Former Benue State Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, has spoken out against the murder of Prof. David Salifu, the former Secretary to the Benue State Government. He highlighted the event as a distressing indicator of escalating insecurity throughout Benue and surrounding regions.
Through a statement released by his media representative, Paul Terhide, on Friday, Ortom expressed profound sorrow regarding the death of Prof. Salifu. The former SSG was targeted by suspected terrorists while driving to Makurdi along the Wukari–Makurdi Road. Ortom emphasized that the loss is felt deeply by the academic community, the state, and the family of the deceased, who previously contributed significantly as an academic at the Federal University, Wukari, and as a government official.
Addressing the rise of violent acts against civilians, the former governor noted that the routine violence occurring on roads, within farming areas, and across local communities has reached a level of national crisis. He stressed that a unified approach is necessary to address the threat of banditry and terrorism that continues to devastate families.
Ortom has formally requested that law enforcement agencies prioritize the investigation to capture and punish those involved in this fatal attack. In addition to his call for justice, he offered his sympathies to the African Democratic Congress members, the grieving family, and colleagues of the late professor. He also shared his condolences with other families impacted by recent violence in the region, offering prayers for the recovery of the wounded and comfort for those who have lost loved ones.
