves behind a remarkable legacy of scholarship, leadership, patriotism, and selfless service. His impact will continue to live on through the institutions he strengthened, the students he mentored, the policies he helped shape, and the countless lives he touched.”
On behalf of the Dr. David Olofu Campaign Advisory Council, he expressed his deepest condolences to Salifu’s family, friends, colleagues, associates, the people of Apa Local Government Area, the Idoma Nation and all Nigerians mourning his painful loss, and prayed that God would grant him eternal rest and comfort the bereaved.
