Ortom condemns killing of ex-Benue SSG Prof. David Salifu, says bloodshed must end

Henry Iyorkase, Makurdi

Former Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, has condemned the killing of former Secretary to the Benue State Government (SSG), Prof. David Salifu, describing the incident as tragic, painful and another grim reminder of the worsening security situation in the country.

Prof. Salifu was reportedly attacked and killed by suspected bandits while travelling to Makurdi along the Wukari–Makurdi highway.

In a statement made available to journalists in Makurdi on Friday by his Media Assistant, Mr. Paul Zege, Ortom said he received the news of the former SSG’s death with deep shock and sadness.

According to the former governor, the late Prof. Salifu’s death is not only a devastating loss to his family, friends and associates, but also a huge setback for Benue State and the academic community, considering his distinguished record of public service and contributions to education.

Ortom noted that the deceased served meritoriously as Secretary to the Benue State Government and was also a lecturer at the Federal University, Wukari, where he impacted the lives of many students.

The former governor lamented the persistent wave of killings across the country, saying the continued loss of innocent lives on highways, in communities and on farmlands has become a national tragedy that demands urgent and decisive action.

He stressed that every life lost to terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes leaves families in anguish and deepens the nation’s security challenges.

Ortom called on security agencies to intensify efforts to track down those responsible for the attack, ensure their arrest and prosecution, and strengthen measures to protect Nigerians from further acts of violence.

He also urged the authorities to redouble their commitment to addressing the growing insecurity confronting Benue State and other parts of the country.

The former governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Prof. Salifu, members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benue State, his former colleagues, friends and associates, praying that God grants them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

He equally sympathised with families of other innocent citizens who have lost their lives in recent attacks across Benue and neighbouring states, while praying for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries.

Prof. David Salifu served as Secretary to the Benue State Government during the administration of former Governor Gabriel Suswam before returning to academia.