Former Benue State Secretary to the Government, David Salifu, has died after reportedly sustaining gunshot injuries during an attack by suspected kidnappers along the Wukari axis of Taraba State.
The tragic incident reportedly occurred on Thursday while Prof. Salifu was travelling from Taraba State to Makurdi, the Benue State capital. Although he was said to have escaped from the attackers, he suffered gunshot wounds during the encounter.
The former Benue SSG was immediately rushed to a hospital in Makurdi, where medical personnel battled to save his life. However, he was later confirmed dead on Thursday night.
Details surrounding the attack remain unclear, and security agencies have yet to provide a full account of what happened. Authorities are also yet to confirm whether the suspected kidnappers have been identified or apprehended.
The incident has heightened concerns over persistent insecurity along major highways in parts of North Central Nigeria, where travellers continue to face threats from kidnappers and armed criminal groups.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued an official statement on the attack. Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer for comments were unsuccessful, as calls to her phone went unanswered.
More details are expected as investigations continue and security authorities provide further updates on the circumstances surrounding Prof. Salifu’s death.
