By Peter Duru, Makurdi
Former Benue State Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, has condemned the killing of former Secretary to the Benue State Government (SSG), Prof. David Salifu, describing the incident as a tragic reminder of the worsening insecurity in Benue and neighbouring states.
Ortom, in a statement issued on Friday by his media aide, Paul Terhide, said he received with “deep shock and sadness” the news of Salifu’s death following an attack by suspected terrorists along the Wukari–Makurdi Road while the former SSG was travelling to Makurdi.
He described the killing as a devastating loss, not only to the deceased’s family and associates but also to Benue State and Nigeria’s academic community, noting that Prof. Salifu served meritoriously as Secretary to the Benue State Government and was also a lecturer at the Federal University, Wukari.
“The killing of Prof. Salifu is not only a devastating loss to his family, friends and associates, but also a tragic blow to Benue State and the academic community,” Ortom said.
The former governor lamented the growing wave of attacks on innocent citizens, saying the persistent killings on highways, in communities and on farmlands had become a national tragedy requiring urgent and collective action.
“The persistent killing of innocent Nigerians on highways, in communities and on farmlands has become a national tragedy that calls for all hands on deck to tackle. Every life lost to terrorism, banditry and other forms of violent criminality throws bereaved families into trauma and irreparable pain,” he said.
Ortom called on security agencies to immediately track down, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the attack that claimed the life of Prof. Salifu and other innocent victims.
He also extended his condolences to the family of the late Prof. Salifu, members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benue State, former colleagues, friends and associates of the deceased.
The former governor further sympathised with families of other victims of recent attacks across Benue and neighbouring states, praying for God’s comfort for the bereaved and speedy recovery for those injured.
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