David Salifu: ‘Our highways have become killing fields’ — Ochetoha K’Idoma

The Ochetoha K’Idoma, the apex socio-cultural group of Idoma people, has decried the worsening state of insecurity across the country, declaring that Nigeria’s highways have become “killing fields” following the tragic death of former Secretary to the Government of Benue State, Prof. David Onu Salifu.

Prof. Salifu, a Professor of Public Administration at the Federal University, Wukari, was attacked by armed men along the Wukari–Makurdi highway on Thursday while travelling to his hometown to attend the burial of his uncle.

He sustained gunshot wounds and later died at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi.

In a press statement jointly signed by the President-General Prof Yakubu Ochefu and Secretary General, Paul Edeh, on Sunday, the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Idoma people described the killing of the renowned academic and former Benue SSG as a painful reminder of the growing insecurity confronting Nigerians.

Reacting to the incident, Ochetoha K’Idoma lamented that Nigerians could no longer travel safely from one community to another.

“Our highways have become killing fields. Our farming communities live in constant fear. Our people can no longer travel from one town to the next without risking their lives,” the organisation said.

The body described the late Prof. Salifu as an accomplished administrator, scholar and community leader whose life was devoted to public service, academia and the development of his people.

According to the statement, his death is a huge loss not only to his family and Apa Local Government Area but also to the entire Idoma nation, Benue State and Nigeria.

While expressing appreciation to troops of Operation Whirl Stroke for engaging the criminal gang believed to be responsible for the attack, Ochetoha urged security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend all those involved and ensure they face justice.

The organisation also called on the Federal Government and the Benue State Government to take urgent and decisive steps to improve security across the country.

“The protection of life is the most fundamental obligation of any government. When a former Secretary to the State Government, a professor and a community elder can be shot dead on a highway in broad daylight, it tells us that no one is safe. This must change,” the statement added.

Ochetoha K’Idoma extended its condolences to the family of the late professor, praying that God grants them the strength to bear the loss and that his legacy of scholarship, humility and selfless service continues to inspire future generations.