Idoma nation mourns ex-Benue SSG Salifu, demands justice over killing

The Ochetoha K’Idoma Forum has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of David Onu Salifu, the former secretary to the government of Benue State (SSG), describing his death as a monumental loss to the Idoma nation, Benue state and Nigeria.

The socio-cultural organisation also called on security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the attack are apprehended and prosecuted, warning that the continued wave of insecurity on Nigerian highways and in rural communities has become unacceptable.

In a statement issued Sunday, the forum said Salifu, a renowned academic and former Benue SSG, was brutally murdered by armed men on Thursday, July 2, 2026, along the Wukari–Makurdi highway while travelling to his hometown to attend the burial of a beloved uncle.

According to the group, the late professor was reportedly dragged out of his vehicle by the attackers, shot at close range and left critically wounded before he was eventually taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, where he succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of Friday.

The forum described the circumstances surrounding his death as heartbreaking and unacceptable, noting that Nigeria had once again lost one of its finest administrators, scholars and community leaders to violent crime.

A life devoted to public service

The Ochetoha K’Idoma Forum said Professor Salifu’s life exemplified the values of humility, diligence, patriotism and service to humanity.

It noted that his journey from the grassroots to the highest levels of public service reflected determination and commitment to excellence.

According to the statement, the late academic began his career as an administrative officer in the local government system, where he gained practical experience in governance and public administration before steadily rising through the ranks.

His outstanding record in public service eventually earned him appointment as Secretary to the Government of Benue State, a position he held between 2011 and 2015 during the administration of former Governor Gabriel Suswam.

The forum stated that while serving as SSG, Professor Salifu distinguished himself through sound administrative leadership, intellectual depth and a practical understanding of governance, earning the respect of colleagues across political divides.

It added that his ability to combine academic knowledge with practical governance made him one of the state’s most accomplished public administrators.

Distinguished academic and mentor

Beyond public service, the forum said Professor Salifu left an enduring legacy in academia.

Until his death, he was a Professor of Public Administration and former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the Federal University, Wukari, where he mentored generations of students and contributed significantly to research in governance and public policy.

According to the statement, his scholarly works focused on critical national issues, including intergovernmental relations, the federal character principle and strategies for addressing the recurring herder-farmer conflicts in Nigeria.

The forum noted that Professor Salifu was widely respected for bridging the gap between theory and practice, having served in government before returning to the classroom to prepare future public administrators.

“He did not merely teach governance; he lived it, practised it and shared his experience with younger generations,” the statement said.

Community leader rooted in his people

The forum further described the late professor as a committed community leader who never lost touch with his roots despite his achievements in government and academia.

It said he remained actively involved in the development of his native Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, where he was admired for his humility, accessibility and dedication to community advancement.

Apart from his academic and public service career, Professor Salifu was also known as a successful farmer whose commitment to agriculture reflected his strong attachment to the land and his belief in productive enterprise.

The forum added that he was a devoted Christian, husband and father who built his family on the values of faith, discipline and integrity.

Call for decisive action on insecurity

While mourning the former SSG, the Ochetoha K’Idoma Forum expressed grave concern over the worsening security situation across the country, particularly the increasing attacks on travellers and rural communities.

The group lamented that highways have become increasingly unsafe, while many farming communities continue to live under constant threat from criminal elements.

It stressed that Professor Salifu’s killing demonstrates the urgent need for stronger security measures to protect lives and property.

“The protection of life remains the primary responsibility of every government. When a former Secretary to the Government of a state, a professor and respected community leader can be murdered on a public highway in broad daylight, it raises serious concerns about the safety of ordinary citizens,” the forum stated.

The organisation acknowledged reports that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke had engaged the criminal gang believed to be responsible for the attack but urged security agencies to sustain the operation until every suspect is arrested and prosecuted.

It also appealed to the Federal Government and the Benue State Government to intensify efforts aimed at restoring security across the country and ensuring that citizens can travel and conduct their lawful activities without fear.

According to the forum, the persistent attacks on highways and communities require urgent and coordinated responses from all security agencies.

Nation urged to preserve his legacy

The Ochetoha K’Idoma Forum said Professor Salifu’s death represents an immeasurable loss to his immediate family, the Idoma nation, Benue State and Nigeria as a whole.

The organisation noted that his legacy of scholarship, public service, integrity and community leadership should continue to inspire future generations.

It extended condolences to his wife, children, relatives, colleagues, students and associates, praying that God would grant them the strength to bear the painful loss.

The forum also prayed for the peaceful repose of the late professor’s soul, expressing hope that his life’s work and contributions to public administration, education and national development would never be forgotten.

It maintained that while his life was cut short in tragic circumstances, his impact on governance, academia and community development would remain an enduring source of inspiration for generations to come.