The Benue State Government has expressed grief over the death of former Secretary to the State Government, Prof. David Salifu, who succumbed to gunshot wounds after an attack by suspected bandits along the Wukari Makurdi road.
Salifu was said to have come under attack on Thursday on the outskirts of Wukari while travelling to Makurdi. He reportedly died from the injuries he sustained in the early hours of Friday.
In a statement released on Friday, the Secretary to the State Government, Deborah Aber, paid tribute to the late professor, describing him as a committed public servant whose contributions to governance and education made a significant impact on Benue State.
The statement, issued on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Alia, said Salifu served the state with “uncommon diligence, integrity and intellectual distinction.”
It noted that his dedication to public administration, scholarship and human capital development earned him widespread admiration and left a lasting legacy.
“On behalf of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Governor of Benue State, the Government and the good people of Benue State, the Secretary to the Government of the State, Dcns. Serumun Deborah Aber extends heartfelt condolences to the Salifu family over this painful loss.
“The Government of Benue State joins the family, friends, the academic community, and all who knew him in mourning this illustrious son of Benue,” the statement read in part.
