Late Prof David Salifu Goes Home Today in Apa

The remains of former Benue State Secretary to the Government (SSG) and renowned academic, Professor David O. Salifu, will be laid to rest today, Friday, in his hometown of Igah-Okpaya, Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.

The burial concludes a series of funeral activities held in honour of the late professor, whose death last month sent shockwaves across Benue State and Nigeria’s academic community.

Family members, friends, political associates, academics and mourners from within and outside the state are expected to attend the interment at his family residence in Igah-Okpaya.

Professor Salifu died at the age of 64 after sustaining gunshot injuries during an attack by suspected bandits/kidnappers along the Wukari–Makurdi (Wukari–Zakibiam) road on the outskirts of Wukari in Taraba State while travelling to Makurdi. He was rushed to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.

His killing drew widespread condemnation from government officials, community leaders, professional bodies and the academic community, with many describing his death as a painful reminder of the worsening insecurity on Nigerian highways.

Before today’s burial, a valedictory congress, service of songs, night of tributes and Christian wake were held in his honour in Makurdi and Apa.