Former Benue SSG David Salifu Killed in Bandit Attack
David Salifu, former Secretary to the Benue State Government (SSG), has died after sustaining gunshot injuries in an attack by suspected bandits along the Wukari-Makurdi road. Salifu served as SSG during the administration of former Governor Gabriel Suswam and was also a lecturer at the Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State.
Details of the Attack
According to sources who spoke to Punch, Salifu was traveling from Wukari to Makurdi on Thursday, July 2, 2026, when armed men stopped his vehicle. The assailants reportedly ordered him to alight and mount a motorcycle but allegedly shot him after he challenged them.
A close associate of the deceased, David Olofu, who is the African Democratic Congress’ Benue South senatorial candidate, confirmed the incident. Olofu stated that Salifu died in the early hours of Friday at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi. “He was a member of my campaign council and a confidant. I learnt that he left Wukari and was coming to Benue when he encountered hoodlums at the outskirts of Wukari,” Olofu said.
Efforts to Save Salifu
Olofu explained that after the shooting, Salifu was initially taken to the teaching hospital in Wukari. Due to the severity of his injuries, Olofu contacted the Vice Chancellor of the University of Wukari, who arranged an ambulance with a team of doctors to transport Salifu to Abuja. However, for reasons not fully explained, Salifu was instead taken to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi, where he succumbed to his injuries early Friday morning.
Impact and Reactions
The killing of David Salifu has sent shockwaves through the Benue political and academic communities. As a former SSG and university lecturer, his death highlights the ongoing security challenges on Nigerian roads, particularly in the North Central region. The attack underscores the persistent threat of banditry and the need for enhanced security measures to protect citizens traveling in vulnerable areas.
