David Salifu’s murder: No Nigerian is safe until bandits are defeated — Adejoh

Governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benue State, Peter Adejoh, has condemned the killing of former Benue State Secretary to the Government (SSG), Professor David Onu Salifu, declaring that “no Nigerian is safe until bandits are defeated.”

In a statement on Friday, Adejoh described the late Professor Salifu as an accomplished statesman, renowned scholar and committed public servant whose death represents a painful loss to Benue State, the academic community and Nigeria.

Professor Salifu was reportedly killed by suspected bandits along the Wukari-Makurdi road, an incident Adejoh said underscores the worsening security situation across the country.

“The tragic loss of Professor David Salifu is a stark reminder of the escalating insecurity that plagues our highways and communities. It highlights a painful reality that no Nigerian is safe until bandits and other violent criminal elements are decisively defeated,” he said.

Adejoh recalled that the late scholar served with distinction as Secretary to the Benue State Government during the administration of former Governor Gabriel Suswam, where he was known for his integrity, diligence and commitment to public service.

He also praised Salifu’s contributions to academia as a Professor of Public Administration and former Dean at the Federal University, Wukari, noting that he devoted decades to teaching, research and mentoring future leaders.

“Professor Salifu bridged the worlds of scholarship and governance with uncommon excellence. He believed in dialogue, sound policy and peaceful coexistence, making the circumstances of his death even more heartbreaking,” Adejoh stated.

The ADC governorship hopeful urged the Federal Government to treat the incident as a wake-up call by overhauling the country’s security architecture.

According to him, security agencies must shift from a reactive approach to proactive intelligence gathering, community-based policing, deployment of modern surveillance technology and swift operations against criminal hideouts.

He also called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killing, warning that impunity only emboldens criminal groups.

“This senseless killing must become a turning point. We cannot continue to normalise these tragedies or limit our response to condolences after innocent lives have been lost. The perpetrators must be hunted down and brought to justice,” he added.

Adejoh extended his condolences to the family of the late Professor Salifu, the people of the Idoma Nation, the academic community of the Federal University, Wukari, and the government and people of Benue State.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the late professor’s soul and urged leaders at all levels to honour his legacy by working towards a safer and more secure Nigeria.